'I'm not a homophobe': Warriors winger speaks out after copping ban
It's not often a case comes before the NRL judiciary where the player charged almost asks to be suspended.
Warriors winger Marcelo Montoya knew he had a ban coming after calling North Queensland rival Kyle Feldt a "f….." during a heated moment in last Friday's clash and was fully prepared to cop his medicine when he appeared before the panel via video link.
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He pleaded guilty to the contrary conduct charge and took full ownership of his actions, admitting he didn’t think of the consequences for - and offence caused to – the gay community by his homophobic slur.
"I'm ready for what comes next," he told the judiciary panel as they weighed up his sentence.
What came next was a four-match suspension.
Montoya accepted his punishment with little emotion, knowing he was facing up to six weeks on the sideline.
Earlier in the 75-minute hearing, the 26-year-old Fijian international appeared genuinely remorseful for his poor choice of word, as it was put, and didn’t try to hide from his actions.
"I can't tell you why I used that word. I have full remorse, it’s definitely out of my character," he said.
"I had no intention to offend anyone or Kyle or cause any malice.
"I'd like to apologise to Kyle Feldt, the NRL, the gay community and anyone else I've offended.
"I used it (the offensive word) to get under his skin or upset him. I wasn't referring to his sexuality at all.
"I'm not a homophobe. Gays in the community are valued and I didn’t think of the consequences.
"It's a word I will never use again."
Warriors CEO comes to defence of Marcelo Montoya
Warriors CEO Cameron George said: "The club does not condone this kind of behaviour and we apologise for the statement and understand the offence.
"Marcelo is a true gentleman of the game. This is so out-of-character for Marcelo. He is high caring for all people around him.”
Montoya's legal representative, James McLeod, had argued for a two-match ban due to his client's remorse and previously clean record.
"It’s not fuelled by hatred or negativity towards the gay community or any gay person. He's not homophobic," McLeod said.
"It was a poor choice of word."
Montoya will be available for the Warriors' round 10 clash with South Sydney.
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