Roosters prop Spencer Leniu has pleaded guilty to racially abusing Ezra Mam and issued a public apology to the Broncos young gun.
It comes five days after Mam accused Leniu of calling him a “monkey” during their sides’ historic clash in Las Vegas last Sunday.
Several NRL players have called for a lengthy ban for the 23-year-old who was referred straight to judiciary next Tuesday night where he is facing a up to two months on the sideline.
“I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress,” Leniu said.
The only place to watch every game of every round LIVE with no ad-breaks during play is Fox League, available on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
“I’ve put my hand up and want to take ownership of this. I said the word but I didn’t mean it in a racist way. Anyone who knows me knows that’s not who I am.”
Leniu initially dismissed the incident as nothing more than “fun and games” during an interview on the field after the game.
Roosters coach Trent Robinson was accused of “gaslighting” Mam when he said in his post-match press conference “So Ezra is adamant… that doesn’t mean it’s right”.
Leniu then confronted Broncos players Mam, Pat Carrigan and Kotoni Staggs back at the team hotel where both clubs were staying.
But by Thursday both Leniu and the Roosters had changed their tune on the incident, with the star recruit’s apology accompanied by a statement from the club.
“Inclusivity of people from all cultures and backgrounds is a key and valued principle of the Sydney Roosters. The Roosters do not tolerate any form of racism and we extend our heartfelt apologies to Ezra, his family and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” the statement read.
Roosters CEO Joe Kelly said Leniu had been “completely open and honest throughout this process” and added the club would continue to support him.
“We extend our deepest apologies to Ezra, his family and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and offer our support to all parties during this time,” Kelly said.
“We respect the Judiciary process. Accordingly, the club will not be making any further comment prior to the hearing.”
Rooster accused of racial slur | 01:06
About 90 minutes after the Roosters on Thursday afternoon, the Broncos released a statment of their own.
“The Brisbane Broncos acknowledge the statement from the Sydney Roosters today addressing an incident involving our player Ezra Mam in last’s weekend’s game,” it read.
“The Broncos acknowledge Spencer’s apology to Ezra and the importance of taking that step. “There is no place for racism in our game or in our society. The club respects the NRL Judiciary process that is still to play out and we will make no further comment on that.
“Ezra’s wellbeing has been our primary concern from the start. He has been well-supported within our club and we will continue to focus on that in the time ahead.”
MORE NRL NEWS
‘THEY WON’T MAKE THE 8’: Grim Parra reality as BA’s recruiting power queried
NRL BEST PLAYERS 10-6: We asked 60 players to vote on league’s best
‘NOT ACCEPTABLE’ Eels star put on notice after another careless suspension
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
MORE TO COME
Discussion about this post