Jaidyn Stephenson in hot water over Covid-19 comments in Instagram video

Jaidyn Stephenson has been widely criticised for his views on Covid-19 after sharing an Instagram video in which he blamed media for making the pandemic a “big thing”.

Jaidyn Stephenson has been criticised for comments he shared about Covid in an Instagram video.

North Melbourne recruit Jaidyn Stephenson has apologised for making embarrassing comments about the COVID-19 pandemic which has flared again in Melbourne.

The new Roo, who was traded by Collingwood over concerns about his professionalism and attitude, said in an Instagram video on Wednesday night that the COVID-19 crisis was a media beat-up.

Stephenson, 22, had his best game for his new club in the pulsating win over West Coast on Monday night but again brought the spotlight on himself for all the wrong reasons with the controversial social media post.

“Some people may not like this answer, but I think the media overplays it (COVID-19) a lot,” Stephenson said.

“If there is no media then I don’t know if Covid is such a big thing.

“It is just my opinion, I don’t want any replies.”

🥴 pic.twitter.com/PZboWr2QiB

— every single western australian says grandy (@tobie_chapman) July 14, 2021

Jaidyn Stephenson's apology pic.twitter.com/Gde5Rfll15

— giantroo (@giantroo) July 14, 2021

Soon after, Stephenson deleted his comments and posted an apology about the virus which has caused worldwide devastation, claiming the lives of more than 4 million people including 912 Australians.

“I apologise for my comments regarding the Covid situation,” he said.

“I understand they were ill-informed and that there are people going through hardship because of this pandemic.

“I’m sincerely sorry for any angst I’ve caused with my comments and endeavour to further educate myself on this topic.”

The Kangaroos are expected to make clear their disappointment in Stephenson’s comments which came after their best win under new coach David Noble in Perth.

Stephenson was brilliant in the victory gathering 38 possessions and one goal.

He received a 10-game suspension in 2019 for betting on three Collingwood games which breached the league’s strict integrity laws.

"I think the media overplays it a lot. If there's no media, I don't think Covid is such a big thing" - Jaidyn Stephenson

— Empr (@Empr_X) July 14, 2021

ok pretty topical, some people not like this answer but, I think Jaidyn Stephenson might be a bit of an idiot, it’s just my opinion, I don’t want any replies

— Lachlan Pollock (@lachlancpollock) July 14, 2021

Jaidyn Stephenson is a bit of a dill. I don’t want any replies.

— justin1flynn 🐯🏆🏆🏆 (@justin1flynn) July 14, 2021

when Jaidyn Stephenson retires his wikipedia page is gonna have a longer "controversies" section than "playing career" section

— Paddy (@paddybraden) July 14, 2021