Breaking News: A Shock Departure Rocks the Airwaves!
It seems the radio world is buzzing with unexpected drama! Cooper Johns, a familiar voice on KIIS FM's Kyle & Jackie O show, has made a dramatic exit, quitting on his very first day back from the Christmas break. Talk about a surprise!
Cooper, who transitioned from the NRL to a full-time sports reporter role in 2024, dropped the bombshell just 10 minutes into Monday morning's show.
"Today is my last day," he announced, leaving hosts Kyle Sandilands and Jackie 'O' Henderson, along with the listeners, stunned.
After some initial playful reactions from the team, including Intern Pete, Kyle pressed Cooper for the reasons behind his sudden departure after only two years in the role.
"You don't like us?" Kyle inquired.
Cooper's response? "No, I love you guys... But amongst some other reasons, you know, I feel like it's time for the caterpillar to... grow its wings."
But here's where it gets controversial... Kyle didn't hold back, suggesting the real reason was a more lucrative opportunity. He stated that Cooper had "got other opportunities that pay more." He added that these opportunities involved his sponsors and "more opportunities to do very little work and earn more money."
Jackie then confirmed, "So, this is your last day?" Cooper replied, "Correct." He added that he was going to miss them.
In 2024, Cooper had already made headlines by switching from rugby league to radio.
In a humorous Instagram post, Cooper poked fun at his former coach Craig Bellamy and his dad.
"Loved my time in the @nrl but after some late nights pondering over a couple of schooners of Malibu and Coke no sugar I've decided to step away for a bit and switch out the leather pig skin for a microphone," Johns wrote at the time.
He continued, "Never in my days would I have expected such an outpouring of sorrow, grief and emotion.
'But in all seriousness I'll never forget the lifetime friends I've made & the ones I hope I never see again (@bradparker04 @harrrygrantt & @tyranwishart) just to name a few.
'The memories … so many to pick from… first game… first try … first offseason scandal shoutout to @munster94 @hecticcheese.
'And finally to all my coaches particularly Craig Bellamy …who refused to select me regardless of mediocre form and numerous bribes, don't expect a reference when you're looking for another club to drag through the mud.
'And finally to my family, who cause me nothing but stress… get f****d. Is this the end who knows … one thing I do know is rugby league is the greatest game of all.'
Cooper's journey began in the NRL, where he played for the Melbourne Storm and Manly Sea Eagles, starting in 2020. He is the son of rugby league legend Matty Johns and the nephew of Andrew Johns.
What do you think? Do you believe Cooper's reasons for leaving, or do you think there's more to the story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
