The Sandy scoop that wasn’t. Melbourne’s Herald Sun splashed on its front page yesterday with a yarn that stunned sport lovers: Seven veteran Sandy Roberts was walking out on Channel Seven after 34 years. The story contained no on-the-record quotes, but left no room for doubt: Roberts had been poached by Fox Footy to call games and host programs.

After the paper hit news stands, however, it was lawyers at 30 paces as Seven checked the fine print on Roberts’ contract. By the time Roberts fronted for the 6pm news, he was telling staff members his car parking space was not up for grabs. At 9.42pm, Seven issued a statement from Roberts: “Reports that I have a deal with Fox Footy are inaccurate — nor have they made me an offer. I am continuing with Seven as per my contract.” According to entertainment reporter Peter Ford, Roberts wants to go but has been blocked by Seven. Regardless of any behind-the-scenes manoeuvres, it appears the Hun — and its sources — went off half-c-cked. — Matthew Knott

Video of the day. Former Media Watch host Stuart Littlemore got a dose of his own medicine today courtesy of The Australian Financial Review‘s cheeky gossip columnist Joe Aston. The Rear Window editor was outraged when he saw news footage of Littlemore QC — who is defending Eddie Obeid at the Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry — push a female SBS reporter “almost to the ground” outside the commission’s Sydney HQ. When viewed in super slow mo, the incident does look pretty rough…