Barry Hall ‘unsure’ if he’ll pursue further radio gigs after vulgar on-air remark

SHAMED former AFL star Barry Hall says he is “not sure” whether he’ll pursue further radio commentary jobs into the future after he was sacked by Triple M for making vulgar remarks on-air.

• Barry Hall sacked by Triple M after vulgar on-air comment
• SA footy club distance itself from Hall

SHAMED former AFL star Barry Hall says he is “not sure” whether he’ll pursue further radio commentary jobs into the future after he was sacked by Triple M for making vulgar remarks on-air.

Sydney’s 2005 premiership captain made the admission at Adelaide Airport on Sunday morning as he prepared to fly to Queensland after being a guest speaker at the Eudunda Robertstown Football Club on Saturday night.

Barry Hall at Adelaide Airport on July 1. Picture: Dean Martin/AAP

Hall was fired, effective immediately, by Triple M on Friday night before the first bounce of the Geelong and Western Bulldogs clash at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium.

The commentary job marked Hall’s return to Melbourne radio after he was asked to fill-in for AFL great Chris Judd.

Eight minutes into the broadcast, he made a vile comment about fellow commentator and St Kilda legend Leigh Montagna’s pregnant wife Erinn.

The comments sparked outrage and condemnation from listeners.

The Advertiser has decided not to print the comments.

Former AFL star and Triple M footy identity Nathan Brown slammed Hall on The Sunday Footy Show this morning.

“It was sickening and embarrassing for everybody,” Brown said on the Nine Network.

“It was unacceptable. He was removed by Triple M as soon as they got the first opportunity and as we said, it was offensive and embarrassing and we apologise to everybody.”

Despite the backlash, Eudunda Robertstown Football Club the club kept its engagement with the sacked football commentator, including an after-dinner speech and a question- and-answer session.

The media was not allowed inside but Hall could be clearly seen from the outside interacting with guests and having his picture taken.

It is understood Hall told the crowd of about 100 people at Eudunda that his remarks could have been censored by Triple M if they had used the delay button.

Speaking to The Advertiser at Adelaide Airport on Sunday morning, Hall described the event as “great” and said his on-air remark was not discussed.

“It wasn’t really spoken about...I didn’t want to put a dampener on the night,” he said.

Hall said he could not give a reason for why he made the inappropriate remark but he was looking to move on from it.

When asked if he would pursue further radio jobs, he said: “I’m not sure”.

Hall also had a message for those who have supported him since he made the comment.

“Thanks for the support,” he said.

A Eudunda Robertstown Football Club spokeswoman on Saturday night said the club stood by a statement issued ahead of the function that distanced it from Hall’s remarks.

The statement, posted on social media, read: “If any person who has purchased a ticket for tonight’s event with Barry Hall has been offended by his comments last night, your tickets will be refunded.

“The event is still going ahead, however, the Saints Football and Netball clubs want to ensure that we do not condone Barry’s comments and we wish to distance ourselves from them.”

She later said no patrons had sought refunds after Hall’s comments.

But she refused to say how much he was paid.

AFL football star Barry Hall talks with locals after giving a talk at the Eudunda Club. Picture: Brenton Edwards/AAP

Hall later apologised for his comment and said he hoped Australians would forgive him.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise for any offence taken from my commentary on Friday night’s Triple M footy coverage,” Hall said.

“It was a silly thing to say and it is not a reflection of who I am or what my views are.

“I am a proud father and dedicated partner and have nothing but respect for women.

“I am sorry, I should not have said such an inappropriate comment on air and hope I can be forgiven and move forward from here.”

Hall’s partner, former Hi- Five children’s entertainer Lauren Brant, 29, also defended his character.

“I want people to know that Barry has an absolute heart of gold,” she said.

“He is the most adoring partner and loving and proud father and would never want to offend any person, especially women. I say that as an empowered female myself.

“Unfortunately, my little family is facing the upsetting backlash to a ‘throwaway’ comment.”

Triple M head of content Mike Fitzpatrick issued a statement shortly after Hall was sacked, describing the remark as “unacceptable and inappropriate.”

“The commentator was removed immediately from the broadcast and an apology was issued on air afterwards,” he said.

“Immediate action was taken with the termination of employment for one team member.”