UFC star Tai Tuivasa slams Israel Folau after homophobic rant
Disgraced Wallaby Israel Folau has been branded a hypocrite by UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, who says: “I know what I’ve seen that idiot do when he’s out and about”.
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Disgraced Wallaby Israel Folau has been branded a hypocrite by UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, who says: “I know what I’ve seen that idiot do when he’s out and about”.
Among Australia’s most popular fighters, Tuivasa told The Daily Telegraph he crossed paths with Folau on a night out and, while refusing to go into detail, suggested the rugby poster boy was lucky to simply stumble off into the night.
Tuivasa also slammed Folau’s online rants this week about homosexuality, having initially replied to the 30-year-old himself by tweeting: “You need a hiding.
“I’ve seen you out blind as a skunk carrying on now you wanna be all churchy.”
Quizzed on Folau, Tuivasa said: “I won’t go into detail about what went on, but I know what happened.
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“And I know what I saw.
“The guy carried on like a f … ing idiot.
“Yet now he wants to be all righteous and put on a show?
“And maybe he’s changed. Who knows?
“But even if he has, that’s no reason to go around trying to bring other people down.
“Has he even thought there might be young footballers out there following him on social media — kids who are 11, 12 — and they’re gay? What happens to them when they read that at home?
“Suddenly this guy they look up to is saying they’re going to hell. He needs to pull up.”
Currently in training for his upcoming bout at UFC 238, Tuivasa is four years younger than Folau and said the pair had not crossed paths playing junior footy in western Sydney.
And while the UFC star represented the Roosters 2010 NYC team, Folau was already playing with the Brisbane Broncos in his fourth and final season of NRL.
“The way he’s talking now, it’s like he’s been brainwashed,” Tuivasa said. “His views are extremist.
“The guy really needs to shut up.”
Folau came under fire on Wednesday after going on another homosexual rant on social media that plunged his code into crisis for the second time in 12 months.
The spray, which grouped homosexuals with drunks and adulterers, raised the ire of Rugby Australia, the NSW Waratahs, major sponsors of the code and the public.
Rugby Australia is now moving to terminate Folau’s $4 million contract just months out from the Rugby World Cup and will begin the process with a code of conduct hearing in the coming days.
Originally published as UFC star Tai Tuivasa slams Israel Folau after homophobic rant
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