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'Never OK': AFL great sacked over sexual assault jokes

Former AFL star Scott Cummings has been sacked from his role with a Melbourne radio station, following outrage over sexual assault jokes on his podcast.

Cummings issued a statement apologising for comments made on the Humpday podcast that he co-hosted with former AFL star Dane Swan until the pair shut it down in the wake of fierce backlash.

The pair sparked a furious response from domestic violence activists after making light of situations experts say could "contribute" to the problem.

During the podcast in question, the hosts played a game where they used the word "dirty", followed by their own name to see what description came up in a search on website Urban Dictionary.

The men could be heard laughing at several of the descriptions, including one titled "Dirty Dane" that was read out by Cummings.

“After a frustrating evening involving a lack of sexual activity a man is forced to pleasure himself through masturbation while the woman sleeps,” Cummings said.

Scott Cummings and Dane Swan's podcast sparked angry backlash.
Scott Cummings (L) and Dane Swan. Pic: Twitter/Getty

“He retaliates at the unwilling woman by spreading his love on her face, thereby causing her to wake up and mumble like a Danish person.”

Cummings, a former Coleman medallist, was on Tuesday afternoon removed from his duties at 3AW after the radio station released a statement saying jokes about sexual assault were "never OK".

“Although the comments were never aired on 3AW, we believe there is no platform appropriate for such remarks,” the 3AW statement read.

“Sexual assault is never a laughing matter. Jokes about sexual assault are never OK.

“We fully endorse comments from Domestic Violence Victoria today that ‘flippant comments degrading women are often dismissed as trivial, harmless and even funny, however, the evidence tells us that these attitudes contribute towards the social conditions that allow family violence and violence against women to continue unabated’.”

Scott Cummings was removed from his duties at 3AW.
Scott Cummings during an EJ Whitten Legends match. Pic: Getty

Cummings axing came despite a lengthy apology from the former AFL star.

“I would like to publicly acknowledge that the recent comments made on my podcast were disrespectful and wrong,” the statement reads.

“It was insensitive and irresponsible to make light of sexual abuse and I am deeply sorry for any offence or triggered responses caused by my actions.

“I recognise the responsibility associated with being a person in media and the potential impact of my actions.

“I will be seeking guidance from Domestic Violence Victoria on how best to move forward.

“I am therefore stepping down from the podcast immediately and will take time to consider my words and reflect on my actions.”

However, no such apology was forthcoming from Swan, who was adamant they had done nothing wrong.

“Wow, just wow. The carry on about a stupid podcast and the things people are trying to attach to it is one of the most absurd things I’ve heard,” Swan wrote.

“If ya didn’t like it ya didn’t have to f***ing listen to it. It’s that simple. Lot of haters and sad sacks in this country it seems.

“If we had of ever said anything wrong or offensive we would of apologised but the fact is we have never have and I’ll debate anyone anywhere arguing that point. When written down words can look horrible I get that but f*** me People need to get a grip.”