Spencer Leniu, a forward for the Sydney Roosters, has apologized to Ezra Mam, a five-eighth for the Brisbane Broncos, for his racist remarks during Sunday’s NRL game in Las Vegas.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Roosters announced that Leniu will enter a guilty plea to a charge of contradictory behavior.
“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 stated.
“I’ve put my hand up and want to take ownership of this,” Leniu continued. I didn’t mean to sound racist when I said the word. That isn’t who I am, as everyone who knows me would attest.”
Leniu has been forwarded directly to the judiciary of the NRL.
Chief Executive Joe Kelly of the Roosters stated that the team does not “tolerate any form of racism”.
“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 stated.
“We value the judicial system. As such, the club will refrain from commenting until after the hearing.”
Leniu’s apology was accepted by the Broncos in a statement that was made public on Thursday.
The statement said, “Racism has no place in our game or in our society.”
“The club will refrain from commenting further on the NRL Judiciary process, which is still ongoing. We respect it.”
From the beginning, our top priority has been Ezra’s welfare.
“He has been well-supported within our club and we will continue to focus on that in the time ahead.”
On Monday night, Leniu is scheduled to appear before the judges; a lengthy ban is anticipated.
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