Tom Morris post sparks backlash after AFL reporter's infamous sacking

A 'deeply ashamed' Tom Morris has given a frank admission of the failings which saw him sensationally sacked from Fox Sports, however the timing of his mea culpa was perhaps not considered. Morris had joined the Don't Shoot the Messenger podcast earlier in the week to discuss his sacking from Fox, which was released on Wednesday accompanied by an article penned by host and AFL writer Caroline Wilson.

However the timing of that release, coming on International Women's Day, was criticised by many who suggested a more appropriate time should have been considered, even taking Morris' contrite comments into account. Many were critical of a piece focused on Morris' 'redemption arc' coming out on that day of all days.

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Morris was sacked from Fox following various leaks of audio and private WhatsApp messages, in which he disparaged former colleague Megan Barnard as well as made a series of other offensive statements. The leaks came after a notable incident in which he was rebuked by Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge over a story he had earlier written.

The 31-year-old apologised for his comments at the time, and described his actions as 'something I'll never live down' on the podcast. Morris is reportedly nearing a return to the media industry, with SEN radio weighing up offering him a position.

“I’m deeply ashamed of what happened," he said. "I can’t be clear enough. I deserved to be sacked.”

“I thought I was one of the good guys … men who are heterosexual and white like me often think we are the good guys and, in fact, we don’t know what we don’t know. I turned a blind eye … I was selfish, and I ignored it for a decade.

“The Western Bulldogs were not responsible (for the leaks). It would never have come out if I had not had those thoughts in my head.

“If the public sentiment is that I can never get a full-time job again then I’m completely prepared for that mentally because I’ve only got myself to blame. This is no one else’s fault, I’m not bitter at anyone … so many people were so hurt by what I did.”

Timing of Tom Morris interview savaged by readers

While many readers on social media could accept that Morris might deserve a second chance to prove he had learned from his mistakes, the timing of the story couldn't have been worse. The Age reporter Marnie Vinall said the timing was well and truly inappropriate.

“I’ve been vocal how I feel about redemption arcs before, and today sure doesn’t feel like the day for them in sports media imo, idk," she wrote.

Morris revealed he had made attempts to contact Barnard to apologise, but conceded that 'she doesn't owe me anything'. “It’s not up to her to make me feel right. I’m always going to feel guilty and shameful for what I put her through.”

In the 12 months since he was dismissed by Fox, Morris has focused on spending time with family and friends. He said he had come to terms with the fact many would not believe he should be welcomed back into the industry.

“If the public sentiment is that I can never get a full-time job again then I’m completely prepared for that mentally because I’ve only got myself to blame," he said. "This is no one else’s fault, I’m not bitter at anyone ... so many people were so hurt by what I did.”

Nonetheless, Morris has the qualified support of many, particularly within the football community. The likes of AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan, Fox Sports senior commentator Kelli Underwood, as well as Hawthorn AFLW coach Bec Goddard accept Morris deserves a chance to prove he has learned from his mistakes.

Goddard however, pointed out that she doesn't believe a female employee in a similar situation would be welcomed back so readily. He has since done work with AFL inclusion and social policy executive Tanya Hosch, as well as domestic violence prevention agency Our Watch and Todd Fernando, the Victorian Commissioner for LGBTQI+ communities.

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