‘Far from the truth’: Beveridge rejects Caroline Wilson after attacking journalist

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge has fronted the media for the first time since coming under fire for his outrageous attack on a reporter.

Luke Beveridge has spoken after his volatile outburst.

Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge says he’s trying to move on from his ugly post-match spray at a journalist last week and has responded to comments from veteran reporter Caroline Wilson questioning his state of mind.

Beveridge — furious at leaks about team selection — was widely slammed for his “disgusting” and “disgraceful” attack on Tom Morris after losing the season opener to Melbourne.

Stream every match of every round of the 2022 Toyota AFL Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >

He labelled the former Fox Footy reporter an “embarrassment” and accused him of “gutter journalism” that was causing turmoil at the Dogs.

Morris was sacked last week after leaked audio of him making derogatory comments about a female colleague were exposed and shared on social media.

Speaking to the media for the first time since that outburst and subsequent apology last Thursday, Beveridge tried to downplay the situation.

“Obviously we put a statement out, I did something to camera, and we’d rather just leave it where it is based on everything that’s happened to him (Morris),” Beveridge said.

“There’s nothing to be gained by pouring any petrol on what’s already happened.”

Asked if he or the club were aware of the audio of Morris before going into Wednesday night’s press conference, Beveridge said: “It’s not going to help. Let’s just move on.”

Wilson said Beveridge’s outburst was reflective of someone not coping with the demands of their job, and questioned his capacity to be in charge of a large group of young men if he was under such strain.

She also said his attack suggested Beveridge was in need of more support — something the Bulldogs said in a statement last week they would give to their coach.

Luke Beveridge during his post-match press conference tirade. Picture: Twitter

“I’ve never seen anything so disgraceful in all my years of covering football,” Wilson told 3AW radio last week as she suggested a six-figure fine was in order.

“It is a man who’s clearly not coping. I don’t think he’s equipped to be looking after the futures of 30 young men quite frankly.

“There’s an issue going on at the Bulldogs and there’s a sign of fragility that concerns me. He’s going to keep coaching, but he needs help because that is not a normal reaction.”

Asked about Wilson’s comments on Wednesday, Beveridge said: “Obviously I put the statement out and then tried to move on pretty quickly.

“I get that it sort of lingers a little bit, but I’m good, I’m really good. I’m energised and looking forward to Thursday night.

“I’ve just got to cop it on the chin, but it’s far from the truth.

“I’ve never been fitter, never felt healthier. I know I’ve been reasonably vocal around what some of the soft cap cuts have done, and now is not the time to talk about that again, but that’s more about my concerns for the code and the industry, not my domain.”

The Bulldogs play Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.

There was quite the crowd at Beveridge’s presser. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Originally published as ‘Far from the truth’: Beveridge rejects Caroline Wilson after attacking journalist