Spencer Leniu facing ban after pleading guilty to using racist slur

The Roosters prop is likely to receive a long suspension as a result of the incident.

Spencer Leniu (right) said that he has apologised for calling Ezra Mam (left) a monkey during an NRL game in Las Vegas.

Spencer Leniu has apologised to Ezra Mam, whom he admits he targeted with a racial slur during the NRL's opening round in Las Vegas.

Sydney Roosters recruit Leniu has pleaded guilty to contrary conduct ahead of his NRL judiciary hearing next week and is likely to receive a long suspension.

Leniu was placed on report after the Kuku Yalanji and Torres Strait Islander man Mam told referee Adam Gee that he had been called a "monkey".

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.

Spencer Leniu

Using the word ape or monkey to describe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been publicly called out as blatant racism.

However, Leniu maintains he did not mean to use the word monkey "in a racist way".

"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 said.

The Brisbane Broncos have said that they acknowledge Spencer’s apology to Ezra.

While recognising that it's an important step, the Brisbane Broncos said in a statement that there is "no place for racism in our game or in our society".

The Club has said they "respect the NRL Judiciary process that is still to play out".

"Ezra’s well-being 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."