Fox Sports defends showing coverage of Latrell Mitchell crying in dressing-room after Souths win
Wayne Bennett may claim the dressing-room area is a ‘sacred place’ after Latrell Mitchell’s tears on Friday night but Fox Sports insists showing that emotion is an integral part of their coverage.
Rabbitohs
Don't miss out on the headlines from Rabbitohs. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Why casualties are necessary to realise expansion dream
- Where are they now? Parra’s premiership marvels from ‘86
Head of television at Fox Sports, Steve Crawley, says the broadcaster will continue to use dressing room cameras believing the vision gives fans the ultimate insight into players emotions both before and after matches.
Dressing room footage of South Sydney star Latrell Mitchell breaking down in tears after his team’s comprehensive win over the Warriors on Friday night led coach Wayne Bennett to claim the players-only area was a “sacred place”.
Bennett also said he wouldn’t be revealing why Mitchell was so emotional.
Kayo is your ticket to the 2020 NRL Telstra Premiership. Every game of every round Live & On-Demand with no-ad breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Crawley said he had no issue with Bennett’s response - but maintained the broadcaster’s commitment was to take fans closer to the action.
“We have the highest regard for the club and the individual and I’ve actually written three books with Wayne Bennett,’’ Crawley said.
“And I know how Wayne puts his players first, above everything else.
“I know how moved he would’ve been by Latrell’s show of emotion, but as a broadcaster we highlight all emotion.
“I feel very comfortable that was part of the story-telling of that match, with the greatest respect.
“If anything, the audience has an even greater regard now for the athlete and the club, the way it handled it.