North Melbourne have placed a media ban on Kane Cornes over what they feel are his “personal and vindictive” attacks about their players and the club.
North footy boss Todd Viney made the sensational revelation on Wednesday morning after Cornes’ stinging criticism this week of skipper Jy Simpkin and young gun Harry Sheezel after the Kangaroos’ loss to Port Adelaide.
Kane Cornes has been banned by the Roos.Credit: ninevms
The club knocked back a request from Seven for Cornes to be part of a pre-game interview with coach Alastair Clarkson on Thursday night before North’s clash with Essendon and will not take part in any of the outspoken pundit’s wide network of shows on TV and radio.
“On the back of some commentary that we feel over my short time here, there’s been some real personal attacks on the club, vindictive attacks that we feel that have been unwarranted,” Viney said.
“We understand the role of the media and our job to work with the media to promote our game and to inform our members on stuff that’s going on, we believe some of the commentary from Kane, particularly early this week with some of our players, Jy Simpkin and Harry Sheezel overstepped the line – inappropriate, targeted, vindictive bullying behaviour that we as a club won’t stand for.
“We’re open to balanced critique of our performances but when it starts to overstep the line and become personal it’s my responsibility and the club’s responsibility to look after our people.
“Therefore Channel Seven, Luke Hodge and whoever they’d like to present to have a conversation with Clarko is still open but until we feel like there’s a more respectful conversation and dialogue from Kane around our people and club we won’t be engaging with him on any of his media channels.”
Cornes, who was formerly a columnist for The Age, has been contacted for comment.
Seven have been contacted for comment. SEN, on which Cornes also regularly appears, declined to comment.
More to come
