BREAKING NEWS: After Spencer Leniu was struck by the NRL with a football ball, a football star made an incredible revelation.
Haumole Olakau’atu of Manly has come forward to say that he has been called a “coconut” on several occasions. The football player has been a strong supporter of Spencer Leniu.
After calling Ezra Mam a “monkey” in Las Vegas, Leniu argued before the NRL judiciary that Pacific Island players frequently use language that others may find inappropriate in order to protect themselves.
Olakau’atu, a native of the same area, repeated Leniu’s contention.
From Spencer’s point of view, Olakau’atu told the Sydney Morning Herald, “Yes, we do use it for banter and for a laugh.”
But that’s all there is to it. There are no sentimental or other purposes for it. Growing up, we have been referred to as everything.
For using the slur, Leniu was given an eight-match ban; nevertheless, Olakau’atu has claimed that the punishment was excessively severe.
Was eight weeks too much time? Way too long, in my opinion. He did apologize at the end of the day, right? He was accused. That concludes it.
Like Leniu, Olakau’atu asserted he was unaware of the Adam Goodes case and that he had no notion the name “monkey” was derogatory to Indigenous people.
A Collingwood reporter dubbed former AFL player Goodes a “ape” more than ten years ago, in an Australian-shattering event.
Olakau’atu apologized, saying, “I don’t know who that is, I don’t know who Adam Goodes is.”
Of course, we are aware of part of the history of the Aboriginal people who live here. When he (Leniu) used that word, I didn’t believe it was all that significant until it actually happened.
“I understand his perspective.” On the field, I’ve been called everything. To me, it’s simply words. In the NRL, I’ve been referred to as coconut numerous times.
The heat of the moment is a component of the game. Ultimately, their intentions aren’t truly sincere. To me, it’s simply words.
Growing up, I was even called “coconut” at school. I grew accustomed to it. They are now simply words to me.
Although he doesn’t know Leniu well, he said, he thought the eight-week suspension was excessively long.
“Throughout my career, I have said hello and goodbye to him a few times,” Olakau’atu remarked.
He made his statement. He meant no harm at all. I accept him. Eight weeks is a lengthy time in my opinion, thus four weeks would have been more than sufficient.
“It will have an impact on his career upon his return.” You can never be sure what’s going through his mind right now.
“I hope this message reaches him.” Even if what he did to Ezra was horrible, I support him. I hope his mental health is holding up.
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