Ezra Mam of the Brisbane Broncos has alleged that Spencer Leniu from the Sydney Roosters directed a racial slur towards him during an NRL match held in Las Vegas. Mam, who is Indigenous Australian, brought this complaint to the referee’s attention during the Broncos’ 20-10 loss at Allegiant Stadium. The NRL is currently investigating this accusation.
Spencer Leniu has been charged with violating the NRL’s code of conduct and will appear before a judiciary panel, which has the authority to impose penalties such as fines or match suspensions. Leniu, a Samoa international player, was informed of the allegation by referee Adam Gee during the game and responded with confusion, asking, “why would I say that?” He later downplayed the incident in a radio interview, stating that “nothing” had occurred and characterizing on-field exchanges as mere “fun and games.”
Following the match, Broncos players reportedly confronted Leniu at the team hotel, leading to a verbal altercation. Brisbane coach Kevin Walters expressed support for Mam’s allegations, emphasizing Mam’s distress and deferring to the NRL’s investigation process.
Reece Walsh of the Brisbane Broncos condemned the alleged behavior, describing it as “disgusting” and lamenting its presence in the sport. NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the league’s commitment to combating discrimination in all forms and highlighting the seriousness with which they take such allegations.
Abdo refrained from commenting on the specifics of the incident due to the ongoing investigation and emphasized the NRL’s respect for the judicial process.
