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In one corner we have Manly star winger Jorge Taufua, 22, in the other News Corp sports journalist Paul Kent.
Paul Kent said he wasn’t interested in watching the Fiji versus Samoa Test because only a third of the players play in the NRL and because it has interrupted the momentum of the league.
In my opinion these are fair points and there are no overt or implied disparaging remarks against Pacific Islanders.
Indeed, I doubt Kent’s comments would run foul of the Racial Discrimination Act.
However Taufua took exception to Kent’s stance with this tweet, which was ‘liked’ by more than 700 followers:
Never did like this guy. Another Donald Sterling. I guess you'll never understand what these tests… http://t.co/l9AbN24jXG
— Jorgé Taufua (@yo_jorgetaufua) April 30, 2014
Donald Sterling is the owner of the NBA’s LA Clippers, who was just handed a life ban and big fine by the NBA for racist remarks.
So I have some questions for Jorge.
1. You say you never liked Paul Kent – why?
2. You are clearly offended, will you write to the ARLC and Fox Sports and file your complaint. Please tweet the written response you receive.
3. Was the fourth sentence of your tweet directed at Kent or, as I suspect, your other followers?
4. Are you aware that Paul Kent could launch a defamation action against you?
5. Could you have posted a constructive tweet instead? Something like:
“Paul, you’ll miss a cracking game, please at least watch the highlights. Semi will star – just watch!”
In 2013 Jorge Taufua was given a four-month suspended jail sentenced after spitting at a police officer. He was also banned from entering licensed premises in Queensland as a result.
A court hearing was required to allow Taufua to enter Suncorp Stadium at the start of last season.
Now Taufua is young and I know first-hand that at that age we do and say stupid things occasionally – his actions are forgivable.
But alas, we have to forgive this guy again. To call someone a racist just because you don’t like him is very unwise.
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