Brisbane Broncos player Ezra Mam has reportedly turned down an in-person apology from Roosters forward Spencer Leniu amid the ongoing racism controversy.
Following Leniu’s admission of guilt for using a racial slur against Mam during a match between the two teams in Las Vegas, The Courier Mail states that Leniu offered to travel to Brisbane at his own expense to personally apologize to Mam and attempt to reconcile the situation.
However, according to the publication, Mam has declined Leniu’s gesture as he remains deeply upset by the forward’s remarks. Leniu, who has won three premierships with the Penrith Panthers, made the offensive comments.
The NRL has confirmed that Leniu’s judiciary hearing will be moved up to Monday night following a request from the Roosters.
During the Las Vegas match, play was stopped, and Leniu was put on report for allegedly making a racial slur against indigenous Brisbane Broncos fullback Ezra Mam.
The star five-eighth reported the incident to referee Adam Gee, who informed Roosters’ captain James Tedesco that he hadn’t personally heard anything but was putting the matter on report for further investigation.
Subsequent reports revealed that Leniu had allegedly referred to Mam as a ‘monkey’.
Assistant coach John Cartwright provided reassurance, stating to The Courier Mail, “He’s received a lot of support. Ez is a fantastic young man and very well-liked within the team. He’ll be okay.”
When questioned about whether this situation might affect Mam’s performance in the short term or for the rest of the season, Cartwright emphasized, “We have no concerns about Ezra. He’s a mature young man and has handled this situation appropriately. The club has managed it, and now it’s in the NRL’s hands.”
“The best place for a player is with their teammates,” he continued. “I admire how they’ve all rallied together, and being together today is a positive sign.”
“In both good times and bad, being among your teammates is important for a footballer,” Cartwright concluded.
