Tahu and Johns end race feud - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Tahu and Johns end race feud

29/06/2010 07:33:24 PM Comments (0)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda says Andrew Johns and Timana Tahu have drawn a line under their racism row after the pair met on Monday night.

It was the first time the former Newcastle and NSW teammates had come into contact since Tahu stormed out of the Blues camp on June 11 after Johns made racist remarks about Queensland superstar Greg Inglis ahead of the second State of Origin clash in Brisbane.

Gooda, who was asked to facilitate the private meeting, said in a statement, both men wanted to work together to stamp out racism.

"Timana and Andrew have each called for greater understanding in the community about what constitutes racism and have agreed to support each other in sending a message against racism of any kind," the statement said.

"Both Mr Tahu and Mr Johns acknowledge that the ongoing discussion and commentary about Mr Johns' comments was causing distress to their respective families and was damaging to the game they both love, rugby league.

"Both Mr Johns and Mr Tahu believe that there can be positive outcomes for rugby league, and the Australian community more generally, emerging from this incident and have committed to working together to combat racism.

"They believe that raising awareness of how racism can adversely impact on people from all backgrounds will deliver more benefits to the game.

"They believe that working together to combat racism will be more effective in educating the community against racism than any punitive measures.

"Mr Johns and Mr Tahu wish to state on record that racism should not be tolerated or defended in any circumstances.

"They now wish to rule a line under this incident and move forward to work together."

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