May 18: The furore over the group sex story detailed on the ABC's Four Corners program last week involving a then 19-year-old woman, axed Channel Nine personality Matthew Johns and Cronulla Sharks NRL players in New Zealand in 2002 has sparked furious on-air and online debate on 3AW.

In response to some feedback, we have put all of your comments and 3AW's related coverage on the one page.

You can add your own comment underneath those compiled below.

'Get your biggest critic...'

Former Channel Nine CEO Eddie McGuire tells 3AW how he would have handled the Matthew Johns group sex furore last week and gives his view on one of the most debated issues of 2009.

• 3AW Football's Cometti, Buckley, Sheahan and Shaw debate

Sam Newman praised for reaction

3AW's Neil Mitchell has praised Footy Show identity Sam Newman's words on the Channel Nine program in relation to the frenzied reaction to the NRL 'group sex debate' which is raging on airwaves around the country. Read and hear more.

• Demetriou: AFL had the same culture
• NRL group sex debate on 3AW
• AFL has 'gang-bang' mentality as well

Mitchell: Johns had a responsibilty

Neil Mitchell spoke to Tracy Grimshaw the morning after her exclusive interview with disgraced former rugby player Matthew Johns and his wife Trish. Click here to hear both Neil's and Tracy's opinions on the interview and Johns' response. What do you think?

Johns stood down by Nine

Embattled rugby league personality Matthew Johns has been stood down indefinitely from his on-air commitments with Channel Nine and his coaching role with NRL club Melbourne Storm. Derryn Hinch spoke with Storm CEO Brian Waldron.

Eddie scares 7 and group sex

Listen to Pete Ford's take on the Prime Minister's grooming habits and the law of unintended consequences as it applies to tonight’s Four Corners. Also, watch the related video of Matthew Johns' apology related to a group sex incident.

• VIDEO: Johns' group sex apology

YOUR COMMENTS:

My sons and myself have decided to boycott the NRL for the remainder of the season over the terrible way that a man has lost his livelihood and held up by the media for something that happened with a willing participant seven years ago.
No one was innocent in this whole affair but it has cost Matthew Johns thousands of dollars. Commonsense tells everyone that this woman was a willing participant (what did she expect walking into a room of young men? Matthew says she was willing, she says traumatized - he said, she said.). She has not screamed victim' until 4 Corners started to pay her or the original cheque bounced.
David Gallop is gutless and unwilling to stand up for the NRL. I have advocated that he should have gone long ago.
I won't waste my breath on Tracey Grimshaw and her antics on ACA (which has long been banned in this house.)
David Seamans Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 2:04 PM

BAD move on Mr John's behalf however I see that he is paying for his bad decision making and wrong doing and will do so for quite some time and rightly so, he was outright stupid. Where are the others that were involved or will they continue to hide away and let Mr Johns take the full wrap whilst they squirm in their beautiful homes with their beautiful and un-deserving families? Maybe they are just at home wondering what to do about their lack of dignity, manhood and lack of respect for the postition they hold in society. What comes with a career in the spotlight regardless of it being on the sporting field or wherever is responsibility particuarly as a role model for our young. The young lady has hidden her face however I assume she was showing it as she collected a healthy paycheck for bringing this to the attention of the media 7 years later !!! I'm wondering if at any point she mentioned that she was consenting to sexual acts with more than one person at one time ? It's about time these overpaid sportspeople took some responsiblity and held down some RESPECT for the privelidge position they hold. I am getting sick of reading about their coninual bad, tastless and dirty behaviour. What a SHAME for the young, talented and appreciative peers they stand beside.
Tanya Rusden Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 1:35 PM

One question that Tracey didn't ask was...if everyone was happy and consenting on that night..why were the police called in?
How could his wife share a bed with a man like that.
Janet Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 1:10 PM

I am sick and tired of this rubbish. He is famous so its a quick buck for her. She wanted it, girls like her run around chasing players trying to get into their beds. Why did she not come out right away why did it take 7 years? Johns should never have been stood down and i believe the footy show will not be as good as it once was. Johns did nothing wrong and we are not the ones to judge him. He did wrong by his family so its his family who will deal with him not the media or the NRL. I simply had sex with a girl that wanted him to. My mates and i have had 7 8 or even 10 of us having sex with one girl. Some girls enjoy it and want it and let me tell you the public who want to judge she never said she was raped so as far as i am concerned he is an INNOCENT man. Who ever feels Johns was hard done by join the group on facebook i have started we want matthew johns back and show your support to a real champion of the game
Allan Samra Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 10:27 AM

I believe Matthew Johns is a liar. I believe he and the other brain dead , self centered , heartless , soulless proto-neanderthals intimidated this teenager into a situation that grew increasingly intimidating as more heartless shits entered the room. I believe they did force themselves upon this teenager , however subtle , it was still intimidating force and coercion upon an outnumber teen aged girl ! If these morons want to be sleaze bags and cheat on their wives , there are places for that , it's called a brothel. A brothel where there are clear cut understandings of what is or isn't ok. I hope Johns wife leaves him , he's a low life scumbag with a dishonest scowl on his face !
Justin Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 10:03 AM

well done channel nine and the NRL boss, for removing m,johns, what disgraceful behaviour toward another human being.
I hope that the 2 male children he has produced do not have the same lack of regard and respect for females.
It sounds as though he requires professional help.
paula hocking blight Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 5:28 PM

Johns' was given the opportunity to stand up and make a big diffenrence to his media input/output last night. He had the nation watching, the men out there, the other players and at NO TIME did he say that this IS NOT THE WAY TO CONDUCT YOUR LIFE.
I thought before seeing this interview that I believed him to be a lowlife liar and now I even think less of him. He's around the point of under the belly of a snake.
That POOR VICTIM, my thoughts are with her as her struggle through this would be enourmous for the rest of her life, a life that has been destroyed by these animals.
DISGUSTED.
Scorpions Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 4:58 PM

I feel so sorry for Matty's wife & family. I also think that Matty's is taking the brunt of something, that granted should not have happened, but he wasn't alone. Why don't the other spineless players come forward and take some of the blame. Also what sort of girl would invite two guys into her room obvioulsy for sex and then cry rape, how much money has she paid by four corners and how much is she expecting from Matty. Also why has Matty been sacked form all of his channel nine duties, when that Sam Newman is still with the AFL footy show, he certainly is no saint.
Good luck Matty in whatever you undertake in the future, I hope you and your family can get past this
Janelle Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 4:39 PM

The police conducted a thorough interview, found no criminal behaviour. Everyone has made decisions they later regret; and if this girl can name and shame Matty Johns for a consensual, if regrettable, incident; then she can front up to...
Good on Mrs Johns for her conduct and for standing by her husband; Matthew, look forward to seeing you on TV again with a broadcaster who will appreciate you.
Trudi Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 4:23 PM

It is clear that eventhough we all physically inhabit the same land some of us are living in very different worlds. In my world it doesnt matter if you are a man or a woman you are responsible for your own actions. Women are entitled like any other citizen to go out and have a good time without becoming the subject of some kind of bullyboy humiliation. It is not a sufficient defense for Johns to say that Clare did not object. It was his job and the job of the others in that room to engage her to make sure she consented. I believe to some extent Johns doesnt understand what they did wrong to Clare. I think the reason for this lies in their beliefs about women.They think women are deserving of less respect and that is why they didnt even see her in that room they just saw a naked body that they used to entertain themselves.The idea that someone gets post traumatic stress from regret is laughable. PTS is the result of exposure to a traumatic event. This is not something she could manufacture it is the body's response to what it perceives to be a serious threat to the person.
Alice Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 3:13 PM

The mere fact that she was drunk should have been enough for these guys to realise that the 'consent' they thought they had was shakey. Even if she consented to have sex with two blokes, how does he explain the fact that he left her there at the mercy of at least 7 others. She may not have said no, but surely even a teenage boy let alone grown men know that someone that is heavily drunk is not in their right mind to make an informed decision. And to all you 'real blokes' defending him because he can play football or because he's funny, I hope you never have a daughter who is blamed for being assaulted because her skirt was to short or her top too tight.
Erin Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 2:19 PM

Allan Samira:
How on earth could you possibly know what she wanted? Your instant prejudice against a young woman, in favour of 12 massive 'gladiators', well either your are a Sharia law enthusiast who hates his mother, or you have committed similar atrocities and don't want to be judged. Women are people too you know. I think the Butthole Sufers said it best "then there was the ever-present football player rapist".
Danielle Seymour Friday 15 May, 2009 - 1:15 AM

Mathew Johns is a disgrace along with everyone involved and anyone whom has known about this incident is also guilty!! How can anyone think that a NINETEEN YEAR OLD woman deserves to be treated like that or any woman for that matter!! I put to all you MEN out there standing up for Johns,WHAT IF THAT WAS YOUR DAUGHTER? Im disgusted and sickened that this has gone on and for 7yrs they have just pretended that it didnt happen and he was able to sit on national tv every Thursday night!! I will never watch that footy show ever again,Im disgusted in everyone on that whole show who knew! I watched four corners and was close to vomitting as I was so shocked and just disgusted!! How his wife can evan stand to look at him is beyond me. That young girl is somebodys daughter,and drunk or not no-one deserves to be treated like that! NO_ONE!!!
Sarah Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 11:51 PM

This is a joke. It was consensual and this woman making these claims is a mental b#tch. What Johns does in his personal life is his business anyway. He has not committed any crime and should be given back his job and this woman in New Zealand should be locked up in a mental home. Don't worry Matt I'm behind you and so are a lot of other people.
Nathan Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 10:50 PM

We're behind you Matty. Everybody deserves a fair trial, not a one-sided sabotage on 4 corners.
Kate Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 10:31 PM

I am reading some of the comments and it has SPIN DOCTOR written all over them~! Let's get the facts STRAIGHT - if everything was above board, there wouldn't have been an initial POLICE investigation to begin with~! There had to be an initial complaint for Police to have intervened. An impressionable 19yo woman versus a group of male footballers, invading a private situation and allegedly consented? The odds were extremely stacked in favour of the footballers! Complaints of rape and sexual abuse by footballers are not exactly isolated or rare events/situations. ONE woman versus at least SEVEN footballers. Amazing how the other gutless wonders have chosen not to make any public comment? To abuse this woman and then throw her out into the street, suggests this event was far from being consensual, particularly when the women obviously lodged a complaint with Police at the time~!
Lenny Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 8:01 PM

Matty has become the scapegoat over this. The woman didn't go the police until 5 days later and now today people who worked with then have come out saying she was bragging about having sex with them. It's a he said she said thing and if she is upset over it now well seek more counselling. Besides when asked why she was coming out now she stated she was angry and wanted to destroy their lives. That's just revenge and nothing else.
Kat Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 6:59 PM

Matthew Johns is 100% INNOCENT!
why is everyone scrutinizing him for something that happened 7 years ago?! i mean, who really gives a crap about what happened so goddamn long ago.
get over it!
the girl practically boasted about the incident anyway, so she knew what she was doing, what she was getting herself into, and she goes and tells everyone she's been traumatized,that her life has been a living hell, and shes suicidal?! bullsh*t, she's lying!
we should all know and believe, that matthew johns would NEVER do something like this.
Charlotte Le Friday 15 May, 2009 - 11:05 AM

Poor Matthew, he should not be sacked from anywhere, the girl is obviously after some quick money, why wait 7 years
she was willing at the time now she is ashamed, so she should be, men will take whats offered & she offered.
Why wont evereyone Leave matty alone
Linda Friday 15 May, 2009 - 10:52 AM

My 89 year old Mother has asked me to write this in support of Matty Johns and I willingly write it because I agree with her. What a disgrace the NRL is for not supporting him. Hang your head in shame David Gallop and Channel 9 - how could you not support him.
Sandy Durrant Friday 15 May, 2009 - 8:21 AM

We all do stupid things in our life this was obviously the case with mathew johns. I totally agree that cheating on his wife was very wrong but they seem to have got over it and moved on. If this girl was as willing as it seems then he has commited no crime and should be left alone to get on with his life and career. Good on him for saying in the interview that his career comes second to healing the pain that his family are in. You can always find another career but not a loving family. Chin up Matty Johns and well done to his wife for being so brave. I hope that his family especially his young boys are all OK from all of this. As far as the young women is concerned maybe you should keep you legs together a bit more next time and not make yourself so available. I am the mother of a 19 year old daughter as well and hopefully I have tought my daughter have a bit more self respect. I am also the mother of an up and coming football player and hopfully my son has learnt a big lesson about these types of girls that target good looking young stars like Mathew Johns and think that they are easy targets for a bit of fun. I hope that this situation is a big lesson for all young guys and also the young girls.
Belinda Friday 15 May, 2009 - 6:52 AM

She could have not gone back to the hotel. She could have said no to the sex with the first 2. She could have screamed for help. She could have tried to leave. She could have gone to the police straight after. She could have not bragged about the incident to her friends at work.
But she didn't. And why? Because she was a willing participant!
She needs to take responsibility for her own actions and own up to her lack of self esteem and not being able to say no if that's how she truly felt. I don't know one woman including myself who hasn't had at least one degrading sexual experience, but we accept there are times we allowed the situation and we move on and learn from it.
In my eyes this girl doesn't want to accept any blame and wants to play the victim and for that she needs to grow up.
Lis Friday 15 May, 2009 - 2:10 AM

To Mr Neil Mitchell, whom I once respected:
If this situation could possibly have been resolved privately, then I am a monkeys proverbial. Matthew Johns only apologised because he was made to - prompted to by overly generous interviewers. In private this poor girl would receive absolutely nothing, other than derision and intimidation from 12 huge men, their club, their lawyers etc. Her past actions would be placed under the microscope, whilst the men's past would be suppressed to protect them - hardly a fair or welcoming system. Besides, I'm sure these women were contacted by Four corners to reveal their distressing stories - at great personal risk. For some reason, women are still judged far more harshly than men, even though it is well documented that 95% or so of violent crime is committed by males and 95% approx of all victims are female. Men are predators and women seem to be their prey, and society only wants to find ways to excuse the perpetrators of violent crime and blame the victim. It helps us believe it will never happen to us, but we are deluding ourselves. Violence is NEVER justified. It is a violation - full stop. Intimidation is bullying - full stop. And is there anybody out there who cannot imagine how intimidating it would be to be alone, young and female, weighing all of 140 pounds, surrounded by 12 of the largest athletes going around? Imagine how tightly packed that room was and try to imagine how you could possibly fight your way out. Imagine it's you. Now who will you judge?
Danielle Seymour Friday 15 May, 2009 - 1:25 AM

Yes! Matthew Johns did a very stupid and unfair thing against his wife. To her credit she has shown incredible forgiveness and strength. Why do people assume that the woman was a poor little girl ever so young and innocent???Come on get real!!! She was 19 not 9. She went willingly and likely to have instigated going to the room with 2 men.
She was as guilty of immorality as Matthew Johns. She even bragged about the incident. Pretty clear what sort of person she is. I bet we wouldnt have heard anything from her if Johns was a brickies labourer instead of high profile. If she truly has been thru so much trauma since the incident,she has no one to blame other than herself. It is disgusting that a twisted attention seeking hateful woman has caused such horrific pain and suffering to a family. Shit a brick she even says she would shoot him if she had a gun!!! She wants him dead!!!!This woman is a nutter.... and so many do gooders are allowing her to carry out her rage of vengeance and spite.
It is disgusting.
Matthew and Trish have dealt with this with amazing integrity and grace in the midst of vicious attacks from those who seek to make a scapegoat of him for the sake of their own agendas.
All my support and encouragement goes to them and their family.
As for the woman and also Tracey Grimshaw...........SHAME ON YOU
Geoff Saturday 16 May, 2009 - 12:01 AM

What I can't really get out of my mind is 6 men having sex with this young woman while another 7 or so stood around and masturbated.Are these men latent homosexuals ?? What other explanation can be offered to explain the situation.My suggestion to Matthew Johns and his cowardly " mates" is to rent yourselves a porno movie and all sit around together wacking yourselves off.No one gets hurt that way !
JaneyH Friday 15 May, 2009 - 10:42 PM

Hi Neil, I have a very quick point to make, why is it that we feel that we can judge something that we were not privy to and where the police had already investigated but laid no charges!! We now have people coming out saying that she bragged about sleeping with several players that night???????????? Does that not ring alarm bells??? and need investigation. Why is it that Matty Johns can be persecuted but she does not even have to give her name or be questioned on any of the "facts" she has said. Was the interview she gave a paid interview?? If so is it not right that the public be made aware of the payment she has received considering this may have been a totally financial decision to NOW come forward. I am not a Matty Johns fan at all but I feel that this may deter actual victims from coming forward on sexual abuse crimes. I would appreciate a reply at least by email as I feel quite strongly about this case.
Mel Friday 15 May, 2009 - 9:56 PM

I'm the first to admit - I've never been a fan of the footy show & never will be, regardless of whether it relates to AFL or NRL. Some people may be amused by the antics of Newman & co. etc, but personally I find it infantile & extremely distasteful SMUT. I have no doubt that SPIN DOCTORS have been extremely busy since this whole episode became public knowledge (including participation in this blog), in an attempt to divert attention away from Johns & his other neanderthal scumbags! I only wish Kerry Packer was alive to pass on his sentiments relating to Johns' indefensible, disgusting behaviour. Judging by some of the 'alleged' pro-Johns comments by females, it's obvious that the Neanderthal mentality is not just limited the players~! I just hope that some of the NRL SPONSERS show some shred of decency (unlike some of their scumbag supporters who endorse Johns' disgusting behaviour), and promptly TERMINATE their association with Cronulla Sharks. Any woman who could support Johns' behaviour & that of the other participating lowlife scumbags seriously needs professional help~! Ask any family member of any returned vet as to how long it takes to recover from post traumatic stress! Clare was a NINETEEN year old impressionable INTOXICATED kid, who would have been absolutely intimidated by a group of gorillas suddenly invading her privacy. As for the Police investigation, it came down to her word against (possibly) SIXTEEN neanderthal gorillas and NO wonder she was traumatised! To Johns' wife - how you could support his behaviour makes me vomit! If you had any respect for yourself you would have dumped him years ago~! Is that the sort role model you want for your children???
Lenny Friday 15 May, 2009 - 7:43 PM

I know lots of girls that willingly chase after footballers & are aware of that particular culture & actually 'chase' it .
I believe that not all cases are the same but on my gutt instinct I think this girl is angry at the fact that they went home to their partners . She is upset as she has no partner - not suprising with that personality !
Nothing but a bitter 'homewrecker'
My sincere condolences to the Johns family . May u have the strength to get past this & forget her.
Stephen Friday 15 May, 2009 - 5:14 PM

I am truely p***ed off with channel 9 and all the other people that were quick to drop Matty Johns like they have.
Sure be it 7 years ago when this happened and he wasn't as famous as he is now! but why is it just him taking the wrap for this whole sex romp. I feel sorry for is lovely wife who has probably taken 7 years to get over it only to have to be put right back to the beginning,I reckon if it didn't warrent the police to look any further into the situation why did it have to be blowen out of control NOW this women didn't seem to mind at the time then what it took 5 days to go to the police and still nothing happened!!
Matty Johns keep your chin up look after the family kia kaha my friend
Doug Friday 15 May, 2009 - 11:15 AM

Mathew Johns, the BIGGEST problem with you is that you JUST DON'T GET IT~! You were granted a ONE time only opportunity with Tracy Grimshaw to distance yourself from what happened in that no-tel room, but chose to support the 'mob mentality!' Clare may have originally consented to having sex with YOU & one other male, but she certainly DIDN'T consent to the MASS invasion that occurred in that room. Right at that very moment, YOU alone had control over the situation, but instead opted to sacrifice this young woman to the sexual frenzy of these gorillas! Six guys having sex with her whilst (at least) six others stood by on the sideline masturbating and cheering. This whole incident reminds me of the movie 'The Accused' with Jodie Foster. In that particular reality-based movie, it wasn't just the principals who were charged, but also included the other participants who allowed it to happen and actively cheered on the behaviour. WHY is it that this NZ incident has so many similarities to the gang rape mentality that occurred in Sydney in 2000, involving Lebanese offenders? Cronulla riots, Cronulla Sharks - there seems to be a consistent pattern of abusing women by one section of the Moslem community? Mathew, is that the sort of abusive mentality that you support? Alan Samra, in a democratic society, you are free to support Johns & the other scumbags by whatever means you see fit, but it won't legitimize events that occurred in NZ! There may be a considerable percentage of women who support all codes of football, but there are also a HUGE percentage of female supporters (CONSUMERS) who are extremely displeased~! Australians will not tolerate any situations of young females being sexually exploited, regardless of where it occurs.
Lenny Sunday 17 May, 2009 - 12:34 PM

The issue of consent becomes very murky when the extra TEN men enter the room.
ONE naked teenager and TWO men becomes ONE naked teenager and TWELVE burly men - a terrifying power dynamic!
How did those men know to go to THAT room at THAT time and to enter quietly?
Why did Johns "stand back"?...why didn't he ask them to leave?
If the next 2-3 hours of degradation was consensual and she was a willing participant - why does Johns apologize for the other men entering the room, when the session is over?
IMO this girl was "set up" or "delivered up to the team" for a gang bang.
If this girl had been asked whether she'd agree to a gang bang with 12 men - I'm sure the answer would be NO...
Get her in the room, naked and then find herself with 12 men...you have a better chance of intimidating her.
The comments I've read this week make it clear the old double standard is alive and well....
"my daughters are good girls and would never have gone back to that room"..."she agreed to have sex with two men, so what's the difference, 2 or 12", "what did she expect, it's her fault"...were some...
It's clear a woman who agrees to have sex with one or two is a slut and if a busload suddenly appear...well, she asked for it.
I totally disagree...
I certainly understand why Johns has feared the phone ringing for the last 7 years.
Shame on those 12 men!
Sam Sunday 17 May, 2009 - 12:35 AM

Why is it that when the word 'consensual' is bantered around, it seems all bets are off. Everything that young girl had to endure 'she asked for it'. How many of you would be able to say 'no' or 'stop' in a room full of big testosterene ego maniacs. And how typical of the women to condemn the woman with her 'bragging'. Why do we sitll think it is the woman's fault? Consensual or not where are these footballers sense of dignity or self respect. This girl obviously has a problem with her own self respect and they took full advantage. Name them and shame. They are not fit for humanity. Pity help their sons and daughters. WHo will they look up to now? WHo will their role models be?
Michelle Saturday 16 May, 2009 - 10:14 AM

I'm disturbed by those who ask "well what did Clare expect to happen when she went back to a hotel room with Matthew Johns?". I wonder if his supporters realise that the underlying message there is: Rugby players are rapists and if you actually are stupid enough to go home with one, then your safety is in jeopardy and you've no one to blame but yourself. Message received, thank you very much - any domain in which there are rugby players is lawless, they can do whatever they like, so if you see any, run like hell.
Danielle Seymour Sunday 17 May, 2009 - 11:03 PM

A person can consent to sex, but then if that sex suddenly turns violent or any of the original conditions change (i.e. some find themselves suddenly, unexpectedly restrained or drugged without their agreement) that original consent has absolutely no relevance. To make this easier for the dim witted rugby players to understand, think of inviting a person into your home, then they suddenly stab you to death. Is it your own fault for letting that person in the door? Did inviting you inside imply consent to being killed? Should you have expected such an attack? If you accept an invitation to dinner, are you asking to be poisoned? Your logic is criminally flawed. I believe Matthew Johns committed a crime the moment he allowed his 'mates' to overwhelm the room, and 'stepped back' to give them room to manouvre, room to surround Clare and begin the subjugation. He just walked away and left her to the wolves. The instant the 10 gorillas began swarming into the room, Clare's original consent was moot, and he knew it - why else has he been so afraid of this coming to light? I hope his wife Trish remains safe, even though she is married to a man who clearly has nothing but contempt for the female half of the human race.
Danielle Seymour Sunday 17 May, 2009 - 10:57 PM

A very wise and gracious man (yes they do exist), once told me his social rule of thumb was "if you cannot say it to your Grandmother, you should not say it to anyone". Men like Matthew Johns need to adopt the motto "if I wouldn't ask my wife to do this, I should never demand another human being to do it either". I wish Tracy Grimshaw had asked him if he has ever invited his team mates to use his wife Trish in a gang bang scenario - I bet he would have been horrified.
Danielle Seymour Sunday 17 May, 2009 - 10:36 PM

This is not a publicity stunt, its all about moral values by all parties concerned. Men committing adultery and a girl showing no respect for herself...I am not suprised the incident happened!!May God have mercy on your souls....
Jono Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 8:43 AM

Channell Nine is not about reporting news anymore, it's about spreading gossip, making life difficult for some people like Matthew Johns, his life after hours... and his poor wife Trish. Leave them alone to work out their own problems.
What players do in their private time, off field, should be their own bussiness. What kind of girl would go to bed with someone they just met? She is stressed, upset? What a joke? Was she a "Virgin" before him? Get real...please. She is after publicity and handouts, AND SHE IS GETTING IT. It's very obvious she had a big "Mental" problem, still has, to start with. She is upset because he didn't whisper sweet nothings in her ear? DID SHE THINK HE'D STAY WITH HER, LEAVE HIS WIFE IF SHE MAKES HERSELF AVAILABLE SEXUALLY:-)! WHAT A JOKE!Is she ashamed because she slept with someone else's husband? It doesn't look like it. She should be on trail, convicted for she did, not rewarded. He is not innocent, however he is not getting a payment...she is. Fair go please! It makes me sick how women play on high profile men. Give us some real news, not gossip please.
Alexandra Wednesday 13 May, 2009 - 11:45 PM

If the group sex was consensual, then johns has no case to answer and I feel he's been hard done by. The girl can't blame anyone else for her stupidity.
lyn rogers Wednesday 13 May, 2009 - 8:21 PM

i have to wonder what took this girl so long to come out maybe it is the finacial crisis?
peter casey Wednesday 13 May, 2009 - 7:50 PM

Just wondering where the cowards are who was part of this thing. Mathew just shows how much of a man he is to come to the table about it. Where are the ****heads who are hiding about it.... i bet there will be silence about them al.... just typical...
From a fellow follwer of Proper footy...
khemps Wednesday 13 May, 2009 - 6:08 PM

I don't think the young lady signed up to be degraded, humiliated and laughed at, by the entire team - Did one of them step in and stand up for her - Are you OK? No. They just surrounded her,like a pack of hyenas, and took advantage of a vulnerable human being in order to gratify themselves at her expense.
So far as Matthew Johns is concerned, it wouldn't be right for him to continue in a high profile role, at least in the immediate future. Hopefully he, and others involved, will learn that with fame and power also comes responsibility.
Kate Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 2:41 PM

leave matty alone, that woman agreed, so why is she coming out about it now? trying to be famous and cash in no doubt. sure he played up on his wife, but he doesnt deserve what is happening to him. blame that stupid woman!!!!!!!!!!!
lisa blinman Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 1:44 PM

what twat, the Footy Show would have known about the investigation by the television show because THINGS take time in the cutting room of the media. That fat dude ran with alot of 'don't do this men kinda-opening speeches' and now we know why! the-creep next to him was being investigated for a group sex 7 years earlier with a 19 year old girl. All men one girl, that's when you do what your mom says in that situation "lay back and think of England"
mom said to Lay back and think of England Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 1:23 PM

NEW ZEALAND police STATE....Matthew Johns has no case to answer, he himself stated on national TV the durty gurl in question was a willing participant, he should feel the wrath of a woman scorned....HIS WIFE....all broadcasting networks should QUIT with the enormity and remove the G#% dam blur from this womans face so we can all be aware of what type of unit this b*** is!.....If he were guilty persay he should have been dealt with 7 years ago...great story with a mean punch....to get ones POINT across, very sad that it should be at the dimise of such a hardworking public figure!.....and whoever said she wasnt being PAID.......she is!....somethings got to give she needs her medication....all the best to MATTHEW JOHNS and his family......some random PUB thing will never deter OUR family from the game!...
CHERYL west Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 12:19 PM

Just like to say "Phil" made a lot of sense. Finally! Yes she may of consented to one or 2 but certainly not to a gangbang. When males are in a pack mentality they can be quite intimidating and frightful. I can empathise with this girl and can imagine what is going through her head. Now she is being victimised all over again! She took a big step getting this out in the open as part of the healing process and it looks like she will need constant support and councilling to get over the public persecution. It is no wonder a lot of victims are not coming forward with what's happened to them and suffering in silence, perhaps self-harming themselves. It is time for these pack animals were made accountable for their actions and more support given to victims. These kind of (whatever you may call it) SHOULD NOT BE TOLERATED!!
vanessa Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 9:55 AM

we have consiracy laws to all manner of crimes ... it seems to me that by there actions an words the players involved in these situations are conspiring to commit assault of a sexual nature whether by intimidation of numbers or force???
Jeff ramsdale Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 9:47 AM

Quite frankly I have to say that like most reasonable people I am shocked and appalled with this whole situation but I am perhaps even more surprised, shocked and appalled by the number of people men and women who have been so fast and vocal in their support of Mathew Johns. Suggesting that he or anyone in that room that night in NZ was less culpable because the 19 year old was consenting is an utterly atrocious suggestion. How could anyone honestly believe without reservation that this girl, who is so obviously damaged would consensually agree to everything that transpired that night. Certainly she would have withdrawn her consent at some stage but then again considering the circumstances, the size of these men and the number of them I'm not so sure expecting her to do anything but consent is reasonable.
Besides since when does consent release anyone from the responsibility of exercising good judgment and decent humane treatment of a human being. In my view this woman whatever her faults or failings was definitely functioning in a diminished capacity and more in need of compassion and understanding than exploitation and abuse.
Certainly a well respected sportsman like Mathew Johns could have influenced his team mates to take a different track. Certainly he is not without leadership skills, so why when he realized things were going pear shaped didn't he step up and say "That's enough boys" instead of offering nothing but his silence and thereby, his permission.
Mike W Saturday 16 May, 2009 - 3:39 PM

It's sad that Matthew Johns and his wife really missed the point when they spoke to Tracey Grimshaw. This was not a case of infidelity, he was not being unfaithful to his wife if that's her only concern. His behaviour was appalling and all this talk about him taking the brunt for his mates is rubbish. Matthew Johns did not willingly expose himself to public scrutiny and obviously there's no way he could name the others involved. The others will never come forward after seeing the consequences for Johns. Unfortunately, Matthew Johns still doesn't understand what he did wrong.
Marj Friday 15 May, 2009 - 1:43 PM

If these meatheads cannot tell the difference between a women enjoying sex and a woman surviving 'sex', they do not deserve to live. Put them down for the rabid dogs they are.
Danielle Seymour Friday 15 May, 2009 - 1:06 AM

People make lifestyle choices, and if they decide they want to be involved in group sex good on them! There is nothing disrespectful to women about group sex. Seems like some people need to loosen up & try it, they might even find they enjoyed themselves.
Jessica Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 10:28 PM

I am horrified by our cultural inability to place the responsibility of male behaviour at the feet of their victims - who are half their weight and strength. The players shock at the suggestion that a man could ever asked to be raped, but lack of empathy for a female in the same situation just terrifies me. How did these young men come to despise women so much? And to the vitriolic women defending these men, deploring any women stupid enough to actually trust these men, all I can say is this: Statistically, one in three women will be sexually violated during their lifespan, so when this happens to your best friend or sister, what will you say? Will you tell her she asked for it? That the blame lies with the women who actively seek sex with these neanderthals? Anyone's fault other than those 12 poor defenceless, 260 pound men? Will you shame your daughter when she is attacked for no reason other than she cannot prevent it? I'm as sickened by the female chauvenist pigs as I am by the mysogynistic males, and to any women prepared to ignore the obvious hatred these men hold for them, I say good luck. You will need it. Obviously you console yourself with these judgements of the victims, that way you can convince yourself that it will never happen to you. Statistics do not lie however, so do not be suprised when you find yourselves waking up from a rhohypnal nightmare - it happens all the time in football world. You can't possibly audibly state your lack of consent when you are silenced, therefore there will be no crime! Happy days for the big boys of sport.
Danielle Seymour Friday 15 May, 2009 - 1:03 AM

I'm getting so tired of everyone over reacting and being so surprised when yet another footballer is exposed for the scum that most of them are. I have grown up in Melbourne, went to a state school, and can easliy remember the type of people that I went to school with. I can clearly remember the stereotype of person who played and followed football passionatly and most of theses guys were the bulleys and trouble makers of our year level. I hated these guys, they represented the bad mix of society and yes, most of them were in the local footy team. This ocka group will always be bulleys in my mind, its part of the culture. I saw guys bashed, spat on and picked on constantly by this 'team mentality'. It was always the footy crowd doing it. I'm so tired of everyone idolising footballers. The fact is that most of them are morons, sure you might get a few good ones but why worship something so passionatly in this town when it seems to attract and reward the bad people of our society. You can't clean it up, these guys will never learn, its useless to teach them, if they had any brains they wouldn't be playing in the first place in my opinion. There are different types of people in this world, don't be so suprised all the time when we see so many bad ones in footy. I've realised this for years. Its the way humans are, we are all different, some good, some bad. Most footballers fall into the later, this is my observation after 34 years in Melbourne. Is it that hard to see?
Andrew Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 11:25 AM

Is it just me , or does Matthew John's head resemble that of a rather diminutive Monkey ? With brains to match !
Guilty of intimidation , coercion and forceful sexual assault !!!
These PIGS (no offense to pigs) need to be punished for being what they are... low breed peasant filth. There's no hope for cannon fodder like that !
Justin Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 10:58 AM

Neil, your question "are adults not entitled to have group sex?" is way off the mark and sickens me personally. Engaging in consentual sex - even group sex - means that the involved parties have control over the situation to which they are agreeing. When the situation which was originally consented to subsequently gets out of control - where is the consent? This woman consentually and voluntarily kissed one man. Since when is that consent to group sex? It's not! In this case the situation clearly got out of control. Did she consent to the rest of the "mob" getting "in on the act"? No she didn't! To bring up the issue of consenting group sex in this context is offensive and unintelligent to say the very least and shows complete lack of judgement on your part. Nicole Brady stated that the police concluded that they would not be able to get a successful prosecution. You know as well as any of us that that is does NOT make those men innocent and it does not make the act consentual. Those men are indecent, disrespectful people who despicably treated a young woman like an inanimate sex-object. How could you confuse that with consentual sex?
EXTREMELY disappointed.
Justine Wednesday 13 May, 2009 - 9:08 PM