If the end game for the NRL Aboriginal community is to stamp out perceived racism (or at least derogatory, offensive remarks), surely a better tactic would be for NRL Aboriginal greats to reflect more on education and awareness - not cry foul for the length of punishment.
Put it this way, I think a legend of the game (and strong media personality) like Thurston would have done a lot more to educate the non-Aboriginal community by saying something like:
"I'm sure Spencer didn't set out to personally insult Ezra or the Greater Aboriginal community. This was a poor error of judgment in the heat of the battle which will be dealt with by the NRL"
What we can all take from this is that the word used is a highly offensive term because of .....
Let's use this opportunity to come together as a game and people and support every culture....."
There will always been offensive/racist remarks made on sporting fields and society in general - it's unrealistic to expect you can completely stamp it out and frankly some people need to take responsibility for their own sensitivity of being habitually offended, exaggerations or misinterpretations.
I mean I grew up and work in South West Sydney ffs lol
Not saying this relates to Erza not having a right to feel genuinely insulted and disappointed in this instance but Spencer doesn't need to be dragged too much over the coals for this either and has offered to apologise for something said heat of the moment.
Rule enforcement and compliance is not an effective motivator or behavioral modifier but I get why the NRL has to be seen to be making a stand and setting an example.
Punishment as a form of deterrent or post infringement justice does play a role and I also understand you can't just let people do what they want without consequences or society falls apart.
As an example a shitload of people still ignore the road rules and drive like numptys despite fines and loss of license/job ect. being a threat and alot of them are repeat offenders. It's human nature to straddle the line and discard restraint but the system of safety is based around rule compliance more than improving driver skills and culture.
Ofcourse there will always also be people that just don't know any better.
