Garry Lyon Apologises for Offensive Comment About Tanya Plibersek
Melbourne football legend Garry Lyon has issued an apology for a controversial remark made about Social Services Minister Tanya Plibersek, which was shared on social media. The comment was made during an ad break on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program on Wednesday night.
During the show, Lyon jokingly referred to Plibersek as the minister for “bullshit.” The clip, which included both audio and visual content, was later uploaded and published online. The comment came up during a conversation involving former Sydney coach John Longmire, who had recently met with Plibersek in her office at Parliament House.
The clip began with Lyon commenting on Longmire’s “very regal” appearance in a photo of the group. Host Gerard Whateley then asked: “What’s Tanya Plibersek the minister for again at the moment?” Lyon responded with the offensive remark, prompting Longmire to laugh and say, “Oh, don’t say that.”
Lyon later checked his phone and discovered Plibersek’s actual portfolio before adding, “I think mine was more accurate.” This led to an immediate apology from Lyon, who released a statement through Fox Sports’ head of sport, Steve Crawley.
“I apologise personally to Minister Plibersek,” Lyon said. “While the comment was meant in jest, it was clearly disrespectful and I am sorry for the offence and embarrassment it caused.”
Crawley stated that Foxtel unreservedly apologises for Lyon’s remark. He explained that the off-air comment was made during an ad-break on AFL 360, and although it did not air, it was inadvertently included in the program when it was uploaded to another platform later that night.
“The comment during the break does not reflect our values and standards and was disrespectful to the minister and the hard work that she and all politicians do in representing our community,” Crawley said. “We have apologised to the minister this morning and reminded our presenters of the need to be respectful and professional at all times, both on and off camera.”
Essendon Coach Brad Scott Vows to Take Risks Against Western Bulldogs
Essendon coach Brad Scott has vowed to pursue victory over damage control when the Bombers face the Western Bulldogs. The winless Bombers are aiming for an Easter miracle in a game where few expect them to be competitive against one of the early season pacesetters.
The task ahead seems almost impossible for Scott and his team. Two bookmakers have set the line at 74.5 points, while the Dogs are the heavy favourites at $1.005, indicating a 99.5 per cent chance of winning. The Dons have lost 11 of their past 13 games against the Dogs, including two crushing defeats last year by 91 and 93 points.
Despite a two-goal loss to North Melbourne, the Dons avoided further scrutiny, but a third blowout in four games could lead to increased pressure at “the Hangar.”
Scott insists he is focused on setting the Dons up to win this week, believing it will better serve their development than simply minimising the margin.
“You get on the front foot,” Scott said. “In boxing parlance, you throw the first punch. You have a go at the opposition. We’re in a stage where we’ve got to go out with an attitude and plan to get the job done. That’s what we did all of last year.”
Forward Nate Caddy has been ruled out due to delayed concussion, while mature recruit Brayden Fiorini, who was a late withdrawal last week, is in doubt after being limited to walking laps at training on Thursday.
Scott is considering giving a debut to young talent Sullivan Robey, the No.9 pick from last year’s draft, and veteran Jordan Ridley, but is cautious about rushing them back too soon after injury-interrupted preparations.
“The temptation is to rush him [Robey] in, the temptation is to rush Ridley back,” Scott said. “We’ve got to do the right thing for the club, and not just because of whatever pressure comes to bear that we make short-term decisions that are not in the best interest of the club.”
“Ultimately, I’ll have to weigh that up. Robey, Ridley, is it this week or is it sometime in the future?”
