What do you think of this newspaper article, re racism?

Background - it's a sports article on Rugby League. Last years top tryscorer was playing in the team that came last (South Sydney, who won only 3 games out of about 24). To achieve this feat is incredibly difficult (should be impossible). This year, that same winger, who is still scoring very well, could not make the lowest representative side possible (Country V City).

In order of representative duties for NSW players it goes :
1. Country V City
2. State of Origin (NSW V QLD)
3. Australia

After not making Country V City, some journalist asked this player 'do you think it's because of your aboriginality', and the player (Nathan Merritt) replied 'maybe'. The media then turned this into accusations of racism in the league (which I think was highly irresponsible by the media, given the leading questions, and the timing of the question, but who expects anything better from them).

Then this article came out.

http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,21665871-5003409,00.html

Just a note regarding this article (for those not familiar with Rugby League). It makes assertions about size. These concerns/assertions are in relation to defensive ability only - the theory being the bigger you are, the less likely you are to be trampled over in defence.

My question is : Do you think this article is, perhaps untintentially, excusing/justifying racism?