- James Graham has once again caused an intense dispute with Peter FitzSimons
- Couple have opposing views when it comes to concussion in sports
- Graham criticized FitzSimons, who called for James Tedesco’s retirement
- The Roosters captain has suffered several concussions in his career.
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
Rugby league great James Graham has criticized Peter FitzSimons after the columnist called for Roosters star James Tedesco to retire after suffering another concussion.
Graham and former Wallaby FitzSimons have been feuding for years, with the pair first clashing in 2019 when Sydney Morning Herald writer questioned the retired prop claiming he was willing to “accept” the risk of head blows as part comprehensive of professional rugby league.
In 2022, Graham accused FitzSimons of ambushing him and parading him at a concussion seminar.
So when FitzSimons recently wrote that it was time for Roosters captain Tedesco to hang up his boots after being knocked out against the Bulldogs, Graham didn’t mince his words.
‘This type of behavior [from FitzSimons] “He’s using our game and the very serious concussion problem to stay alive,” Graham fumed in his The Bye Round Podcast.
Rugby league great James Graham has criticized Peter FitzSimons after the veteran journalist called for Roosters star James Tedesco to retire due to a series of concussions.
The pair first clashed in 2019 when the Sydney Morning Herald scribe (pictured) questioned the retired prop claiming he was willing to “accept” the risk of head knocks as an integral part of professional rugby league.
When Fitzsimons wrote that it was time for Roosters captain Tedesco to hang up his boots after being knocked out (pictured) against the Bulldogs, Graham didn’t hold back on his The Bye Round podcast.
“He has no right to publicly recommend that James Tedesco retire from rugby.”
“It’s basically like me saying, ‘Peter, I think you’re over it, I think you should retire from journalism.'” It should have the same weight because you’re talking nonsense.
“It’s time for you to move on and retire.”
Graham also noted that FitzSimons is not a doctor and, as a result, should not examine Tedesco’s playing future.
“It also says, ‘I’m someone with no medical experience,'” Graham said.
—You’re right about that part. You got that part right. When you write this, you know that James’ loved ones (his wife, his mom, his dad, his extended family, and his friends) would read it and it does nothing but cause unnecessary anxiety and stress.
Graham (pictured playing for the Bulldogs in 2012) called the columnist a parasite and attacked him for hurting Tedesco’s family.
‘You are making the situation worse. He knows the complexities, weight and delicate nature of such a decision and you are asking him to retire.
‘How dare you do that? He is saying that he is going to generate criticism. Well, you already have your reaction. I call it what it is.
“It’s hit a nerve and really frustrated me because it’s something that shouldn’t be happening, and he needs to be called out for it.”
‘Nothing less than the behavior of a parasite. Now, for those who don’t know what a parasite means, it needs a host to stay alive. And this type of behavior is using our game and the very serious nature of the concussion to remain relevant or alive.
“That’s what a parasite would do.”