AFL great Barry Hall has apologised for vulgar comments he made on live radio, saying it was “a silly thing to say and not a reflection of who I am”.
Triple M sacked Hall immediately after his remarks to co-commentator Leigh Montagna during a pre-game chat at Friday night’s clash between the Western Bulldogs and Geelong, in which he commented about the impending birth of Montagna’s child.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to apologise for any offence taken from my commentary on Friday night’s Triple M footy coverage,” Hall told News Corp Australia.
“It was a silly thing to say and it is not a reflection of who I am or what my views are.
“I am a proud father and dedicated partner and have nothing but respect for women.”
Hall also apologised to the former St Kilda player Montagna and his wife Erin, and wished them well with the arrival of their first baby, which is due next week.
“Once, again, I am sorry, I should not have said such an inappropriate comment on air and hope I can be forgiven and move forward from here,” he said.
Triple M released a statement on Friday night following the incident at Etihad Stadium.
“Tonight on Triple M Football, there were unacceptable and inappropriate comments made by a member of the commentary team,” head of content Mike Fitzpatrick said in a statement.
“The commentator was removed immediately from the broadcast and an apology was issued on air afterwards.
“Immediate action was taken with the termination of employment for one team member.”
Hall was said to be filling in for Chris Judd during the broadcast.
Considered one of the best forwards of the modern era, the 41-year-old played 289 games for Saints, Sydney and the Bulldogs, kicking 746 goals.
He also captained the Swans to their 2005 premiership.
Birdman
Roar Rookie
So it's Montagna's fault? Total rubbish - it's a very long bow from what Joey was discussing to what Hall said! Unfortunately the guy has no filter physically or mentally. Bye bye Bazza.
PeteB
Guest
Absolutely bizarre to be going into such detail about his wife having a doctors examination. Joey Montagna’s fitness to continue as a radio commentator is also questionable. Stick to talking about footy guys.
Joe B
Guest
Why was Montagna discussing the sweep procedure his wife might undertake on a footy broadcast? Having only listened to a published snippet of the commentary, it seems LM's comment was designed to get a 'boys will be boys' response. I bet Montagna's wife will give him a bollocking for that... more so than triple M. Triple M who did nothing when McGuire made his appalling comments about Caroline Wilson last year, but sack Hall within 2 hours of his comments... gee, I wonder if Hall being far less influential than McGuire has anything to do with it.
Cantab
Guest
Absolutely bizarre chat. Tell ya story walking champ.