Well, that was awkward! Tim Cahill v John Laws radio interview

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By Colm Boohig

 

They say that there is no such thing as bad publicity, certainly not in the entertainment world. In that case, Sydney’s 2SM radio DJ John Laws has done himself proud. The veteran radio jockey conducted a bizarre and awkward interview with Socceroo legend and general all-round nice chap, Tim Cahill.

 

It has been a big few weeks in the life of Cahill. With the exception of those sleeping under a particularly large set of boulders, every Australian has been basking in the glory of the Socceroos’ recent Asian Cup triumph. Cahill, as usual, was central to all things positive in the Australian camp as coach Ange Postecoglou led his side to a first ever men’s major senior championship.

 

Then, this past week, Cahill parted ways with his club New York Red Bulls, swapping the Big Apple for Shanghai Shenhua. This is where our pal Mr. Laws comes in. Cahill was a guest on Laws’ show where the DJ quizzed the 35-year-old on his move to China, focusing especially on the Aussie’s reported $10million contract.

 

“I don’t speculate on figures, that’s what people have been speculating,” said a clearly perplexed Cahill, who was introduced by Laws as “a very rich man.”

 

“For me, I don’t talk about numbers. I’ve had big contracts my whole career, I just don’t like talking about numbers if they’re real or not real … whatever offers I’ve had, I always keep it private.”

 

Despite Cahill’s professional and polite warning to change the subject, Laws persisted with the same line of questioning. This forced the Socceroo on the defensive once more.

 

“I’m someone who doesn’t like to talk about money, prefer to focus about what I do on the pitch.”

 

The final straw came when Laws said, “champions of Asia? It’s a big call, Asia’s got a lot of people.” Laws was met with dead air as Cahill decided to take the high road.

 

After the curious incident, Laws bore the brunt of the listeners’ criticism. However, the DJ was in unapologetic humour.

 

“Well, let’s forget it. I said I don’t think either of us are short of a dollar, and he hung up. Bloody rude.”

 

The re-match should neither be ruled out, nor missed.

 

Image courtesy of ninemsn