Sports broadcaster Megan Barnard is back on the Australian television screen following the dismissal of a former colleague.
Fox Sports presenter Megan Barnard is back on the Australian television screen five days after the highly publicized dismissal of former colleague Tom Morris.
Barnard, who has worked for Foxtel since 2013, presented the Australian World Cup group stage against South Africa in Wellington on Tuesday morning.
The 37-year-old is one of the leading broadcasters for women’s cricket in Australia, regularly presenting Fox Sports’ WBBL coverage since 2018.
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Morris was fired by Fox Sports after funny videos of a leaked WhatsApp group exposing Barnard’s sexuality began circulating on social media earlier this week.
It is also alleged that he made homophobic and racist comments in a separate clip.
Fox Sports executive director Steve Crawley said Morris’ actions were “unacceptable”.
“Our culture at Fox Sports is based on a respectful, inclusive environment and a fair go for all,” he said in a statement.
“While Tom’s journalism has made a valuable contribution to Fox Sports over the last seven years, the message we became aware of yesterday crossed the line. It was unacceptable.
“We have the best work in business at Fox Sports. We love what we do, and we have a reputation as a great place to work. The bottom line is that we need a work environment where everyone can come to work in Knowing that they are safe, respected and valued, we have zero tolerance for anything less than that.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Sunday afternoon, Barnard thanked those who expressed their support and hoped that their experience would serve as a “catalyst for change” in the media industry.
“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received in recent days in response to the comments about me in the media,” she wrote.
“To everyone who goes out, thank you. Fortunately, I’m in a place in my life where I’m comfortable with who I am and I can make something deeply personal in public. But if that had happened as recently as a few years ago, it would have been not the case. “Going out is a process and should never be taken out of one’s hands. Nor should it be talked about anyone so degrading. I hope my experience can be a catalyst for change and not just in the sports industry, but in any industry.
Morris posted a statement on Twitter on Friday night, apologizing for his behavior.
“I would like to sincerely apologize to everyone for my disgusting and shameful comments that were made public yesterday,” he wrote.
“I particularly regret the person concerned. No one should ever speak in that place, or at any time, in that way.
“I am deeply ashamed of my behavior. My comments were very hurtful and I will now take the time to listen, learn and work to improve myself so that I can become a better person. I’m really sorry for everyone. “
Former Melbourne captain and Fox Footy presenter Garry Lyon said he supported the decision to fire Morris.
“We understand and respect the standards and values of everyone here at Foxtel Group and we – the On-Air Group – have a responsibility to live those values and not just pay lip service to them,” he told Fox Footy. Friday.
“We have to be better, we have to be better. And most importantly in all of this, there is an innocent party without the guilt of this person, finds himself under enormous pressure and our thoughts are with her tonight.
Australia climbed to a sixth consecutive World Cup victory in Wellington, with skipper Meg Lanning holding a record 15.
The Aussies have won 37 of their 39 ODI matches since the 2017 Shock World Cup semi-finals, including 26 consecutive record victories between 2018 and 2021.
Australia, already qualified for the semi-finals, will face Bangladesh next Friday in Wellington, with the first ball at 9 a.m. AEDT.
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