Spencer Leniu has been handed an eight-match suspension in the NRL following a racist remark directed at Ezra Mam.
Spencer Leniu has been suspended for eight NRL matches following a racist remark directed at Ezra Mam, as confirmed during a judiciary hearing in Sydney on Monday. Leniu, a prop for the Sydney Roosters, received the ban after pleading guilty to the offense.
During the hearing, Leniu admitted to using the derogatory term “fuck up you monkey” towards Mam during a verbal altercation in the season-opening double-header in Las Vegas against Brisbane. He claimed that he was unaware of the racial connotations of the term at the time and only learned of its offensiveness the next morning.
Leniu defended his actions by stating that players of color in NRL squads often use similar terms amongst themselves, leading him to believe it was acceptable. He expressed regret for his actions and emphasized his respect for Mam and Indigenous culture, expressing his desire to apologize personally to Mam and his family.
Mam, in a statement to the panel, described feeling angry and disappointed after the incident. Leniu reiterated his remorse and acknowledged the lack of racial intent, asserting that there is no place for racism in the sport.
Leniu also addressed a separate verbal altercation with Broncos player Pat Carrigan and clarified his previous characterization of the incident as “banter,” attributing it to his lack of awareness about the term’s history. Furthermore, Leniu highlighted an error during the hearing where he was mistakenly referred to as Tongan instead of Samoan, and as “Spencer Luai” at the outset.
Overall, Leniu’s suspension underscores the NRL’s commitment to combating racism within the sport, with efforts focused on fostering inclusivity and respect among players and fans alike.
