Footy legend sparks outrage with on-air comment to co-host
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If you’ve been listening to a popular breakfast radio show lately, you might have caught a new voice joining a familiar award-winning reporter.
One well-known public figure who once made headlines in sports has taken on a fresh media role.
But this week, a spontaneous on-air comment landed him in the spotlight, sparking strong reactions from listeners and a wave of online chatter.
The controversy erupted during a segment about financial advice, where CPA Australia’s Elinor Kasapidis joined Robert 'Bob' Murphy and Sharnelle Vella.
The conversation was all business—until Vella reminisced about her first job in retail.
Murphy, quick with a joke, interjected: ‘Not at Spearmint Rhino?’ referencing the well-known strip club chain.
Vella, unfazed, simply replied ‘No’ and continued her point, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed.
Listeners were divided. Some called the comment inappropriate and ‘sexually charged’, while others saw it as a harmless, if ill-judged, attempt at humour.
The ABC has yet to comment officially, but the incident has reignited debate about what’s acceptable banter on live radio—especially in the age of social media, where every word is scrutinised.
For those who might not follow footy, Bob Murphy is no stranger to the spotlight.
Murphy's transition to media seemed natural, with 312 games for the Western Bulldogs, two All-Australian selections, and a reputation as one of the game’s most thoughtful voices.
He’s written for The Age, appeared on Fox Footy, and even held a leadership role at Fremantle Football Club before returning to Melbourne for his ABC gig.
But radio, as Murphy himself admits, is a ‘completely different coliseum’. The unpredictability of live broadcasting means anything can happen—and sometimes, it does.
Murphy’s radio journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing.
Earlier this year, he made headlines for missing the start of his own show after sleeping through his alarm—a relatable moment for many but not ideal for a breakfast host!
His wife, Justine, had to rouse him, and Vella gamely covered the first 45 minutes solo, joking she’d need to buy him a new charger.
Ratings have also been a challenge. Since Murphy and Vella took over the breakfast slot in January 2025, audience share has dipped from 7.9 per cent to 5.6 per cent.
Some critics, like 3AW’s Tom Elliott, have accused Murphy of being ‘too woke’, especially after he referred to the men’s AFL as ‘AFLM’—a move intended to highlight gender equality, but one that’s divided opinion.
Murphy’s willingness to tackle tough topics isn’t new.
He’s been outspoken on issues like homophobia in sports, famously clashing with former teammate Jason Akermanis over comments about gay players in the AFL.
Murphy’s message was clear: any player coming out would be ‘fought for and supported’ by teammates and the league.
The incident with Vella raises broader questions about workplace banter, gender dynamics, and the evolving public broadcasting standards.
What might have been brushed off as a joke in years past is now subject to intense scrutiny.
For many, especially women in media, such comments can feel dismissive or uncomfortable, regardless of intent.
On the other hand, live radio thrives on spontaneity and personality.
Striking the right balance between authenticity and respect is a challenge for any broadcaster—especially one still finding his feet outside the footy field.
For our Seniors Discount Club members, this story might feel like déjà vu. We’ve all seen public figures trip up—sometimes over a misplaced joke, sometimes over a genuine mistake.
The important thing is how they respond and whether lessons are learned.
It’s also a reminder that the world is changing fast. What was once considered ‘just a bit of fun’ is now being re-examined, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It means more people feel comfortable speaking up when something doesn’t sit right.
What do you think, members? Was Bob Murphy’s comment out of line, or just a harmless joke that’s been blown out of proportion? Have you noticed changes in what’s considered acceptable in the workplace or on the airwaves? Do you think radio hosts should be held to a higher standard? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
One well-known public figure who once made headlines in sports has taken on a fresh media role.
But this week, a spontaneous on-air comment landed him in the spotlight, sparking strong reactions from listeners and a wave of online chatter.
The controversy erupted during a segment about financial advice, where CPA Australia’s Elinor Kasapidis joined Robert 'Bob' Murphy and Sharnelle Vella.
The conversation was all business—until Vella reminisced about her first job in retail.
Listeners were shocked when a sexually charged joke was made on live radio by a former AFL star and radio host. Credit: Reddit
Murphy, quick with a joke, interjected: ‘Not at Spearmint Rhino?’ referencing the well-known strip club chain.
Vella, unfazed, simply replied ‘No’ and continued her point, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed.
Listeners were divided. Some called the comment inappropriate and ‘sexually charged’, while others saw it as a harmless, if ill-judged, attempt at humour.
The ABC has yet to comment officially, but the incident has reignited debate about what’s acceptable banter on live radio—especially in the age of social media, where every word is scrutinised.
For those who might not follow footy, Bob Murphy is no stranger to the spotlight.
Murphy's transition to media seemed natural, with 312 games for the Western Bulldogs, two All-Australian selections, and a reputation as one of the game’s most thoughtful voices.
He’s written for The Age, appeared on Fox Footy, and even held a leadership role at Fremantle Football Club before returning to Melbourne for his ABC gig.
But radio, as Murphy himself admits, is a ‘completely different coliseum’. The unpredictability of live broadcasting means anything can happen—and sometimes, it does.
Murphy’s radio journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing.
His wife, Justine, had to rouse him, and Vella gamely covered the first 45 minutes solo, joking she’d need to buy him a new charger.
Ratings have also been a challenge. Since Murphy and Vella took over the breakfast slot in January 2025, audience share has dipped from 7.9 per cent to 5.6 per cent.
Some critics, like 3AW’s Tom Elliott, have accused Murphy of being ‘too woke’, especially after he referred to the men’s AFL as ‘AFLM’—a move intended to highlight gender equality, but one that’s divided opinion.
Murphy’s willingness to tackle tough topics isn’t new.
He’s been outspoken on issues like homophobia in sports, famously clashing with former teammate Jason Akermanis over comments about gay players in the AFL.
The incident with Vella raises broader questions about workplace banter, gender dynamics, and the evolving public broadcasting standards.
What might have been brushed off as a joke in years past is now subject to intense scrutiny.
For many, especially women in media, such comments can feel dismissive or uncomfortable, regardless of intent.
On the other hand, live radio thrives on spontaneity and personality.
Striking the right balance between authenticity and respect is a challenge for any broadcaster—especially one still finding his feet outside the footy field.
The important thing is how they respond and whether lessons are learned.
It’s also a reminder that the world is changing fast. What was once considered ‘just a bit of fun’ is now being re-examined, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It means more people feel comfortable speaking up when something doesn’t sit right.
