Leniu slur saga takes a new turn amid reports that a “Derogatory” statement incited Roosters member
Ever since Mam claimed that Leniu had called him a “monkey” during the two teams’ Round 1 match at Allegiant Stadium, the Leniu-Mam issue has dominated headlines.
In a post-game interview, Leniu attempted to downplay the incident by referring to it as “banter” and “fun and games,” but he later admitted to using the phrase, apologized publicly, and entered a guilty plea ahead of his judiciary hearing on Monday night.
Before providing any information regarding the incident, seasoned News Corp. journalist Phil Rothfield stated on Sunday on Sky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfast that he anticipates Leniu to receive a “four- to six-week” suspension.
Rumor has it that a really cruel remark from a Broncos player caused Spencer Leniu’s brain explosion. Rothfield was informed of this.
“He’s a different kind of guy though; he was raised on the streets of Mount Druitt and they have this thing where you just don’t snitch and don’t dob anyone in,” he has stated in private.
It happens as journalist Danny Weidler from Channel 9 said in his Sydney Morning Herald column that “he won’t go down that path, but there’s no question his comment wasn’t made without other comments coming his way.”
Nevertheless, it seems that Leniu, who is 23 years old, offered to apologize in person in Brisbane, but Mam turned him down. Though Rothfield finds the fallout extremely distressing, he is “really pleased” that Leniu has “taken ownership for a really poor mistake.”
The incident has caused a rift between Latrell Mitchell and Anthony Mundine, two Indigenous role models with differing perspectives on the matter. Veteran coach Wayne Bennett has firmly said that “we are not a racist game” and has advised the “drama queens to stay out of it.”
Rothfield said, “I’m really disappointed in the fallout afterwards.””To witness the division between two incredibly proud Indigenous men, Anthony Mundine and Latrell Mitchell, is heartwarming.
Although I adore Anthony Mundine and consider him a pioneer in this field, I felt it was quite inadequate of him to urge Ezra Mam to toughen up. Wayne Bennett referring to them as drama queens, in my opinion, wasn’t required. It’s a really depressing tale.