North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson apologises after altercation with Channel 9 reporter
Channel Nine says one of its journalists was “made to feel uncomfortable” and felt threatened after being told her “time would come” by North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson.
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Alastair Clarkson made a young reporter feel threatened and uncomfortable when he lashed out at her during a North Melbourne training session, Nine News Director Hugh Nailon says.
Nailon released a statement this afternoon after it was revealed Clarkson told TV journalist Elisabeth Moss comments along the lines of “Your time will come” as she was reporting boundary-side on February 1, the same day the Herald Sun exclusively revealed allegations that Kangaroo Tarryn Thomas made threats and intimidated multiple women.
“We accept robust exchanges are part of the media landscape, particularly in the footy world, but this crossed a line. A young female reporter should not be threatened or made to feel uncomfortable while doing her job,” Nailon said in a statement.
“We stand by our reporter, and her reporting on the day.
“We acknowledge Alastair Clarkson’s remorse. We also appreciate the seriousness, swiftness and professionalism with which North Melbourne has dealt with the matter.”.
Channel 9 and Clarkson had mediation about the incident, and Clarkson apologised to the reporter.
Clarkson’s comments were similar to the ones that Thomas allegedly made to one of the women who took their complaints to the AFL Integrity Unit.
It’s alleged Thomas sent a threatening text declaring “your time is coming.”
Thomas has been stood down as further allegations have surfaced since the Herald Sun allegations.
While Clarkson said in a statement on Thursday he was acting to “protect our players and staff”, Moss was so affected by his comments she raised them with his bosses at Channel 9.
Clarkson expressed “great regret” in a statement released on Thursday morning, admitting he overreacted to the media attention on the club in the wake of the Thomas allegations.
“There was a significant media pack at the club that day who were actively targeting players, staff and coaches throughout the session and my reaction was to protect our players and staff,” Clarkson said in a detailed statement.
“To my great regret, I overreacted to the Nine News reporter and made one comment to her along the lines of ‘your time will come’. That comment was in reference to facing intense scrutiny when you’re in the public eye and how challenging that can be.”
His comments came after he left the track following the end of the training session, moments after Moss had asked him for comment on the allegations surrounding Thomas.
The Herald Sun understands Channel 9’s camera did not capture the Clarkson comments, but they were believed to be audible to several people.
Moss told her senior Nine bosses of the exchange later that afternoon, which prompted Clarkson to drive from the club to Docklands to apologise.
The four-time premiership coach has endured a difficult start to his coaching life at North Melbourne as one of the ex-Hawthorn staff members being investigated by an independent panel over allegations of mistreatment of First Nations players between 2008 and 2016.
Clarkson has strongly denied all allegations.
Channel 9 informed key North Melbourne people of the incident on the day. It’s understood that the AFL was also made aware of the incident soon after it happened.
Clarkson said: “When I was made aware of the impact of my comment, I sought to apologise immediately to the reporter not realising how my words could have been perceived.”
“I also opted to make that apology in person rather than by phone, in the presence of the reporter and two of her senior colleagues at Channel 9 headquarters later that day.
“The journalist accepted my apology and we agreed to move forward.”
The Herald Sun has contacted the AFL for comment.
Clarkson is back coaching again after a year’s absence and will lead North Melbourne for the first time against an opposition team on Friday when they take on Richmond at Arden St.
Originally published as North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson apologises after altercation with Channel 9 reporter
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