Souths urged to take action over Latrell Mitchell's 'disgraceful' post-match interview
The Rabbitohs fullback left listeners stunned when he dropped a number of F-bombs - and couldn't care less.
South Sydney bosses have been urged to take strong action against Latrell Mitchell amid claims he is an "embarrassment to the jumper" following the star fullback's expletive-laden interview after Thursday night's loss to Brisbane. In an on-field interview with Triple M moments after the Rabbitohs' 10-point loss – their second straight defeat of the 2024 season – Mitchell let fly with a series of F-bombs as he dissected the game.
“It’s alright mate, honestly f**k … It was s**t,” Mitchell said. “In the first bit, just a hard game f**k, we showed what we were about. Honestly, they’re (Brisbane) big boys, they’re competitors.
"No wonder why they come runner up last year so f**k, they’re building on that. I don’t care if I’m swearing boys, honestly.”
Are you kidding me ? How many on field interviews has Latrell done in 9 years ?
He dosen’t care that he’s swearing but happy he has scored 100 tries.
Not sure what to make of this ?
Is he making a statement ? pic.twitter.com/F7xM8I2qRd— The Oracle (@BigOtrivia) March 15, 2024
NRL figures blast Latrell Mitchell over 'disgraceful' comments
Discussing the incident on the same station on Saturday morning, former Souths, Tigers and Broncos forward Ben Te'o said: "He always talks about being a role model, doesn't he? I think it's important that he probably holds himself to a higher standard.
"We understand that sometimes we're caught up in emotion and sometimes we swear and there's a fair bit of swearing that goes on on the footy field. But once you leave and you're doing an interview - whether that be on TV or radio - I think it's important that you step into your professional role."
Penrith great Ryan Girdler was equally unimpressed. "It just felt unnecessary to me. The media are stakeholders in our game," he said. "If my two little kids, after watching their heroes play, have to go through that and ask me questions about it, it puts parents in an uncomfortable situation.
"It was just unnecessary language and I think Latrell is better than that. He is a leader in our game and I think someone needs to pull him into line over that."
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But the heaviest bake came from Triple M commentator and lifelong Souths fan Anthony Maroon. He said: "I have been a Souths member for decades and decades (and) Souths to me is everything. And Latrell Mitchell's behaviour (on Thursday night) – mate, if you happen to be listening, you're an absolute disgrace.
"You are an embarrassment to our jumper and the tradition and the people it represents. To get on Triple M live on air and dropped the F-bomb half a dozen times…I mean, honestly, I cannot fathom what is going on in your head. And if any of the hierarchy at our club is listening, for God's sake, pull this bloke into line."
NRL boss addresses Latrell Mitchell controversy
Discussing the situation later on Saturday, NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo told AAP it was important that players recognise that their status as role models extends to their media comments as well. "We encourage players to be themselves and be authentic," Abdo said in a statement.
"However, they also know they are professionals and role models which means setting an example. When speaking to fans via media interviews, we have a responsibility to be respectful." The NRL has reportedly examined Mitchell's remarks and the matter is unlikely to be escalated further.
with AAP