http://livenews.com.au/sport/gallen-apologises-for-racial-slur-accepts-10000-fine/2009/6/1/208478
Monday, 1 June 2009 12:22 PM
http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=20
Gallen apologises for racial slur, accepts $10,000 fine
LiveNews
Sharks captain Paul Gallen has apologised for a racial slur against St George Illawarras Mickey Paea, and has accepted the NRLs $10,000 fine.
Gallen was alleged to have referred to Paea as a black c*** during the Dragons win over Cronulla in Round 11.
Despite no official complaint being lodged by Paea at the time, the NRL stepped in and handed down the fine to Gallen based on the evidence of on-field audio recordings.
Gallen has today met with the league and accepted the fine.
Comments were made in the heat of the moment and Im sorry for the pain that it has caused Mickey Paea, his family and my family, Gallen said.
I sorted it out with Mickey straight after the game.
Im not a racist but anyone who knows me knows that. I have many friends from various racial backgrounds and a brother-in-law from Papua New Guinea. Needless to say this has affected my family deeply.
I need to work on my temperament at times and this is something that rams that home.
Ive already talked with [Cronulla coach] Ricky Stuart about doing that and I want to show that Im serious about making some changes.
All I can concentrate on now is proving to people that I can win back their support and that I can help the Sharks.
The NRL has agreed to allow me to donate the money to charity.
NRL boss David Gallop applauded Gallens honest, but attacked attempts by the league players association to cloud the issue.
Anyone Ive spoken to will tell you that Paul is not a racist but that cant excuse what was said, Gallop said.
Despite a number of people including Pauls own player association trying to cloud the issue with an ill informed attack on our process, Paul has today had the courage to stand up and show true leadership by facing up to a mistake.
We wont back away from the need to maintain a strong stance on racial vilification but its important that people recognise that Paul has today taken a strong stance of his own.