Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu has been suspended for eight matches after using a racial slur towards Indigenous Australian rugby league player Ezra Mam during a match in Las Vegas. Leniu was found guilty of referring to Mam as a “monkey,” prompting Mam to file a complaint with the NRL judiciary panel.
During the hearing, Leniu pleaded guilty and apologized to Mam for his actions. However, Mam released a statement expressing his anger and disappointment over the racial slur. Leniu attempted to downplay the incident as “a little bit of banter” during an interview with Nine News.
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly believes Leniu did not use the word in a racially derogatory way, but the club has still decided to provide further education to Leniu and the team about Indigenous and Torres Strait Island cultures, as well as Pasifika culture. Leniu and the team have been offered the chance to comment on the incident.
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of racism in sports and the need for education and awareness around cultural sensitivity. The NRL’s decision to suspend Leniu sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated in the league. The Roosters will now have to work on rebuilding their reputation and ensuring that all players understand the importance of respect and inclusivity on and off the field.
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