Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu has been handed an eight-match suspension by the NRL judiciary panel after using a racial slur towards Indigenous Australian rugby league player Ezra Mam. Leniu was found guilty of referring to Mam as a “monkey” during a game in Las Vegas.
Mam filed a complaint against Leniu, who pleaded guilty and apologized to Mam during the hearing. Leniu expressed a desire to personally apologize to Mam, but Mam rejected his approach, stating he was angry and disappointed after hearing the racial slur.
Despite Leniu describing the incident as “a little bit of banter,” the judiciary panel rejected his argument. Roosters CEO Joe Kelly stated that the club does not believe Leniu used the word in a racially derogatory way.
In response to the incident, the team will undergo further education on Indigenous, Torres Strait Island, and Pasifika cultures. Leniu and the team will continue to be supported and educated on cultural sensitivity.
CNN reached out to the Roosters for comment, but there has been no response yet. The incident underscores the importance of cultural sensitivity and respect in sports, and serves as a reminder of the impact of racial slurs on players and the broader community.
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