Tom Morris (journalist) explained

Tom Morris
Birth Date:30 July 1991
Employer:Nine Network
Education:Melbourne Grammar/La Trobe University
Years Active:2015−present

Tom Morris (born 30 July 1991)[1] is an Australian sports journalist who specialises in Australian Rules and cricket. He is the chief football reporter at the Nine Network.[2]

Career

Television

In 2015, Morris was hired by Fox Sports.[3]

A keen cricket lover, Morris also worked for Fox Cricket and caught a ball at a Big Bash League match.[4] Morris also contributed to Cricinfo.[5]

In November 2023, Morris was hired by the Nine Network as the chief football reporter.[6]

Footy Furnace

In 2024, Morris began hosting Nine's new AFL show with Leigh Matthews and Jimmy Bartel.[7]

Radio

He has also held roles with 3AW,[8] SEN, News Corp and the St Kilda Football Club.[9]

In March 2023, Morris returned to the media hosting Sunday Crunchtime on radio station SEN with former Fox Footy colleague Sarah Olle.[10] [11]

In May 2023, Morris broke the story that Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was to announce his resignation effective immediately. Morris received praise from his peers for the scoop.[12] [13]

Controversy

In 2022, Morris was confronted by Western Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge in a post-game press conference after the season opener over a team selection story Morris reported.[14] This was overshadowed the following day, when offensive comments about a female colleague by Morris were leaked.[15] [16] Furthermore, a second clip featuring homophobic and racist slurs made by Morris also emerged on social media and Morris was sacked by Fox Footy.[17] [18] Morris apologised unconditionally for his comments.[19]

After a year away from the public eye, Morris broke his silence on the Don't Shoot the Messenger podcast.[20]

Awards

In 2017, Morris won the Australian Football Media Association's Clinton Grybas Rising Star Award for best emerging talent in football media.[21]

In 2023, Morris won the Australian Football Media Association's Alf Brown Award for best overall media performer, for breaking the story that Damien Hardwick was resigning as Richmond coach. He also won the award for best news or feature reporting by an individual (radio/TV) for his work on the Hardwick story.[22] [23]

Notes and References

  1. News: Tom Morris. Twitter. 2 June 2023.
  2. News: Top journalist Tom Morris joins Nine as chief AFL reporter. Wide World of Sports. 17 November 2023.
  3. News: Tom Morris breaks silence after reported sacking. Zero Hanger. 2 June 2023.
  4. News: Fox cricket sideline commentator Tom Morris catches a six in the crowd in Renegades clash with Thunder. Fox Sports. 2 June 2023.
  5. News: Tom Morris. Cricinfo. 2 June 2023.
  6. News: Tom Morris set for return to TV screens as Channel 9's new chief AFL reporter. Sky News. 17 November 2023.
  7. News: Airdate: Footy Furnace. TV Tonight. 12 March 2024.
  8. News: Hawthorn survives a Saint scare to slip back into the top four. 3AW. 2 June 2023.
  9. News: Former Fox Footy reporter Tom Morris linked to AFL media job. Zero Hanger. 2 June 2023.
  10. News: AFL journalist Tom Morris breaks silence on scandal: 'I deserved to be sacked'. News Australia. 2 June 2023.
  11. News: Tom Morris joins SEN alongside Sarah Olle. Zero Hanger. 2 June 2023.
  12. News: Tom Morris cops backlash over Damien Hardwick bombshell. Yahoo Sports Australia. 2 June 2023.
  13. News: 'You get hatred': AFL fans explode as journalist receives abuse. News Australia. 2 June 2023.
  14. News: AFL journalist Tom Morris breaks silence on scandal: 'I deserved to be sacked'. News Australia. 2 June 2023.
  15. News: Tom Morris issues statement after Fox Sports sacking over 'disgusting and disgraceful' remarks. 7 News. 2 June 2023.
  16. News: Tom Morris stood down by Fox Sports, Luke Beveridge and Western Bulldogs apologise for press conference tirade. ABC. 2 June 2023.
  17. News: AFL journalist Tom Morris breaks silence on scandal: 'I deserved to be sacked'. News Australia. 2 June 2023.
  18. News: 'Deeply ashamed': Sacked AFL reporter Tom Morris says sorry. News Australia. 2 June 2023.
  19. News: Former Fox Footy reporter Tom Morris linked to AFL media job. Zero Hanger. 2 June 2023.
  20. News: Tom Morris post sparks backlash after AFL reporter's infamous sacking. Yahoo Sports Australia. 2 June 2023.
  21. News: AFL Football Media awards for Caroline Wilson, Brian Taylor and others. Mediaweek. 17 October 2023.
  22. News: TOM MORRIS AND SEN DOMINATE AT 2023 AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL MEDIA AWARDS. SEN. 17 October 2023.
  23. News: 2023 Australian Football Media Awards: All the winners. Mediaweek. 17 October 2023.