According to reports, Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam has apparently turned down a face-to-face apology from Sydney Roosters forward Spencer Leniu as the fallout from the racism incident continues. Leniu had pleaded guilty to using a racial slur, specifically calling Mam a ‘monkey,’ during a match between the two teams in Las Vegas. The Courier Mail states that Leniu had offered to travel to Brisbane at his own expense to personally apologize to Mam and try to reconcile. However, it is understood that Mam has rejected the peace gesture, as he is still privately angry and upset about the offensive comments made by Leniu, who has previously won three premierships with the Penrith Panthers. The NRL has confirmed that Leniu’s judiciary hearing will be rescheduled to Monday night after a request was made by the Roosters. The incident occurred during the Las Vegas game, resulting in the match being temporarily halted and Leniu being placed on report for the alleged racial slur directed at Mam, who is an indigenous fullback for the Brisbane Broncos.
In the incident involving the alleged racial slur, Brisbane Broncos’ star five-eighth (position in rugby league) made a complaint to referee Adam Gee. Gee informed Roosters’ captain James Tedesco that he personally had not heard anything, but he would be placing the incident on report for further investigation. This means that the matter will be reviewed and examined by the appropriate authorities to determine the validity of the complaint.
Assistant coach John Cartwright has expressed support for Ezra Mam, stating that he is a highly regarded and popular member of the team. Cartwright assured that Mam will be fine and that the situation will not derail his progress or impact the team’s performance in the short-term or for the remainder of the season. He emphasized Mam’s level-headedness and praised how he handled the situation. Cartwright also commended the unity and support shown by the team, highlighting the importance of being among teammates during both good and challenging times in a footballer’s career. The club has dealt with the matter internally, and now it is up to the NRL to take appropriate action.
