Sam Newman has resigned from Channel Nine following widespread backlash over his comments about George Floyd. The former AFL player and Footy Show host referred to Floyd, who was killed during a police arrest, as 'a piece of shit' on his podcast.
Newman's remarks drew condemnation from colleagues, players, and the public. A petition sponsored by anti-racism group Democracy in Colour, using the hashtag #StandDownSam, called for his sacking and gained significant traction on Friday.
In a statement on Twitter, Newman said he and Channel Nine mutually agreed he should withdraw 'in the station’s best interests'. He had been scheduled to appear on the Sunday Footy Show.
Newman has a history of controversial behaviour, including transphobic comments, defending Eddie McGuire's 'drowning' remarks about journalist Caroline Wilson, and wearing blackface in 1999 to impersonate Indigenous player Nicky Winmar.
George Floyd, 46, died in Minneapolis last month after a police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes. Newman acknowledged police brutality caused Floyd's death but criticised his criminal record.
