James Tedesco will be investigated by the NRL’s integrity unit after a woman claimed he made a racial slur against her in Sydney last week.
The NRL formally received a complaint from a woman on Sunday afternoon, after a social media post late last week.
In it, the woman’s sister claimed the former Dally M medallist said “Squid Game” at the 20-year-old of Vietnamese descent when he walked past her in Bondi on Thursday.
Tedesco is expected to deny the claims, and has told the Sydney Roosters he was simply talking about Netflix’s popular South Korean series when the woman overheard him.
“Last night you felt compelled to say “squid game” at my sister when you walked past her outside of Beach Road in Bondi,” Katherine Trinh wrote on Instagram last week, tagging Tedesco in the post.
(Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
“This may seem like a joke to you, but these are the micro-aggressions that keep racism alive in Australia.
“My dad used to tell stories of the racism he faced when he first moved here 30 years ago, my sisters and I can all recount racism we suffered throughout school.
“And now one of them can remember when an entitled footy player was racist to her just last night.”
Trinh claimed in the post that the NSW State of Origin captain had been called out on the comment when it occurred, to which Tedesco responded “do you know who I am?”
It adds to a long list of matters for the NRL’s integrity unit to consider in their off-season.
Canberra winger Jordan Rapana pleaded guilty to low-range drink driving in Queensland from September on Monday, avoiding a conviction but copping a three-month suspension from driving and $500 fine.
Sam Burgess’ situation is another matter to be resolved, with the NRL able to ramp up their investigation into claims last year that alleged drug use and domestic violence behaviour had been covered up by South Sydney.
(Photo by Will Russell/Getty Images)
The Rabbitohs strongly denied the claims by Burgess’ ex-partner Phoebe, while the NRL can now speak to witnesses after a police investigation into Burgess was last week dropped.
An outcome is expected in the next few weeks on that matter, as well as a possible suspension for Burgess’ brother George after he pleaded guilty to a road rage incident.
George’s charge came just weeks after joining St George Illawarra.
The NRL’s football department reviews are also ongoing this week, with no major alterations expected to on-field rules after two seasons of significant change.
Judiciary and off-field matters will also be considered, with clubs having submitted their ideas to changes to the system.
Again there is unlikely to be a major upheaval, but some clubs have suggested alterations to the loading system, which came back to hurt the likes of Latrell Mitchell and Victor Radley in 2021.
The NRL made a point to defend the loading system during the year, pointing out that it follows a similar process to criminal courts.
Next season’s draw is set to be released as soon as the end of next week.
KenW
Roar Rookie
Context is everything. The name itself isn't offensive of course, but if it's done in a mocking way then it's intended to mock. Since the connection is clearly the persons race, then that mocking is racist. In your analogy, it's not saying 'How good is Kanye?', it's calling them Kanye in a sarcastic voice. As I started with though, context is everything. If Teddy was actually just talking with someone else about a Korean show that he likes, then it's clearly not racism or offensive in any way.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
So he has to apologise regardless of whether he did anything wrong or not? How gracious and fair minded of you!
andrew
Roar Rookie
Don't forget Flanagan's Macedonian players.
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Well one of them is telling porkys.
andrew
Roar Rookie
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BillV
Guest
Pretty interesting really. I mean if it were Tedesco calling Brian To’o, squid game for his part Asian background there’d be big news. Because it’s to do with an female member of the public, there’s nothing to see here. A simple apology wouldn’t have gone amiss for someone a player who’s held in such high regard and role model for countless juniors around the country.
Timbo
Guest
Cathar any number of how many home-grown talent that were on display in the "Jamaica" vs "Scotland" game played on the M62 in front of 56 friends and family?
Tony
Roar Guru
They're called the permanently offended, Andrew
Tony
Roar Guru
Troll's back
Robin Banks
Guest
Using terms like entitled and micro aggression may suggest perhaps coaching , or planning.
Rob
Guest
If you actually read the article you'll notice that Sam Burgess's case is spoken about which is why it's been brought up. And if you actually read Andrew's comment properly you would also see that he is in now way blaming Burgess for what happened with Tedesco. Gee you South's fans are painful.
The Sporacle
Roar Rookie
Try replacing how good is Kayne with how good is a certain way of cooking chicken and a piece of fruit with seeds and a green outer and see the reaction you get, not saying it's right or wrong, just saying.....
Randy
Roar Rookie
Ahh you have to love the Melbourne/Labour Broadcasting Corporation. When Sydney is in a lock down it's a huge political issue. When Melbourne is in a lock down after a record number of cases and deaths its "aww poor melbourne and poor dan"
andrew
Roar Rookie
Some people aren't happy unless they can find something that offends them. What an absolute crock.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
You tell ‘em P Nut!
Ty May
Guest
Yea bloody Rugby League always hard done by always getting picked on.. Excuse#437 as to why it can't grow and get respect in society.. Cmon society give us a break and let us flourish
Steve
Guest
Great...an article about a Roosters player allegedly being racist somehow becomes about Sammy Burgess? Typical Roosters supporter...always trying to blame the Bunnies for everything lol.
mushi
Roar Guru
Gould for once wouldn't be engaging in eye rolling hyperbole with "this is war"
mushi
Roar Guru
If you wouldn't do it to a different race then yeah. The only motivation for the action, which you admit is poor taste, is their race.
Otsuble
Roar Rookie
Yep. I’m lost on this one.