Jess Fox forced to endure second awkward moment with NRL great Brad Fittler
Australian Olympic icon Jess Fox has politely laughed her way through a second awkward TV interview with NRL great Brad Fittler in the space of six weeks.
The Paris gold medallist is a noted Panthers supporter and was interviewed by Nine’s Allana Ferguson on the ground after the game.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Brad Fittler interviews Jess Fox in the rooms.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.As she tried to put her elation into words, it wasn’t lost on viewers at home that Fittler, who was also on the ground after the game, was not chosen for the interview with Fox.
In late August this year, Fittler was slammed for an inappropriate joke on air while interviewing the Fox sisters, Jess and Noemie.
In a live interview dubbed at the time as a “trainwreck” and “inappropriate”, Fittler made a joke about the half-time kiss cam targeting him while he was standing with the sisters during the interview.
An embarrassed Jess quickly looked away and Noemie wondered if they were even on air.
“I’m just waiting for kiss cam to come on … for me,” Fittler said in August.
“It’s not happening.”
Nine initially avoided an awkward reunion between Fox and Fittler during the first interview the Olympian gave.
“No Brad Fittler for the interview with Jess Fox?” Matt McCabe suggestively asked on social media.
But not long after, it happened again.
Fittler was given free roam on the Penrith rooms when all the players had made their way inside — and he went straight for Fox as his first target.
Holding a specially marked Toohey’s beer that celebrated the Panthers’ four-peat of premierships, Fittler went straight to Fox and offered it to her.
“Jess, can you take that?” he said while holding it outstretched.
“You can have that. I’m still working.”
Fox refused to take it, forcing Fittler to awkwardly drop it on the ground next to her foot.
He then tried to save the cringe-worthy moment by asking a normal question.
“Did you have a good night?” Fittler said.
Fox responded: “Amazing. It’s so special to be here and celebrate.
“It’s wonderful for Penrith and I’m so stoked for the whole team.”
Fans at home were quick to notice the own goal.
“Freddy offering Jess Fox a drink and her refusing.. #NotSurprised,” one said.
“Freddy is no longer allowed within ten feet of Jess Fox,” another joked after the interview.
“Fittler has gone at Jess Fox again. The most awkward TV of the evening. Someone tell him to stop!” a third said.
That same fan was very vocal, adding: “Channel 9 thought the commentators were more important than the winning players. Surely you could have showed them celebrating in the dressing room more, rather than Freddy creeping on Jess Fox.”
Earlier, Fittler was pictured having a beer with Clive Churchill medallist Liam Martin.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport