- Latrell Mitchell fined $100,000 by South Sydney
- However, $80,000 of that amount will be suspended.
- NRL’s $20,000 remains after investigation
- Under fire after image taken from a hotel room in Dubbo
South Sydney have slapped troubled star Latrell Mitchell with a massive $100,000 fine following the white substance photo scandal, but the $80,000 fine has been suspended.
The Rabbitohs’ harsh sanction comes after they were also fined $20,000 by the NRL after the Integrity Unit concluded they breached the sport’s code of conduct.
This followed a widely shared image from a Dubbo hotel room.
Mitchell will have to forfeit $40,000 and is said to be on his last legs at the Rabbitohs, with board members concerned about numerous instances of questionable behaviour.
“This has been a very difficult time for everyone at South Sydney, including staff and management, coaches, players, members, supporters and Latrell himself,” Souths chief executive Blake Solly said. News Corporation.
“The most important thing is that it has been very difficult for his family. This is not lost on Latrell.
‘He has shown great remorse and has given us a strong commitment to improve, make better decisions and work towards becoming the best father he can be to his children, the best partner he can be to Brielle and the player he can be for the Rabbitohs.’
Solly added that Mitchell, 27, “has taken full responsibility for his decisions and actions” and is committed to “making better choices in the future.”
South Sydney have slapped star Latrell Mitchell with a massive $100,000 fine following the white substance photo scandal, but have had the $80,000 fine suspended
The Rabbitohs’ harsh sanction comes after he was also fined $20,000 by the NRL after the Integrity Unit concluded he breached the sport’s code of conduct following a widely circulated image from a Dubbo hotel room (pictured)
Meanwhile, it is understood it will be up to the Rabbitohs’ medical staff to determine when Mitchell, who has not played since round 18, is fit and therefore available to serve his ban this season.
The timing of a match suspension ordered by the NRL’s infringement notice has been a point of contention in recent days.
The Rugby League Players’ Association had pushed for Mitchell to serve his suspension immediately, despite interim coach Ben Hornby initially indicating the full-back’s season was over because of his foot injury.
Less than two hours before the NRL was due to finalise its investigation, Hornby retracted that claim.
The interim coach claimed Mitchell could be available for the final round of the season and could therefore serve his suspension in round 27.
The full-back took up light training duties at Heffron Park on Thursday as the Rabbitohs finalised preparations for Friday’s clash with reigning champions Penrith.
“He’s just trying to meet the requirements. There’s a slim chance he could play next week if we need him,” Hornby said.
“He has to prove that he is fit enough to play a match.”