Roosters club statement: Spencer Leniu

Embed from Getty Images

The Sydney Roosters have today entered a guilty plea to the contrary conduct charge against Spencer Leniu.

Inclusivity of people from all cultures and backgrounds is a key and valued principle of the Sydney Roosters. The Roosters do not tolerate any form of racism and we extend our heartfelt apologies to Ezra, his family and the broader Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

"I want to apologise to Ezra and his family for using the word I did and I am sincerely sorry to cause him such distress," said Roosters player Spencer Leniu.

"I've put my hand up and want to take ownership of this. I said the word but I didn't mean it in a racist way. Anyone who knows me knows that's not who I am," he added.

"Spencer has been completely open and honest throughout this process, and we will continue to support him," said Roosters CEO Joe Kelly.

"We extend our deepest apologies to Ezra, his family and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and offer our support to all parties during this time.

"We respect the Judiciary process. Accordingly, the Club will not be making any further comment prior to the hearing," he added.