Newman, who usually would have jumped at the chance to run his mouth about the recent resignations of two high-ranking AFL chiefs over inappropriate relationships with staff, stayed mum while Dave Hughes riffed all over it.
Similarly, co-panellist Rebecca Maddern’s question over whether Collingwood head honcho Eddie McGuire should step down was met with a weirdly conservative response. Newman said it was the kind of talk that could have someone “taken aside and spoken to, step over some imaginary line in the sand.
“So I don’t think I would like to make a comment on any of that.”
Luca got to meet his hero, Sam Newman! #9AFLFootyShow pic.twitter.com/fqJ2PKDO7o
— The AFL Footy Show (@AFLFootyShow) July 20, 2017
This morning, that behaviour made a bit more sense thanks to some claims by entertainment reporter Peter Ford. In an interview with 3AW, Ford reckoned that The Footy Show’s producers are moving to replace him by the year’s end.
Sam Newman is aware of plans to axe him. Last night was about giving the network a taste of @AFLFootyShow without him. Coming up @mmmHobart
— Peter Ford (@mrpford) July 20, 2017
Proved tonight that without Sam Newman, NO @AFLFootyShow !!!!! #samnewman
— Andy jose (@ajosey21) July 20, 2017
Sam Newman in the shits big time #aflfootyshow
— Jason Blake (@jasonsnakeblake) July 20, 2017
What is wrong with Sam Newman tonight? I love the @AFLFootyShow but his behaviour is awkward.
— Shayla Chalker (@AussieRoo09) July 20, 2017
Fans of his regularly-scheduled bluster were disappointed:
Flick over to Footy Show, Sam Newman mailing it in. Show’s dead. SJW’s got what they wanted. Even took Street Talk off. SJW’s kill all fun.
— Jamie ???? (@AirballPI) July 20, 2017
Disappointing to see Sam Newman like he is on @AFLFootyShow tonight – we need to have someone on TV who isn’t afraid to speak his mind.
— Jayden Forster (@CelebrityLane1) July 20, 2017
But at least one viewer was kinda relieved:
It’s better Sam Newman stayed quiet every week instead of insulting everyone and everything all time time and getting away with it.
— soph ?? (@sophdaniellex) July 20, 2017
Source: Sydney Morning Herald / News.com.au.
Photo: The Footy Show / Facebook.