THE hosts’ faces said it all.

Moments after the words came out of comedian Lawrence Mooney’s mouth, it was clear he’d made an error in judgment. Now, he and the network that aired his crass joke have admitted it.

Mooney was co-hosting Channel 7’s pre-game program The Kick last Saturday alongside former players Luke Darcy and Matthew Richardson, and commentator Sam Lane.

Mooney was discussing AFL players with the surname Cox.

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“Nobody loved a double entendres more than I do... now you might be interested in this,” he began.

“There have been 14 Cox to actually play the game, 15 Cox. That’s a bunch of Cox, more than a handful.

“And there have been Cox of all different shapes and sizes. Lance Cox ... dearly departed I believe ... was one of the tiniest Cox to play the game at 169cm.

Lawrence Mooney, who often plays Malcolm Turnbull, has apologised for a comment on Saturday. Picture: Tony Gough Source: News Corp Australia

“And now I cross to you, Sam Lane, for the Cox report,” he said. Then this: “Because you love the Cox.”

Lane quickly moved the conversation to “serious news” on Collingwood player Mason Cox, who was cleared by the match review panel to play despite a “careless” hit on Bulldogs player Jason Johannisen.

According to the Herald Sun, Mooney and Lane have spoken about the comment off-air and admitted it went too far.

A Channel 7 spokesperson told the newspaper: “Clearly, the comment falls outside our value system. Teamwork and respect for your teammates are highly valued ethics inside the culture at Seven Melbourne.

“There is a sincere friendship shared between Sam and Lawrence based on their genuine respect and regard for each other. They remain good friends.”

On Twitter, Katie Clements wrote: “Sam, well done for maintaining some level of professionalism during Mooney’s UNfunny top 5. It’s not ok.”

Mooney responded: “Yeah, it was fine Katie.”