Channel Nine is facing criticism after hiring disgraced cricketer David Warner to its commentary team for Saturday's one-day international against England.
But the network's higher-ups and star personalities have defended the decision.
Tim Gilbert, the sports presenter on Nine's Today, told viewers on Tuesday morning he didn't understand the backlash.
"We've been criticised by some, but I don't understand why," said Gilbert.
"[Warner] has been banned from playing cricket, I get that. But has he been banned from earning money, banned from working? He has a family…
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"They did the wrong thing, they've owned up, they've fessed up, hands up in the air and they're banned… Not banned from any commentary boxes… I can't see the criticism," he concluded.
Former Australia national cricket team vice-captain David Warner will be joining Nine's commentary team.
Photo: AAP
Co-host Karl Stefanovic suggested the appointment is a coup for Nine, giving Warner's new co-workers in the commentary box the "chance to question him and to ask him questions about what happened and what his thought process is."
"I can't wait to hear from him… I think it's an astounding appointment," said Stefanovic.
Warner was banned from playing cricket for 12 months following his role in the Australian team's ball-tampering scandal in March in South Africa.
He will feature in Nine's coverage of the second one-day international against England on Saturday in Cardiff. Nine's broadcast begins at 7.30pm.
"Dave is the best One Day and T20 batsman of the past decade so he's perfectly placed to join our coverage for the UK series," Nine's Director of Sport Tom Malone told Wide World of Sports in his announcement.
"People have tried to paint Dave as the villain in all this, but he's been hurting as much as the others.
"He just wants to atone for his mistakes and move on – I hope Australia gives all of them that chance."
Rob Moran is an Entertainment reporter for The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald and Brisbane Times.
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