Sydney Roosters’ Spencer Leniu Suspended for Using Racial Slur Towards Indigenous Player
Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu has been suspended for eight matches after using a racial slur towards Indigenous Australian player Ezra Mam during a match in Las Vegas. Leniu was found guilty of calling Brisbane Broncos’ Mam a “monkey,” leading to Mam filing a complaint with the NRL judiciary panel.
During the hearing, Leniu pleaded guilty to the incident and issued an apology to Mam. Mam, in response, released a statement expressing his anger and disappointment at hearing the racial slur directed towards him.
Leniu downplayed the incident as “a little bit of banter” during a subsequent interview. However, Roosters CEO stood by their decision to suspend Leniu, stating that the word was still used in a racially derogatory manner.
In light of the incident, the Roosters have announced that they will be providing further education to team members on Indigenous, Torres Strait Island, and Pasifika cultures. Leniu and his teammates have also been given the chance to comment on the incident.
The NRL has taken a strong stance against racism in the sport, emphasizing the importance of respecting all players and cultures. Leniu’s suspension serves as a reminder that racial slurs have no place in the game of rugby league.
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