Club Statement: Spencer Leniu - Leniu enters Guilty Plea

[Paddo Colt 61]

IMO this came down to the possible corporate backlash if you read his PR-approved statement. The club does not support racism and he's sorry for any hurt that Mam or indigenous Australians / Torres Strait Islanders may have felt from this incident.

BUT... as he notes (and I share this opinion)... he notes there was no intention for this to be taken as a racial slur. He's a man of colour himself and IMO it's quite ludicrous how much attention this has brought to him & the club.

From a corporate perspective I think the best (only) way forward was for him to say sorry and let it settle.

As a fan I'm sorry if any indigenous Australians (including Mam) were REALLY offended by this. However, I'm with Spencer on this one. The word monkey has a LOT of different meanings and I think you're drawing a VERY long bow to suggest that Leniu was making a broader, racially motivated comment about the intelligence / evolutionary status of black people (unless this was some sorta self deprecating humour).

Ezra - if you were really just trying to milk a penalty and were sad that your team lost then that's on your conscience. We'll take whatever punishment's dished out so that everybody can move on. Looking forward to towelling you again (and Latrell) on the field. After one okay season you're heavily over-rated and you got schooled by the big boys. GET USED TO IT because we're not the only team that'll be schooling the Broncos this season.

Wishful thinking Izzy. The NRL is on a roll and has been for some time. Wealthy and powerful people now have a big stake and a corporate mission to make money. The much romanticised days of old - the biff, heads highs, letting things remain on the field, brawls in pubs, misogyny and the new taboo racism, are now proscribed. We will not see their like again.

Depending on Spencers record, I'm hoping for leniency but the media hype will be a problem no doubt.

[SupermanSupportsEasts4Eva]

That's why context is all though. Two scenarios...

1. If you're a piece of white trash who walks through Redfern yelling targeted racial slurs at random locals then you deserve what whatever punishment's waiting there for you. NOBODY supports this sort of behaviour.

2. If two guys with similar skin tones are giving each other a spray on the footy field and one uses the word 'monkey' as an alternative to far more vulgar words (which I have no doubt players get away with every day) then it's not the same thing. It legitimately means 'clown' or 'copycat'.

They were on a footy field, they were both of colour and I think it's drawing a REALLY long bow to suggest that he was using the word monkey to suggest that black people are a primitive, sub-human species.

So... maybe try being a black guy... playing professional footy... and calling a guy a monkey when he lies down, attempting to milk a penalty. The result may be different from if some white bogan walks around Redfern telling a bunch of indigenous people they're part of a primitive sub-species.

I appreciate that indigenous Australians have copped way more discrimination than Australian Italians. However my dad was kicked outta the country and called all sorts of things. If somebody calls me a 'wog' then CONTEXT is important!!! There is a significant difference between some dickhead trying to use it to degrade me and somebody using it to suggest I've been a little bit too slick with my lawyering / business deals (e.g. 'that's why we hired a wog for this job' or 'oh you ****ing wogs and your investment properties'). If they are ALSO a wog (not necessarily Italian) then it's safe for me to assume they're not attacking wogs.

This whole thing irks me. I really don't wanna offend anybody but surely commonsense says that the context and intention plays out here...

Common-sense doesn't exist at the NRL

[Sydney Sports Ground]

There's a rumour Esram was slagging off Penrith during gf,and Anasta last night mentioned he said something to Spencer when he tackled him prior to incident????

[Batemans Bay Rooster]

They asked the leader of our State no less, Chris Minns, whether Sam Kerrs comments were racist and he replied "No".

So she's open slather on those Whiteys guys, knock yourself out!

Way to bring a nation together....fk me swingin.

I read that Chris Minns said that...what a disgraceful, pathetic thing to say. Too scared to call out an indigenous person for being racist against white people.

[nayfo]

Latrell Mitchell > Farking drama queen with a huge chip on his shoulder. He wouldn't say Boo if it were any other club.

Fark I hate Souffs!!!!!

I’ve never disliked one of our ex players as much as I dislike LM!

[bondi.boy]

I read that Chris Minns said that...what a disgraceful, pathetic thing to say. Too scared to call out an indigenous person for being racist against white people.

She's Indian heritage.
No Indigenous.

Racism is a two way street.

I saw video on the tv news of Minns being asked the question, and he saying 'no'.

Time for White people to change the narrative, or be discriminated against at will forevermore.

[Roosterfarian]

any adult man who’d physically assault someone for calling them a name is a loser

Another keyboard warrior..

[Bates]

Why unfortunately? He deserves whatever he gets.

Why? There are a number of reasons. At the top of that list is that we want our best players on the pitch.

[The Marshall]

Finally get a good start to the season. Strong win against quality opposition in a big Occassion. The joy was short lived with this circus unfolding. He should get no more than 4 weeks and an education program. But of course it will be a total over reaction, just like Mitchell Pearce and the dog BS. We will be punished for detracting from the Vegas launch and PVL will get to be defender of the oppressed (and placate the Latrell, Cody, Nicho special interest group).
nice start Spencer

[HunchoRooster]

Roosterfarian's comments are a breath of fresh air on this subject after some of the dross posted recently.

It's very disappointing that Spencer Leniu has aimed a racial slur at another player, I suppose that he can be commended for owning up to it and I hope he is punished but then forgiven by those who are calling for his head and allowed to reflect and change his behaviour.

I believe that the NRL will give him a suspension of at least 8 weeks and probably around the 12 week mark Peter Vlandys was very adamant they will come down tough on racism and after a very successful Las Vegas weekend it will be an easy PR goal to sit Spencer Leniu out for a long time and I wouldn't mind betting that Vlandys instructs the judiciary on how long to make the
suspension.

What comments might those be? Suggesting other posters to shout insults at randoms on the street and name calling... as well as calling for a 12 week ban to one of our own players.

I just wish I had the same amount of loyalty to the club and could articulate as well as some of you guys can. I am a fairweather fan with no idea after all.

PS: Was hoping you'd go away now or be up for a rebranding considering you simp for an accused racist.

[Danish]

Another keyboard warrior..

generally the one making try hard threats of violence on the internet is considered the keyboard warrior, champ

[Recky62]

What part of "I plead guilty" do you not understand?

Oh, I get it , I was just saying

[Roosterfarian]

generally the one making try hard threats of violence on the internet is considered the keyboard warrior, champ

Happy to catch up in person and debate it.

Ill even call me black mate and you can call him a monkey to his face considering that you see it as harmless.

[rented tracksuit]

Farian is triggered.

Kebabs at 2am anyone?

[Waylander]

I read that Chris Minns said that...what a disgraceful, pathetic thing to say. Too scared to call out an indigenous person for being racist against white people.

WTF are you talking about? Sam Kerr is NOT indigenous, , she is part Indian.