Disgraced journalist Tom Morris could be returning to the industry a year after his sexist, homophobic and racist comments shocked the footy world.
It has been reported than veteran media personality and AFL journalist Craig Hutchinson’s SEN Radio have approached Morris to return to the reporting ranks, according to the Herald Sun.
Morris was sacked from Fox Sports in March 2022 and left the industry in disgrace after his vile comments came to light.
He made national headlines for outing the sexuality of his colleague Megan Barnard and referring to her in vile terms.
Tom Morris (pictured) could make a return to the media with SEN just a year on after he ignited a storm of controversy when his racist, sexist and homophobic comments were leaked
Popular Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard (pictured) was outed by her former colleague, Morris, and referred to in disgusting terms that led to him being promptly sacked
Since then, Morris tried to escape the heat by holidaying in Europe – and no media organisation appeared to have shown any interest in hiring him until Hutchinson has reportedly come calling.
‘Unfortunately she [Barnard] is a lesbian, lads,’ he said in the shockingly crude What’s App voice note that was leaked in March last year.
‘Megan Barnard [is] f***ng hot as; a great bird, good fun [and] good to talk to. In my view the hottest girl at Fox Sports by a long way.
‘But unfortunately, she’s got her liquor licence and she’s very good at it.’
Tom Morris (pictured) outed his former colleague and in a separate video made disparaging comments about women, Asians, black people and homosexuals
An equally disturbing video then emerged of Morris denigrating a wide range of people.
‘To the lads on tier four, I’m not Asian, I’m not black, I’m not a woman, I’m not gay. So don’t treat me like sh*t,’ he said in the clip, which was also leaked from a WhatsApp group.
‘I’m a man with a heart and I’ve got feelings.’
Many sports fans – both female and male – took to social media to voice their disgust that Morris could return to the industry.
‘The only AFL media credential you ever need are mates who are prepared to look after you. Doesn’t matter what you do, long as your mates in the boys club forgive you, you’ll worm your way back…. Nothing ever changes,’ wrote one fan.
Many fans were quick to slam SEN for their reported interest in giving Morris a second chance, pointing out there is no shortage of other options.
‘I believe people deserve second chances, but I also believe there is probably a long line of capable people who haven’t had their first yet,’ one wrote.
Morris has completed a number of education programs surrounding sexism and racism since his unceremonious dumping.
Hutchinson and veteran broadcaster Gerard Healy are long-time fans of Morris, and according to the Herald Sun, working alongside the latter on AFL news is a distinct possibility.
Another potential role could see Morris given a Sunday program at the station alongside friend and former colleague Sarah Olle.
The Craig Hutchinson (pictured) is reportedly keen to give Tom Morris his first role in the sports media industry since he was sacked for his vulgar comments
Given his experience in cricket, and the fact SEN is the biggest commercial radio rights holders for Cricket Australia, making the switch over at summer would be a possibility as well.
Before going to ground after the biggest scandal of the season erupted last March, Morris apologised for his actions, vowing to ‘get better’.
‘I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour. My comments were hurtful to many and I will now take the time to listen, learn and work to improve myself, ensuring that I become a better person. I am truly sorry to everyone,’ he wrote.
Barnard dealt with that in the classiest way possible.
Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard (pictured) made a classy response after her sexuality was revealed by Tom Morris in a disgraceful WhatsApp conversation
‘Fortunately, I am at a place in my life where I am comfortable with who I am and I can handle something deeply personal becoming public,’ she wrote.
‘But had this happened as recently as a few years ago, it would not have been the case.
‘Coming out is a process and should never be taken out of someone’s hands. Nor should anyone be spoken about in such a degrading manner.’
She finished by writing, ‘I hope I can be a catalyst for change in not just the sports industry, but every industry.’
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