Australian rugby league star Spencer Leniu admitted on Thursday to using a racist slur against an opponent during a showcase match in the United States, apologising for any distress caused.
Indigenous Brisbane Broncos back Ezra Mam claimed the Sydney Roosters prop made the remark -- widely reported as "monkey" -- during last weekend's season-opener in Las Vegas.
"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," Samoa international Leniu said in a statement released by his club.
"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."
Leniu has been charged with contrary conduct by the National Rugby League (NRL) and faces a lengthy suspension after pleading guilty.
The Roosters said they "do not tolerate any form of racism" and also extended its "deepest apologies to Ezra, his family and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community".
Mam reported the comment during the match -- part of a double-header of NRL games to launch the season at Allegiant Stadium -- to referee Adam Gee, who put Leniu on report.
The Broncos welcomed his admission and apology.
"The Broncos acknowledge Spencer's apology to Ezra and the importance of taking that step. There is no place for racism in our game or in our society," it said.
There have been previous instances of racial abuse in the NRL, largely from spectators.
