‘Is it because it’s Latrell?’: Candice Warner defends Mitchell in heated exchange
Candice Warner has made a passionate defence of Latrell Mitchell after the Rabbitohs star escaped punishment for his expletive-laden interview
Candice Warner has defended Latrell Mitchell after the Rabbitohs star sparked outrage during a radio outburst on Thursday night.
The star fullback was accused of disrespect after an expletive-laden interview following South’s 28-18 loss to the Broncos.
Triple M cut its post-match interview with Mitchell short because of the offensive language he used.
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“It’s alright mate, honestly f**k … It was s**t,” Mitchell began.
“In the first bit, just a hard game f**k, we showed what we were about. Honestly, they’re 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.”
When talking about his try scoring feat, Mitchell added: “But I’m very happy, scored 100 tries so that’s something to celebrate tonight. Yeah, everyone doesn’t give a f**k but anyways,” he added laughing.
There was a mixed reception to the interview with some calling for the 26-year-old to be suspended.
Speaking on Triple M, Warner defended Mitchell — pointing out he’s far from the first player to swear in an interview straight after a game.
“Listen to these names. Tom Brady, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, Patrick Mahomes,” she said.
“These are just a couple of athletes, they have all sworn.
“Do our opinions of those incredible high achieving athletes change (because they swear)? Or is it because it’s Latrell Mitchell.”
Warner asked co-host Richard Freedman: “What would you like Latrell Mitchell to do. What is going to make you happy?
“Your saying you’d like him to be more of a role model?”
Freedman replied: “No, it’s because Latrell Mitchell swore repeatedly on air, when he knew he was on air, and then said ‘I don’t care’ and didn’t apologise for it.
“I think it’s highly inappropriate.”
Warner also said Triple M interview Ben Dobbin could have intervened to ask Mitchell to ease off on the F-bombs.
According to News Corp, the NRL and South Sydney will not be taking any action and no breach of contract notice will be sent.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo is reportedly working to set up a meeting with Mitchell to discuss his concerns about Mitchell’s recent behaviour.
The lack of action has left some NRL commentators up in arms.
Rugby league radio commentator Mark Levy said it was “absolutely disgraceful”.
“WHAT!!!!! So the NRL is happy for a “role model” in our game to drop 5 f-bombs while acknowledging his foul language and making no apologies for it in a radio IV,” the 2GB commentator said.
“I am lost for words. Latrell should be sanctioned and reminded of his responsibilities. Absolutely disgraceful.”
It comes after Mitchell was also widely slammed for the radio interview in the first place.
Diehard Souths fan and Triple M commentator Anthony Maroon was particularly passionately about the incident.
“Latrell Mitchell’s behaviour last night, mate if you happen to be listening, you are an absolute disgrace,” Maroon said.
“You are an embarrassment to our jumper and the tradition and the people it represents.
“For you to get on Triple M live on air and drop the F bomb half a dozen times and then give yourself credit for scoring 100 tries, I honestly cannot fathom what’s going on in your head.
“If any of the hierarchy at our club is listening, for god’s sake, pull this bloke into line.”
Former league stars Ryan Girdler and Ben Te’o also had strong feelings on the issue on Triple M radio on Saturday.
“I was up in the box for that one, it just felt unnecessary to me,” Girdler said.
“I was thinking at the time, if my two little girls were in the car and we were listening to this after watching the game … it puts parents in an uncomfortable situation.
“It was just unnecessary language and I think Latrell’s better than that. He is a leader in our game and I think someone needs to pull him into line for that.”
Te’o felt the incident flew in the face of Mitchell’s self-declared standing as a role model in the community.
“He always talks about being a role model, doesn’t he,” he said.
“I think it’s important he holds himself to a little bit of a higher standard.
“We all understand we get caught up in emotion 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, who you’re representing from a club and sponsor point of view is just part and parcel of it all with being a professional athlete.”
Meanwhile, Abdo on Saturday told reporters NRL players have a responsibility to be respectful.
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“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.”
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