This is the most awkward shit ever. Just get him off. Enough with the groveling “it’s all a joke” schtick. This from a bloke who can’t take a joke that is directed at him in other contexts.
They’re keeping him on air. Poor judgement from nine.
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Tony Jones back on air later this morning for the AO coverage.
His personality and joke like persona is suited to AFL footy shows and that’s it. Aussie stuff only, International audiences just won’t get his style.
Who can forget when Ash Barty won, on the panel after the win, one of the first questions he asked was ‘what are you spending the money on’. 
His personality is more the daggy dad joke type, most Australians get his humour (and ignore it) and understand it’s not serious sledging or anything, but while aussies might get TJs jokes as such, those overseas won’t. I remember going overseas as a kid with my dad who pulls similar jokes, personality to TJ and the Americans didn’t find it funny, was the same awkwardness. Aussies understand Aussies but those outside of that often don’t. I’ve seen that at work as we have a large chunk of Euro and US employees. Something I say might be interpreted the wrong way and you need to be careful what and how you say stuff. The big boss was even told me they don’t understand us just keep some comments a bit more simple.
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Video
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Yes, he may have just apologised. But he should have had this morning off so the crap settles down.
Most of us can agree that TJ cannot handle a joke directed to him, but can dish it put easily, claiming “its just a joke”. His daggy dad-joke persona is fine, but more suited to The Footy Show rather than a main anchor of the Aus Open.
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I’m with TJ on this. When I originally watched the 9News clip I took it that same way as simply being banter. He clearly didn’t mean those words.
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I on the other hand think he meant every word and is now just trying to cover it as a joke.
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I suggest you go back over the years and watch the Footy Show and various other TJ Banter bits.
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This. Even on 9News, this is his type of banter.
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But that doesn’t matter, when it comes from one of your presenters on the host broadcaster then it is simply not acceptable. Doesn’t matter if it’s a “joke” or not.
Moral of this story is that TJ is an absolute you know what and that the state of media in this country is an absolute mess. You know stuff we already knew.
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It’s been said pretty much every year that his personality isn’t really suited to the Tennis.
That’s up to 9 to make those calls.
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It’s going to be interesting to see how Novak’s team responds, didn’t he clearly say he wanted an official apology from Nine as well or he’ll still boycott all (or just Nine affiliated) interviews?
Tom Elliott on 3AW radio has been talking about it all mirning, callers seem 50/50 in terms of who they’re siding with. Elliott seemed to agree TJ overstepped the mark and basically said Djokovic has been insulted, also kept referencing the similar yet very separate Danielle Collins thing too.
Elliott noted in Jones’ apology on national TV just before that it seemed to appear he was still sitting on the fence, be it doubling down or genuinely apologising, by saying “if I have caused…” (rather than “I have”). Perhaps Jones didn’t think he did anything wrong and wanted to do the former, but Nine might’ve forced his hand here.
This thing is still awkward. I am surprised he’s on air, thought he’d have a spell at least, makes it very front and centre top of the morning and no doubt staunch Novak fans will be spewing.
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He’s attached at the hip to Brent Williams, Nine’s HoS, been best mates for many years.
It’ll be up to somebody higher up at North Sydney to have stern words with Williams. Otherwise TJ is as safe as houses and nothing will ever change.
When Williams replaced Tom Malone, it was stated Darren Wick would be “overseeing” him (which was strange), now that Wick’s gone, wonder if somebody still does that or if Williams has become senior and experienced enough as a network executive to steer things himself, also AFAIK Melbourne based or was, which would be challenging.
I would agree, the old and overrated comments were definitely banter with the Novak fans. I would agree with his point that “kick him out” went too far, particularly with his history here.
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At least TJ has apologised.
But what a double embarrassment for Nine over the weekend (Alex Cullen receiving $50,000 from Adrian Portelli).
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In the video TJ mentioned that he offered a personal apology on Saturday morning to Team Novak. I’m not sure what else Novak wants?
An on-air apology, which he’s now done.
I think he also wants a letter / release from the Nine Network as well.
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Interesting take from a Brisbane viewer which I agree with and I’m sure many here do too
https://x.com/marvstarmedia/status/1881118264115540244?t=4bNNOf6WZa3mepZ-mIUWQQ&s=19
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Veteran TA Head of Public Affairs Prue Ryan being interviewed by Clint Stanaway on Nine about her career and showed images of her in moments over the years with some of the greats… But the 72 hours she must’ve just had!
Would be close with Nine too no doubt, back in early 2018 when the bombshell deal went through with Peter Costello, Hugh Marks, Jayne Hrdlicka and Craig Tiley.
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63% of nearly 14,000 votes in a news .com.au poll say “yes” that Tony Jones was either unprofessional in what he said or that he should be sacked.