Roosters captain James Tedesco speaks about 'Squid Game' incident
James Tedesco has apologised in regards to an off-season incident where he was accused of making a racial slur.
The Roosters captain was fined $10,000 by the NRL over the incident, outside a Bondi pub last year.
Tedesco came under fire after a 20-year-old woman lodged a formal complaint with the NRL, alleging the fullback shouted "squid games" at her - a reference to a popular Korean series on Netflix.
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"I had a Zoom call with the girls that were affected, and we had a good long chat and sorted it out pretty well," Tedesco told 9News today.
James Tedesco at Leichhardt Oval during the pre-season. Getty
"I apologised for causing any offence or any harm that they felt."
The 29-year-old said he was trying to mature in his life, citing his recent engagement and desire to start a family.
"The wedding's coming up, I want to have kids, that's a transition now," he said.
"I want to be a family man and a role model, and especially as captain, I'm not a young guy just going out with the boys and having beers all the time, that's not who I am."
The 2019 Dally M winner has had a stem cell procedure on his knee during the off-season, as he looks to be back fighting fit for 2022.
The Roosters struggled mightily with injuries in 2021, but if they remain healthy are among the competition favourites this season.
Backstories and controversies behind all the Clive Churchill Medal winners of the NRL era
Backstories and controversies behind all the Clive Churchill Medal winners of the NRL era
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