Register a free account today to become a member of the world's largest Rugby League discussion forum! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/15/2927682.htmRace row deepens around Johns Updated June 15, 2010 17:27:00
Ugly accusations: Timana Tahu's family said Johns used derogatory terms agains players other than Greg Inglis.
(AAP Image: Dean Lewins, file photo)
Andrew Johns has been accused of using terms such as "n****r" and "monkey" to describe indigenous rugby league players in the latest claims of racism against the besieged former league star.
Johns stepped down from his role as New South Wales assistant coach on Saturday, hours after it was revealed that star winger Timana Tahu had walked out on the Blues' camp in Kingscliff.
Tahu had taken offence to a racist remark Johns had made in relation to Queensland centre Greg Inglis, and the Blues were unable to stop him from leaving camp before mediation attempts were possible.
Johns apologised profusely for the initial comment, saying he was shattered to have offended his former Newcastle Knights premiership team-mate.
But in a statement last night Tahu said the comment was not an isolated incident.
Indigenous Rugby League Council board member Sol Bellear told ABC Local Radio in Brisbane today that he had spoken with senior members of Tahu's family at the weekend.
Bellear was told by the Tahu family that Johns had used a range of derogatory terms towards players of indigenous heritage, and Inglis was not the only target.
"Greg Inglis wasn't the only one who was sledged, [the one] he used those words at," he said.
"He used the word 'n****r', he used the word 'black b', he used the word 'monkey' at other players of colour as well ... and other words such as 'coon' and the like.
"[Blues centre] Beau Scott said, and even Johns admitted it, but Beau Scott also said that he was told to 'shut the black c... down.'
"Inglis and them are not just the deadliest players on the park, but you don't hear nothing coming out of Andrew Johns' mouth in relation to [Queensland full-back Billy] Slater or Cam Smith or Darren Lockyer about 'shutting the white c...s down'."
Lack of understanding
Bellear said Johns simply does not understand racism or the impact that his comments have on players of colour.
"That's the unfortunate thing, that's why I'm taking a big stand on this, that we really must understand what racism is and the different effects it has on different people and different players," he said.
"If we keep covering up inappropriate sexual behaviour when they're on tour, then that would continue to go on.
"We had to take a very strong stand on sexual assaults ... that was being carried on by players, and sponsors withdrew to highlight it and say 'enough's enough'.
"Sexual assault against women has emotional and physical issues there, [and] this to a lot of Aboriginal people is an emotional thing.
"But in order to arrest racism in rugby league we need to have a zero tolerance policy."
The Newcastle Knights say they will not make any decisions about Johns' coaching role at the club until it has a better understanding of the incident, while Tahu's club Parramatta is also considering Johns' position as a part-time coach.
The incident has polarised opinions in rugby league circles.
Gold Coast centre Preston Campbell said he was proud of Tahu for taking the stand, while outspoken former New South Wales five-eighth Anthony Mundine said Indigenous players should boycott Wednesday's Origin encounter in support of Tahu.
But Maroons hooker Cameron Smith, who said the Queensland camp had not been affected by the incident and that Inglis was moving past it, thought Mundine's calls to action were going too far.
"I think that's probably a bit extreme," he said.
"It comes down to the individual and how they feel.
"Timana obviously felt very strongly which is why he left.
"I think it would hurt the game if all the indigenous boys left and it would hurt the fans."
Blues skipper Kurt Gidley says he is devastated a racist remark has strained the long friendship between Tahu and Johns, while NSW hooker Michael Ennis said the incident will not impact on the team's performance in Origin II in Brisbane on Wednesday night.
I read or heard somewhere that Johns has been like this for a long time, and that Timana has put up with this for just as long. Just makes me wonder why now? Why is Timana done what he's done now?
This isn't Johns' problem. His problem is the same that besets many who walk on rarefied air, e.g. the likes of Tiger Woods, Micheal Jackson, Elvis and co. He's been surrounded by too many enablers, too many yes men for far too long. Not enough people with balls to put him in his place. That's his problem, not a lack of understanding.
