North Melbourne have placed a media ban on commentator Kane Cornes, citing “inappropriate, targeted, vindictive” criticism towards key players as the tipping point for the club.
The decision follows Cornes’ public takedowns of Harry Sheezel and captain Jy Simpkin in the wake of last weekend’s loss to Port Adelaide. The club blocked a Channel Seven request for Cornes to be part of a pre-match interview with head coach Alastair Clarkson ahead of Thursday’s Round 8 clash against Essendon.
They also confirmed they will disengage from any of Cornes’ media platforms for the foreseeable future.
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“We’re open to balanced critique of our performances,” football boss Todd Viney told reporters on Wednesday. “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.”
Sheezel responds as club draws 'line in the sand'
Cornes accused Sheezel of “stat-padding” and collecting possessions in “non-damaging areas,” suggesting North Melbourne’s coaches were not using him effectively. He also singled out Simpkin, claiming the skipper was “mouthing off” at Port’s Jason Horne-Francis and didn’t have the playing record to justify such behaviour.
“This was inappropriate, vindictive, bullying behaviour that we as a club won’t stand for,” Viney said, adding the club had drawn a “line in the sand.”
Sheezel has since addressed the criticism, acknowledging Cornes’ right to an opinion but conceding the commentary had taken a toll.
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“It’s been a big couple of days after what Kane said,” Sheezel told SEN’s Dwayne’s World. “Maybe it overstepped the boundary a bit… I wish it hadn’t blown up into what it has, but that’s the nature of it.”
He added: “With Kane’s influence, it did probably hit me more than it normally would… The media have every right to their opinion, but at the end of the day, we’re all human beings.”
Cornes has yet to issue a public response.