Barry Hall’s not the only one to blame for his slur
BARRY Hall’s on-air slur flies in the face of the AFL’s respect and responsibility policy, but it also follows an undeniable trend within the sport, writes Megan Hustwaite.
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SHOCK me.
Sadly, I’m not surprised by the latest vile comments on Triple M Football where somehow, as the commentary team went about previewing last night’s clash between the Western Bulldogs and Geelong at Etihad Stadium, the conversation turned to commentator Leigh Montagna’s wife and her having a birth-related procedure.
Sydney premiership player Barry Hall, filling in for the night in a special comments role, then butted in with a vulgar comment which was ha ha’d by other members of the commentary team including host Mark Howard and former Bulldogs and Tigers player Nathan Brown. Journalist Damian Barrett, attempted to take the reins of the conversation but was swimming against a gross tide.
The station acted swiftly and immediately removed Hall from the broadcast, an apology was delivered on air and head of content Mike Fitzpatrick released this statement:
“Tonight, on Triple M Football there were unacceptable and inappropriate comments made by a member of the commentary team. The commentator was removed immediately from the broadcast and an apology was issued on air afterwards. Immediate action was taken with the termination of employment for one team member.”
This conversation would simply never happen on any other radio station covering live sport as part of a commercial broadcast deal with the governing body ie the AFL. I know it’s hard to believe but the likes of 3AW, ABC Grandstand and 1116 SEN actually talk about the football during pre-match, not the pregnancy statues of player’s partners.
There is absolutely no excuse or justification for Hall’s grotesque comments.
And sorry punters, but “Lighten up it was a joke,” or “Oh here’s the PC police again,” responses won’t fly this time.
Plus, what the hell was Montagna thinking? Why did he think it appropriate to speak about his wife and her body on live radio? How very dare he. I feel for her and would be mortified, furious and utterly disgusted if I were in her shoes.
The conversation was vile, laugher was loud, and Howard was a contributor. Like Hall, He is also a partner and a father. And in going along with the chat, he failed Triple M last night with his behaviour. Instead of taking his responsibility as a host seriously and leading, he followed.
Just like that infamous night back in January 2016, also at Etihad Stadium, where Howard was lead caller of Ten Sport’s BBL coverage when West Indian cricketer Chris Gayle offered up his “Don’t blush baby” line to reporter Mel McLaughlin. Again, Howard laughed, didn’t intervene then offered up an apology after it became very clear this was highly inappropriate. His actions akin to running out your batting partner at the crease.
Triple M was back on air at noon today broadcasting the footy. Host and head commentator James Brayshaw, former chairman of the North Melbourne Football Club, opened the coverage before handballing to Barrett who labelled the incident disgusting and offensive, recapped the events, on-air apology and statement by the station.
Brayshaw: “All right, any more to report?”
Barrett: “Just to completely agree with Mike Fitzpatrick’s sentiments there Jim, and endorse that position — it was offensive, it was disgusting, it was unacceptable.”
Cue audio highlights of last night’s match highlights which was easy to hear over the radio silence of Brayshaw.
Triple M clearly hasn’t learned its lesson after its 2016 controversy where Eddie McGuire joked about drowning award-winning journalist Caroline Wilson as celebrities took a slide into freezing, ice water to raise money for MND. In response to McGuire’s remarks, Brayshaw said he’d pledge money and former St Kilda player and Richmond coach Danny Frawley, former head of the AFL Coaches Association, was as complicit and said “I’ll hold her under.”
McGuire escaped penalty from the broadcaster and the AFL.
Hall was just filling in last night, so he was easy to give the boot to. Triple M acted swiftly in this instance, but it’s worth remembering still employ Wayne Carey, who has a history and charges to show for it, of violence against women.
This latest slur violates commercial radio industry regulations and codes and flies in the face of the AFL’s respect and responsibility policy. Some literature the entire team should familiarise themselves with while the AFL, and chief executive Gil McLachlan, need to think about whether they want these people and culture associated with, and broadcasting, their product.
Originally published as Barry Hall’s not the only one to blame for his slur