Why Willie didn't hit back
By Jessica Halloran
May 17, 2006
WHEN Willie Mason was racially taunted by a patron at Kings Cross McDonald's, he felt like hitting the bloke. But he didn't. Instead, his brother, Les, was nearby to stick up for him.
In the early hours of Monday, the Bulldogs player was called a "black c---", among other things, by a man in a group of five diners. That's when Les, who is taller and 20kg heavier than the 195cm Willie, stepped in. It's not clear what happened but there was an altercation. Police were called but the man did not press charges.
The NSW Origin prop admitted his status sometimes attracted trouble. "I suppose [it's] just another instance of me just standing there," Mason said. "It was my brother who was in the problem. The bloke called me a black c---, he gave me a mouthful.
"My brother heard it and, him being very over-protective of me, gave him a mouthful and stuff like that. There wasn't any damage. He knew he stuffed up. The bloke said sorry and that afterwards. My brother, he's a bodyguard. I could have easily hit the bloke because I had every right to. But I was just a bit smarter and told him he was an idiot. He should watch his mouth and have a little bit more respect for people."
Mason said he had learnt to better handle difficult situations.
"It was quite easy to handle because I didn't do anything," he said. "I don't mind if blokes say 'the Bulldogs suck' or that crap because that comes with who you are and what team you play for. But when they get a little more personal, it pisses me off."
Mason, at Origin training yesterday, said the old days of boozy bonding in camp were over. He said the first night was quiet.
"It's not bonding days any more, it's just a couple of beers," he said. "Those days are gone. It's mainly just private functions."
The ARL investigated the incident and said Mason had nothing to worry about.
Source: SMH
By Jessica Halloran
May 17, 2006
WHEN Willie Mason was racially taunted by a patron at Kings Cross McDonald's, he felt like hitting the bloke. But he didn't. Instead, his brother, Les, was nearby to stick up for him.
In the early hours of Monday, the Bulldogs player was called a "black c---", among other things, by a man in a group of five diners. That's when Les, who is taller and 20kg heavier than the 195cm Willie, stepped in. It's not clear what happened but there was an altercation. Police were called but the man did not press charges.
The NSW Origin prop admitted his status sometimes attracted trouble. "I suppose [it's] just another instance of me just standing there," Mason said. "It was my brother who was in the problem. The bloke called me a black c---, he gave me a mouthful.
"My brother heard it and, him being very over-protective of me, gave him a mouthful and stuff like that. There wasn't any damage. He knew he stuffed up. The bloke said sorry and that afterwards. My brother, he's a bodyguard. I could have easily hit the bloke because I had every right to. But I was just a bit smarter and told him he was an idiot. He should watch his mouth and have a little bit more respect for people."
Mason said he had learnt to better handle difficult situations.
"It was quite easy to handle because I didn't do anything," he said. "I don't mind if blokes say 'the Bulldogs suck' or that crap because that comes with who you are and what team you play for. But when they get a little more personal, it pisses me off."
Mason, at Origin training yesterday, said the old days of boozy bonding in camp were over. He said the first night was quiet.
"It's not bonding days any more, it's just a couple of beers," he said. "Those days are gone. It's mainly just private functions."
The ARL investigated the incident and said Mason had nothing to worry about.
Source: SMH
