Ezra Mam has rebuffed an attempt from Spencer Leniu to meet in person and deliver an apology after the racism scandal that has engulfed the NRL since last weekend’s opening matches in Las Vegas.
According to NewsCorp, the Roosters prop offered to fly to Brisbane at his own expense ahead of Monday’s judiciary hearing in Sydney to meet with the Broncos five-eighth.
However, Mam – who is privately very angry about the incident – turned down the peace offering and instead was willing to front next week’s NRL judiciary to press his case further, though that will not be required given Leniu’s admission of guilt.
The Roosters had offered to help facilitate a meeting with the Broncos, but both Mam and his mother, an Indigenous elder, turned down any potential olive branch.
Notably, the Broncos’ statement on the issue released on Thursday afternoon merely acknowledged that Leniu had apologised, but did not state that Mam had accepted the apology.
“The Broncos acknowledge Spencer’s apology to Ezra and the importance of taking that step,” it read.
“There is no place for racism in our game or in our society.
“The club respects the NRL Judiciary process that is still to play out and we will make no further comment on that.
“Ezra’s wellbeing has been our primary concern from the start. He has been well-supported within our club and we will continue to focus on that in the time ahead.”
Speaking in the same article, Broncos assistant John Cartwright said the club were supporting their player and
“We haven’t got a problem with Ezra,” said the former Gold Coast Titans head coach.
“He is a very level-headed young kid. He’s dealt with it the way it had to be dealt with. The club’s dealt with it and it’s up to the NRL now.
“As a footballer, the best place to be is with your teammates. I love the way they all pulled together and the fact we’re all here together today (is great).
Spencer Leniu in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
“As a footballer, in good times and bad times you want to be amongst your teammates.”
“He’s had plenty of support. He’s a great young kid, Ez. He’s very popular within the group. He will be fine.”
“I can’t comment on the Roosters player,” he added.
“I know we get plenty of education around the treatment of indigenous people in society. From my perspective, I’m fully aware of being inclusive and how people need to be treated.
“They have all pulled together as a group. They’ve done everything they can do.
“The club has handed a statement down. Ezra’s done his part and it’s up to the NRL authorities to look after it now.”
McNo
Roar Rookie
In the UK they would
Jacko
Roar Rookie
Nope. Im saying mam was wronged. Lenui did the wrong thing and needs a punishment of some sort. Im also saying that mam should accept the apology and move on just as Lenui has to accept his punishment then move on. Im saying this should at least be the public side of this story. I have no doubt they will both dislike each other forever but what was done is wrong but no one has died.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I just don’t really get what your position is It seems like you’re saying Mam doesn’t have a right to hold a grudge, but Leniu does have a right to be forgiven / forgotten… seems contradictory and tgat you’re sticking up for the wrong end of this…
The Barry
Roar Guru
No one is saying that :laughing:
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
Actually, a club does have something to do with it. This mouthy, puerile nonsense was bred into Leniu at the Panthers along with the rest of his teammates. I blame Ivan Cleary. The coach who once gave supporters of his former club, the Tigers, the middle finger from the coaches box.
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
If anyone needs any Red Rooster pitchforks let me know, Pickett. I have plenty! :laughing:
Lucky22
Roar Rookie
From what I recall, Robinson said that they hadn't spoken about it yet. He said he had spoken to Leniu about the game, but not the incident. So Robinson may well not have known whether it took place, at that time.
Mainlander
Roar Rookie
My original comment was shit. Thanks for calling it out
Mainlander
Roar Rookie
I meant this particular article, not the entire episode. And that the panthers won't miss leniu if that's what is going on in his head.
mushi
Roar Guru
The sincerity of the apology wasn’t you point, you were effectively banning any and all apologies prior to a hearing. If an insincere one does more harm than good in your opinion then it only hurts the party “apologising” anyway.
Brainstrust
Roar Rookie
I have never met a Polynesian who has anything to say about Aboriginals. Where would they have any significant interaction apart from rugby sports and jails. Never been to a jail so I dont have a clue.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
Even if Leniu had called him the n-word, if it had been said on the field you can absolutely guarantee that it wasn’t meant in the it’s cool he’s my mate style, because they clearly are not mates. It would have been meant as a racially influenced insult. Anyway, Mundine raised a straw-man argument to excuse the behaviour between people of colour, and completely disregards the fact that a) it was meant to be insulting, and b) they aren’t the same race.
Fraser
Roar Rookie
I find this desire to be as strongly offensive as possible, a bit much.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
So chat to the person who bought up pitch forking then.
Jacko
Roar Rookie
No way.... Drive him from the sport. Make sure he is never allowed to work again and is homeless and deprived of liberty. Its the only way I tell you. :laughing: :laughing:
The Barry
Roar Guru
Everyone’s got the right to hold a grudge forever Does Leniu have a right to be forgiven?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Club has nothing to do with it… People calling for a player who racially abused an opponent to be punished for it =/= pitchforks
Robbo
Roar Rookie
The human thing to do would be to apologise straight away or at first opportunity - certainly not as a veiled attempt at leniency. If im on the judiciary panel I'm offended by the silly attempt to put one over me and I'm convinced you arent sorry for much except your own reputation
Robbo
Roar Rookie
Wake up mate
Greg
Roar Pro
I believe Leniu in this instance was to foolish to realise that he was being racist. It is the only way i can make sense of the sequence of events. Racist remark made, that Lenui himself didn't regard as racist at the time. As such, Leniu tells Robinson he didnt say anything racially motivated. Robinson cast doubt in press conference whilst Leniu tells the press there was nothing in it, again he would have believed this at the time. Leniu gets fired up about not leaving things on the field, as 1) that is his value, 2) he was still yet to understand the ramifications of what he said. Finally, after some education and reflection Leniu understands that his comment is indeed racist and wants to apologies. I agree with an earlier comment that it was textbook racism as it was a slur that Leniu would not use on a player of a different race. Furthermore, I don't believe Leniu's ignorance excuses his comments and still believe he should be punished accordingly. But i think a lot of the cynicism and some of the suspensions fans are calling for is somewhat over the top.