Former players and fans have criticized the NRL for failing to take action against South Sydney superstar Latrell Mitchell over his X-rated live radio interview.
The Rabbitohs fullback spoke to radio channel Triple M following his side’s loss to the Brisbane Broncos last Thursday night – the club’s second season-opening defeat.
“I don’t care if I swear, boys,” he said in the interview.
“Honestly, it was fucking shit, the first time, it was a fucking tough game.
“Honestly (the Broncos) are big boys, they’re competitors, you wonder why they came second last year, so damn, we can build on that.”
Mitchell was emotional after defeat to Brisbane Broncos, swore repeatedly during interview with radio channel Triple M – and refused to apologize on air (pictured)
NRL boss Andrew Abdo will meet with Mitchell to remind him of his responsibilities, but will not sanction the Souths fullback.
Triple M host Dan Ginnane quickly ended the interview saying: “Alright, alright, yes, yes, yes, thank you, Latrell.
“You can let in one or two profanities, but this was too much.
“We had to cut it. This was very strange and did Latrell a disservice.
The interview caught the attention of the NRL, with chief executive Andrew Abdo speaking to Souths star and club boss Blake Solly.
But there will be no notice of violation or sanction against Mitchell.
“We encourage players to be themselves and to be authentic,” Abdo said this weekend.
“But they also know that they are professionals and role models, which means leading by example.” When we speak to fans through media interviews, we have a responsibility to be respectful.
Mitchell’s frustrations come after his South Sydney Rabbitohs began their NRL season with back-to-back defeats
The NRL’s stance angered many fans and pundits, with commentator Mark Levy questioning the league over its handling of the interview.
‘WHAT!!!!! “So the NRL is happy that a ‘role model’ in our game has dropped 5 F-bombs while acknowledging his foul language and not apologizing for it in an IV radio,” he posted.
“I am at a loss for words. Latrell should be sanctioned and reminded of his responsibilities. Absolutely shameful.
“You have set a precedent @NRL. Unprofessional media interviews gave the green light,” another fan fumed.
“Absolute food… I wonder what his reaction would be if someone spoke like that in front of his children? » asked another.
“That’s what happens when you over-inflate someone’s wheels.” NRL golden boy on full display,” another angry fan posted.
However, Ginnane revealed that while there was a lot of anger online, Triple M had not received any complaints about the interview.
“It’s funny, I don’t think we’ve received a single complaint about it,” he said on air.
Former NRL star James Graham (centre) always wore his heart on his sleeve and he said Mitchell was just frustrated after another tough loss.
Mitchell had his supporters, led by former NRL player and media personality James Graham, who said it was simply frustration after losing back-to-back games to open the season.
“Did he use the wrong words?” Absolutely. But I’ve been in this position before myself,” he said on Triple M.
“Where I was criticized for some of my actions on the field. You are not a good role model.
“Well, it’s just me being overcome with emotion. I was wrong to do what I did, sure, but at this point I don’t even realize that people people are watching or listening to.
“There’s obviously a difference when the mic is in front of you. He shouldn’t have used those words and he knows he was wrong.
One fan rightly asked, “Didn’t Brandon Smith get fined for swearing on a podcast?”
However, on this occasion the Sydney Roosters hooker used the word f*** 61 times and c*** three times in 56 minutes on the YKTR Sports podcast.
NRL star Gorden Tallis also pointed out that Wests Tigers star Chris Heighington threw an F-bomb spray live after winning the 2005 grand final.
But he said it was up to the players to pull themselves together.
“I just hope it’s a lesson for everyone. Is this wrong? Yes. Should this have happened? Certainly not,” he said.
“Could the interviewer have stopped it? Absolutely. Shouldn’t Latrell have said that? Absolutely.’
A spokesperson for Southern Cross Australia, which owns Triple M, explained why the interview was not censored or subject to a seven-second delay to prevent the swearing from being broadcast.
“All sports matches are broadcast without delay due to the nature of the live event. The interview was concluded as soon as possible,” they told The Australian.
“Triple M apologized during its NRL broadcast at the time and we apologize to our listeners for any offense felt due to the language used in this live environment.”