Barry Hall: ‘I shouldn’t have said such an inappropriate comment and hope I can be forgiven’
FORMER AFL star Barry Hall today apologised for the vulgar remarks which led to his sacking from Triple M Footy, telling The Sunday Telegraph they are “not a reflection of who I am” and hopes he can be forgiven.
NSW
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SACKED former AFL star Barry Hall apologised today for the vulgar remarks he made during a live radio segment, saying 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 told The Sunday Telegraph.
“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.”
Hall and his colleagues were talking live on air on Triple M Footy when the topic about former St Kilda star Leigh Montagna’s heavily pregnant wife getting a medical procedure done known as a “sweep” was raised.
“The doctor was a good looking rooster about 40 years of age. He did a sweep with his fingers and licked his fingers afterwards,” Hall said.
He was immediately sacked by Triple M.
“I apologise to The Montagna family for any upset I have caused them and wish them all the best with the exciting arrival of their baby,” Hall told The Sunday Telegraph.
“I also want to thank those for their support & am disappointed that I have been stood down because of this incident.
“Once again, 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 Lauran Brant also defended his character, saying he has an “absolute heart of gold”.
“I want people to know that Barry has an absolute heart of gold,” Brant 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 on Triple M Footy.
“I completely stand by my gorgeous partner. I love Barry with all my heart.”
Following the fallout, questions were being raised on social media as to why the segment wasn’t dumped or why the imposed broadcast delay wasn’t implemented.
“I’m not condoning what Barry Hall is alleged to have said, but where is the second delay on radio that would protect Triple M’s integrity. Hall would still be sacked, but who was responsible for that button?” one social media user asked.
People were also asking why the 41-year-old former Sydney Swans star wasn’t given the opportunity to apologise on air.
Triple M would not answer The Sunday Telegraph’s questions regarding their broadcast delay today, instead issuing a generic press release which had been sent around since the story broke last night.