Luke Beveridge apologises, Bulldogs launch investigation into source of leak and Morris stood down

The fallout from Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge’s sensational spray at Fox Footy journalist Tom Morris has continued with the club confirming they have tried to contact the journalist in question since the incident.

Chief executive Ameet Bains said the Bulldogs called Morris to apologise on Thursday morning, but that Beveridge himself had not gotten in touch with the journalist.

Bains told 3AW’s Sportsday that the club would now investigate how the news of Hunter’s original omission was leaked – and revealed he was worried about the coach’s state of mind.

‘You certainly have concerns knowing someone intimately and working with them day in, day out when something like it transpires that is so out of character,’ he said of Beveridge’s mindset. 

‘That is something that we clearly need to run our attention to and have been frankly for the past few days,’ Bains said.

‘The reality of it with all clubs, and we see a lot of these things happening particularly around selection I think.

‘Most clubs if not all clubs across the year, that information gets shared across the large playing group who then at different times talk to family, talk to friends, talk to managers, talk to partners, so the circle as to who might have that knowledge over time grows exponentially.

‘So it does become very difficult, (but) there’s nothing to suggest anyone is doing this maliciously either, which is the thing we need to keep in mind.

‘An innocent conservation can often lead to things.’   

Morris had reported that Lachie Hunter would be a surprise omission in the lead-up to the Bulldogs loss to the Melbourne Demons in round one which earned the ire of Beveridge. In the post-match media conference, Beveridge let loose.

‘You barrack for Melbourne Tom Morris, you’ve been preying on us. You’ve been opening us up, causing turmoil within our football club by declaring our team well before it needs to be declared. Is that the way Fox want you to operate? Is that the gutter journalist you want to be?’ Beveridge fumed.

‘Obviously we need to put our hand up and say there’s some leakage going on, but you’re preying on it, and it’s a team you barrack for, your conflict of interest here is considerable. Your gutter journalism at the moment is killing us behind the scenes.’ 

On Thursday night, the coach apologised for his conduct and announced that the club will donate $20,000 to the youth mental health charity Orygen. 

Bulldogs player Lachie Hunter was at the centre of the controversy, after information regarding his place in the team was allegedly leaked to media

‘I have reflected on my comments and actions from the press conference after last night’s game and recognize that my conversation with journalist Tom Morris exceeded the limit,’ Beveridge said in a written statement.

‘I want to apologise for my behaviour.

‘I would like to apologise to Tom Morris and all those in attendance last night and to our members, supporters, partners and the wider football community.

‘I recognised that what I was doing wasn’t right.

‘It was not representative of our club culture which is so special and means so much to me.

‘Although I was very emotional in the moments after a difficult loss, there is no excuse for letting those emotions overwhelm me and get the better of me.’

However, he is still expected to face penalties from the AFL in the coming days.

Club chair Kylie Watson-Wheeler said Beveridge’s behaviour was not acceptable.

‘Luke also understands that his conduct during the press conference did not reflect the values ​​of the Western Bulldogs and has cast a negative light on the club,’ she said.

‘Everyone has the right to a respectful workplace and we recognize the important and sometimes difficult work of the football media.

‘Luke is a man of strong integrity who leads with heart and soul and cares deeply for everyone at the Western Bulldogs.

‘His passion crossed a line last night and he knows it.’

Morris has been stood down by Fox Sports because of a separate incident where he was allegedly recorded making offensive remarks about a colleague.

In a further twist to the furore, a recording that allegedly contains audio of Morris making misogynistic remarks about a female colleague has been leaked online and Fox Sports has stood Morris down indefinitely while an investigation is carried out.

A video clip also circulating on social media allegedly shows Morris making racist, sexist and homophobic remarks. 

‘Fox Sports has stood down a reporter pending an investigation regarding an inappropriate audio recording,’ a Fox Sports spokesperson said.

‘While it is not appropriate to comment further, Fox Sports is committed to a workplace where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.’