AFL supremo Craig Hutchison defends decision to give disgraced reporter Tom Morris a second chance

Media identity Craig Hutchison has outlined why he believes disgraced reporter Tom Morris deserves a second chance when it comes to covering AFL.

Morris was sacked by Fox Sports in March last year after his vile comments about former colleague Megan Barnard emerged on social media.

The one time Fox Footy reporter stated: ‘Unfortunately she [Barnard] is a lesbian, lads,’ he said in a crude WhatsApp voice note.

‘Megan Barnard [is] f****ng hot as; a great bird, good fun [and] good to talk to. In my view the hottest girl at Fox Sports by a long way.

‘But unfortunately, she’s got her liquor licence and she’s very good at it.’

Media identity Craig Hutchison has outlined why he believes Tom Morris deserves a second chance when it comes to covering AFL this season

Morris was sacked by Fox Sports in March last year after his vile comments about former colleague Megan Barnard emerged on social media

SEN Radio boss Hutchison is leaning towards pairing Morris with rising star Sarah Olle this season on a AFL program called Sunday Crunch Time.

‘Whether it’s with us or someone else he (Morris) is a fine person who made a mistake, he deserves absolutely a second chance at the craft and someone needs to give it to him,’ Hutchison told the Herald Sun.

‘I’m trying to be more empathetic of second chances as I get older because I was given so many myself.’

Hutchison added it is his understanding Morris has ‘done an enormous amount of work on himself’, which includes a number of education programs regarding sexism and racism.

It follows a highly disturbing video of Morris denigrating a wide range of people also coming to light.

‘To the lads on tier four, I’m not Asian, I’m not black, I’m not a woman, I’m not gay. So don’t treat me like sh*t,’ he said in the clip, which was also leaked from a WhatsApp group.

‘I’m a man with a heart and I’ve got feelings.’

If SEN do hire Morris for their AFL coverage, the backlash is expected to be severe.

Megan Barnard remained dignified after her sexuality was outed by Tom Morris in a WhatsApp conversation leaked online last year

The talented reporter later stated ‘coming out is a process and should never be taken out of someone’s hands’

When it became public knowledge earlier this month the radio network was contemplating having Morris on their books, footy fans were quick to voice their displeasure online.

‘The only AFL media credential you ever need are mates who are prepared to look after you. Doesn’t matter what you do, long as your mates in the boys club forgive you, you’ll worm your way back…. Nothing ever changes,’ wrote one fan.

‘Always knew this weasel (Morris) would rise from the ashes once the heat died down,’ another said.

Before going to ground, Morris apologised for his actions, vowing to ‘get better’.

‘I am deeply ashamed at my behaviour. My comments were hurtful to many and I will now take the time to listen, learn and work to improve myself, ensuring that I become a better person.  ‘I am truly sorry to everyone,’ he wrote.