Sydney Roosters Forward Suspended for Racial Slur Towards Indigenous Player
Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu has been handed an eight-match suspension after being found guilty of using a racial slur towards Brisbane Broncos’ Indigenous Australian rugby league player Ezra Mam. Leniu admitted to referring to Mam as a “monkey” during a match in Las Vegas and pleaded guilty during the hearing.
Mam released a statement expressing his anger and disappointment at hearing the derogatory term, while Leniu downplayed the incident as “a little bit of banter.” Roosters CEO Joe Kelly has stated that Leniu did not use the word in a racially derogatory way, but the club will still provide further education on Indigenous and Torres Strait Island cultures for team members.
In addition to this, Leniu and his teammates will undergo additional education on Pasifika culture to prevent similar incidents in the future. Leniu has expressed remorse for his actions and will continue to receive support from the club.
The incident highlights the importance of addressing racism in sports and the impact that derogatory language can have on individuals and communities. The Roosters’ swift action in suspending Leniu and providing education for team members is a step towards creating a more inclusive and respectful sporting environment.
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