Toronto Wolfpack majority owner David Argyle fined for actions in racism scandal
'Unacceptable language' from former chairman and CEO results in fine over $12,000
Toronto Wolfpack majority owner David Argyle has taken another hit in the racism scandal that cost him his job as chairman and CEO of the transatlantic rugby league team.
The Rugby Football League, the governing body of rugby league in the United Kingdom, fined Argyle 7,500 pounds ($12,765 CAD) for "unacceptable language" and other rule breaches in a racist encounter after Toronto's 52-10 Betfred Championship win over the visiting Swinton Lions on April 28.
"The RFL takes a zero-tolerance approach to the use of any unacceptable language based on someone's race," it said in a statement.
Swinton prop Jose Kenga said, after approaching a teammate speaking to Argyle on the field after the game, Argyle looked at him and said "Do they allow black people in Swinton?" and then laughed.
Kenga said he told Argyle "you can't say that in this day and age and he just laughed, brushed it off and handed over a drink token to me."
Kenga complained to the sport's authorities and then went public June 6 with his racism allegation. Argyle issued an apology that day and stepped down as CEO and chairman a day later.