Anthony Mundine has launched an extraordinary attack on an “underperforming” Latrell Mitchell, urging the South Sydney star to focus on football and suggesting he has been carried by teammate Cody Walker.
The pair have been engaged in a war of words after Mundine claimed on Instagram that Spencer Leniu’s “monkey” remark to Brisbane playmaker Ezra Mam was “not racism”.
It drew a strong rebuke from Mitchell, who took to social media to call out Mundine’s “absolute bullshit” and urged him to “Do better”.
That prompted Mundine, who was also known for calling out racism during his career in rugby league and boxing, to further escalate their feud.
“To Latrell, Listen. Let me educate you on a few things that should have been quite apparent to you,” Mundine wrote on Facebook.
“When it came to exposing racism & bigotry in sport, I was the pioneer. I paved the way. In fact, I was giving a voice & standing up for Aboriginal people’s rights when you were still in nappies. I bled for the cause.
War of words: Anthony Mundine.Credit: Jessica Hromas
“So when I have something to say about racism in sport, I’ve earned the right to say it. Trell, please. Just focus on your footy …
“You’ve been underperforming far too long & been lucky to have Cody by your side to hold your hand. Earn the right to talk before you start trying to disrespect the OG of the game.
Latrell Mitchell returned fire at Mundine on Instagram.Credit: Instagram
“Remember, despite what you might think, you’re no Greg Inglis & you’re certainly no Anthony Mundine. Despite your disrespect, I want you to succeed and excel. Your success fills me with pride & honour, but you need to learn to respect those who paved the way for you !!! Peace, THE MAN.”
Roosters recruit Leniu is facing a long stint on the sidelines after admitting he called Mam a “monkey”, although he said he did not use the term as a racial slur. He will face the judiciary on Monday night. Mam has reportedly rejected Leniu’s attempts to apologise to him in person.
Mitchell had earlier taken umbrage to Mundine’s suggestions that Leniu’s comments weren’t racist.
“This what our people get told to do and continue to get told. ‘Be quiet fall in line’,” Mitchell posted on social media. “Anyone seen this story and knows any sense of culture that this shit 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.”
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