The Sydney Roosters are grappling with significant repercussions following allegations that Spencer Leniu directed a racial slur towards Broncos player Ezra Mam during yesterday’s Las Vegas season opener.
Mam lodged a formal complaint against Leniu after the Roosters prop allegedly referred to the Broncos five-eighth as a “monkey” on the field.
Despite Leniu’s attempts to downplay the incident as “just fun and games on the field,” Broncos coach Kevin Walters stated that Mam was “pretty upset” about the confrontation. This morning, the NRL formally charged Leniu in connection with the alleged incident.
The Sydney Roosters have historically been regarded as one of the wealthier clubs in the league, benefiting from numerous lucrative sponsorship deals that have supported their operations. However, in light of the comments allegedly made against Leniu, this reputation could now be in jeopardy.
Sponsors withdrawing funding in response to potential scandals is not uncommon, with many opting to do so even for lesser offenses than those Leniu has been accused of. A prime example is the St George Illawarra Dragons, set to lose a major sponsor, St George Bank, at the end of the 2024 season.
The financial institution cited concerns about the club’s management and player behavior over recent years as reasons for ending the partnership. Globally, there is a history of individual sponsorship deals being terminated due to misconduct by players or coaches.
For years, the Roosters have partnered with the Kari Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Indigenous communities. However, this partnership could be jeopardized if the allegations against Spencer Leniu are confirmed. Premier Services Group, a club sponsor, also holds an individual investment in Leniu. B&T reached out to both the Kari Foundation and Premier Services Group for comment but did not receive a response.
Unfortunately for the Roosters, this issue is unlikely to fade away quietly, as several high-profile players have taken to social media to express support for Mam. Rabbitohs superstar Latrell Mitchell, for instance, shared his thoughts on Instagram, calling for the NRL to address the matter. Mitchell himself was involved in a racism incident last year when an opposing fan allegedly directed a racial slur at him during a match.
Amid the ongoing situation, an altercation involving Leniu and two Broncos players reportedly occurred at the hotel where both teams were staying. Leniu was said to have been involved in a heated exchange with center Kotoni Staggs and lock Pat Carrigan over the incident that allegedly left Mam distraught.
The NRL maintains a zero-tolerance stance against racism and has a track record of effectively enforcing this policy. The allegations will be thoroughly investigated, with potential serious consequences if Leniu is found to be culpable. Veteran commentator Phil Rothfield suggests that Leniu could face a significant suspension from the league if found guilty.
B&T reached out to the Sydney Roosters for comment on the allegations, but no response was received.
