Megan Barnard's brave return to TV days after Tom Morris scandal

Megan Barnard made a brave return to TV screens on Tuesday, just days after former colleague Tom Morris was sacked for his 'disgusting' comments about her.

Fox Sports AFL reporter Morris was sacked on Friday following an investigation into sexist and homophobic comments he made about Barnard in a WhatsApp video.

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Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said the messages were “unacceptable” and the network has a “zero tolerance” policy.

“Our culture at Fox Sports is based on a respectful, inclusive environment and a fair go for all,” Crawley said.

“While Tom’s journalism has made a valuable contribution to Fox Sports over the past seven years, the message we became aware of yesterday crossed the line.

“The bottom line is we are committed to a work environment where everyone can come to work in the knowledge they are safe, respected and valued.”

Barnard broke her silence on the scandal on Sunday, saying she hoped it could spark some change.

And in a brave move, she returned to TV screens on Tuesday to host Fox Cricket's coverage of Australia's clash with South Africa at the women's World Cup.

“I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support I have received over the past few days in response to the comments about me in the media,” she wrote in a statement on Sunday.

“To everyone who has reached out, thank you.

"Fortunately, I am at a place in my life where I am comfortable with who I am and I can handle something deeply personal becoming public.

"But had this happened as recently as a few years ago, it would not have been the case.

“Coming out is a process and should never be taken out of someone’s hands. Nor should anyone be spoken about in such a degrading manner.

"I hope my experience can be a catalyst for change in not just the sports industry, but in every industry.”

Fans were full of praise for Barnard's powerful response.

Tom Morris apologises for 'disgusting' comments

Morris apologised for his conduct after he was sacked on Friday.

“I would like to unconditionally apologise to everyone for my disgusting and disgraceful comments, which became public yesterday,” he said.

“I am especially sorry to the person involved. No one should ever in any place, or at any time, be spoken about in that way.

“I am deeply ashamed of my behaviour. My comments were hurtful to many and I will now take the time to listen, learn and work to improve myself, ensuring I become a better person. I am truly sorry to everyone.”

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan said Morris’ comments were “clearly unacceptable”.

“I have just seen it in written form and clearly the comments from my reading of it are unacceptable, and clearly unacceptable, and Fox Sports have taken action,” McLachlan told 3AW.

AFL great Garry Lyon said on Fox Footy: “We understand and respect the standards and the values of everyone here at the Foxtel group and we – the on-air group – have a responsibility to live those values and not just pay lip service to them.

“We’ve got to be better, we need to be better.

"And most important in all of this, there’s an innocent party through no fault of this person, finds herself under enormous pressure and our thoughts are with her tonight.”

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