Latrell Mitchell trashes Anthony Mundine’s take on NRL racism drama
Latrell Mitchell has lashed out at former footy star turned boxing champion Anthony Mundine after he labelled the saga “not racism”.
NRL
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Latrell Mitchell has trashed Anthony Mundine after the former boxing champion labelled the scandal sparked by Roosters forward Spencer Leniu “not racism”.
In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday night, Mundine called for Broncos half Ezra Mam to “take it on the chin” and “toughen up”, saying of Leniu’s use of the word “monkey” that “it ain’t racism”.
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Mundine also pointed to Leniu’s Samoan heritage, arguing: “A white fella saying it to a black fella, that’s a different story.
“But another black fella or brown fella saying it to another brown fella? Come on, bra.”
But Mitchell, who has been an outspoken advocate against racism in the past when directed at him or others as well as in the current situation, has rubbished the former NRL star turned boxing champion’s comments.
Mitchell, who appeared to call for Leniu to get a more than half the season suspension over the slur, was also one of the first NRL players to post about the situation.
“I stand with you Bala,” Mitchell wrote in a story that included a photo of Mam and his Instagram handle. “NRL better deal with this s**t.”
Mitchell took to social media again after Mundine’s comments.
“This what our people get told to do and continue to get told. ‘Be quiet fall in line’,” Mitchell said in an Instagram post referencing Mundine’s video.
“Anyone seen this story and knows any sense of culture that this s**t isn’t the same thing.
“Absolute bulls**t. I don’t agree with this and if you do, Do better.
“Give respect get respect !! Don’t dilute the longest living culture in the world.”
Mundine himself faced racism throughout his career, including in 1998 when he was called a “black c**t” by former Bulldog Barry Ward.
Ward was handed a $10,000 fine, which was reduced to $5000 on appeal.
At the time, Mundine said he was “absolutely disgusted” and suggested it may have contributed to his exit from rugby league in 2000.
Speaking in an Instagram video on Thursday night, Mundine took aim at the controversy.
“I just wanted to put my 2c piece about the Ezra Mam controversy … I mean, it ain’t racism,” Mundine said.
“When two brothers are brown or black fellas, you can slur each other, you call them a ‘black c’ or this and that, that’s what they are. It’s like African-American and another African-American calling each other the n-word.
“I think they toughen up in that sense. It’s not racism.
“A white fella saying it to a black fella, that’s a different story. That’s a whole different kettle of fish. Then you can really say that’s blatant racism.
“But another black fella or brown fella saying it to another brown fella? Come on, bra.
“You’ve got to take it on the chin. That’s what we have done all our lives, growing up.”
Mam, who rejected a peace offering of a private face-to-face apology from Leniu on Friday, was said to be devastated by the slur and was reportedly in tears after the Las Vegas clash.
The NRL has been rocked by the saga after the Las Vegas showcase was overshadowed by the accusations of racism.
Leniu, who suggested it was “all fun and games” after the match, has been referred directly to the judiciary, with the hearing set for Monday night.
On Thursday, Leniu admitted he did use the word “monkey” on-field during the historic fixture and entered a guilty plea to the charge, with speculation the suspension could be between six and 10 weeks.
ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said there would be a significant penalty if the Roosters forward was found guilty. Leniu has since pleaded guilty.
“We will not tolerate it, but this player (Leniu) is going to be given every chance and opportunity to defend himself. He deserves natural justice and due process and he will get that,” V’landys said.
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