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Saturday July 31, 2010

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Matthew Johns stood down by Channel Nine

Posted by: smh.com.au and AAP | 13 May, 2009 - 5:26 PM


Channel Nine's rugby league personality Matthew Johns was stood down indefinitely by the network and the Melbourne Storm today following damning allegations of sexual impropriety made on the ABC's Four Corners on Monday night.

Johns and his manager John Fordham, had a two hour meeting with the head of Channel Nine, David Gyngell, and other Channel Nine and Footy Show excutives at Willoughby.

Channel Nine says Johns has apologised to the women involved in the 2002 incident and will be immediately stood down from all on-air commitments.

Johns has also been stood down indefinitely from his role as part-time coach by the Melbourne Storm following a discussion with the club this morning.

The club yesterday said they would not part ways with the former league star.

Johns returned to Sydney last night, after being summonsed from a holiday in Western Australia by the network.

Early this afternoon, Johns was still at the studio, believed to be recording an explanation of his version of events to be aired on the Footy Show tomorrow night.

Blog comments Your Say

  • 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 Certainly she would have withdrawn her consent at some stage but then again considering the circumstances, the size of these men and the number of them I'm not so sure expecting her to do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 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 cow of a woman!!!!!!!!!!!

    lisa blinman Thursday 14 May, 2009 - 1:44 PM

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