A Shocking Stat Explains the Harsh Punishment

Asu Kepaoa, a 26-year-old player, was the fifth player charged with using a homophobic slur in NSW Rugby League competitions in the last two years. This shocking stat explains why NSWRL came down hard on Kepaoa for his actions.

Kepaoa was hit with a six-match ban after he pleaded guilty to calling a St George Illawarra rival a “f---ing f----t” during a NSW Cup match last Friday.

### The Incident

The slur was overheard by the referee, and Kepaoa was sent straight from the field. It was argued at the judiciary that Kepaoa used the term three separate times, an allegation he disputed on the night.

### Prior Incidents

This is not the first time a player has been charged with using a homophobic slur in NSW Rugby League competitions. In the last two years, four other players have been charged with the same offense. The maximum previous penalty had been three games.

### Response from NSWRL

NSWRL chief executive Dave Trodden said the punishment was intended to send a strong message to other players that such remarks would not be tolerated. He stated, “When you talk about general deterrence, when there have been five [homophobic slur] instances in a short time, the message has to be a stronger message because the other messages haven’t been getting through.”

### Kepaoa and the Knights

Kepaoa, who has played 42 NRL games but is yet to make his first-grade club debut with the Knights, issued a personal apology on the night and was aware of the harm caused by his choice of words. The Knights issued a statement late on Wednesday, saying, “The Newcastle Knights are an inclusive club and pride ourselves on being a welcoming place for all players, staff, and supporters. Language that causes harm to individuals or communities has no place in our club, the NRL, or in our community.”

### Context

The incident comes after former Sydney Roosters prop Kane Evans revealed he was gay, but had hidden his sexuality and used alcohol and drugs to cope. Evans was subjected to homophobic remarks on work sites because of his public confession on Nine’s 100% Footy.

“The specific deterrence were also at the more serious end because the allegation was he [Kepaoa] said the word multiple times, not once. When you combine the general and specific deterrence, you come up with a heavier penalty.”

### Key Facts

  • Asu Kepaoa was banned for six matches.
  • This is the fifth case of a player using a homophobic slur in NSW Rugby League competitions in the last two years.
  • The maximum previous penalty was three games.
  • Kepaoa pleaded guilty to using the slur.
  • The Knights are an inclusive club and pride themselves on being a welcoming place for all players, staff, and supporters.