THE family of a disabled security guard who appeared on the NRL Footy Show has slammed Channel 9 after Paul "Fatty" Vautin said he was drunk.

Bouncer Greg Stacey was on the door at the Caxton Hotel on State of Origin night when he was door-stopped by Allan "Robbo'' Robinson.

The 21-year-old from Manly West in Brisbane, who has benign epilepsy, suffers from slurred speech and learning difficulties.

After he was interviewed by Robinson, the show cut to Vautin who exclaimed "What about security at the Caxton? That bloke was blind. He could hardly talk''.

The incident has also appeared in a major Queensland newspaper, who quoted Caxton Hotel owner Steve Farquhar saying Greg would not be back.

He has since told a radio station that they would re-employ him.

Last night, Channel 9 issued an unreserved apology to Greg and his family. They said they will also be issuing an on-air apology. Outraged dad Peter Stacey, from Manly West in Brisbane, revealed they may consider legal action saying his son felt like he had been "raped'' by the media.

"My son was portrayed as a drunk and a person who was drinking on the job and we want Channel 9 to issue an on-air apology,'' Mr Stacey, 47, said.

"Greg had definitely not been drinking and he hardly ever drinks because of his disability. His condition means he does come across as slow, but they've just assumed he's pissed.

"He was startled and his eyes rolled back because he was startled, but they've made a laughing stock of him on national TV. Greg is handling it OK but since then he has been trying to wear dark sunglasses to disguise himself when he leaves the house.''

American football lover Greg has worked as a bouncer for the past 12 months after refusing to stay on disability benefits. "Greg loves his job and he's not bad at it,'' Mr Stacey said.

Channel 9 Head of Sport Gary Burns apologised unreservedly to Greg and his family. "I will be contacting the family and they will also be getting an on-air apology,'' Burns said.

"We did not know he was handicapped and it would never have gone to air if we'd known. We are guilty of assumption but it's an unwitting mistake.''

cant blame Vautin really, unfortunately poor form though, good on the young fella for wanting to work rather than bludge though, good to see.

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