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Latrell Mitchell slammed, facing NRL action over radio chat

There has been a savage reaction to Latrell Mitchell’s R-rated live radio interview, with calls to “pull this bloke into line”.

Latrell slammed over expletive-laden interview

There has been a fierce reaction to Latrell Mitchell’s expletive-laden radio interview, with some calling it “an absolute disgrace” and imploring Souths to “pull this bloke into line”.

Mitchell was interviewed on Triple M radio after the Rabbitohs’ 28-18 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night, when he unleashed a series of swear words and also stated “I don’t care if I’m swearing boys, honestly”.

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While Mitchell largely had a night to forgot on the field, he was keen in the interview to celebrate bringing up his 100th try in the NRL, which you can see in the player above.

“It’s alright mate, honestly f**k … It was s**t,” Mitchell said.

“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.”

Triple M had to pull the live interview, with host Dan Ginnance telling The Daily Telegraph: “You can let one or two profanities go but this was too much.

Latrell Mitchell during the Triple M interview and after the loss to Brisbane. Photos: Twitter/NRL photos
Latrell Mitchell during the Triple M interview and after the loss to Brisbane. Photos: Twitter/NRL photos

“We had to cut it. It was very odd and it wasn’t doing Latrell any favours. Funny thing, I don’t think we got one complaint about it.”

Mitchell’s comments will be examined by the NRL, which will likely consider taking action against the star fullback.

The response has been damning, with diehard Souths fan and Triple M commentator Anthony Maroon speaking particularly passionately about the incident and screaming for action.

“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.”

The Broncos were too good on Thursday night. NRL PHOTOS
The Broncos were too good on Thursday night. NRL PHOTOS

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.”

Mitchell only showed flashes of brilliance on the field. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Mitchell only showed flashes of brilliance on the field. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Sports website The Sporting Base’s NRL page tweeted: “It’s disappointing when he knows kids are listening and he says he doesn’t care that he’s swearing. Be better.”

While some, including WWOS’ The Mole, responded: “In Latrell’s defence, it’s after 10pm on a Thursday night … most little kids are in bed.”

In response to The Mole, Sporting Base added: “There’s a difference between accidentally dropping a bomb in a live interview and knowingly doing it and telling everyone you don’t care while continuing to do it.

“Not what a role model should be doing.”

The Daily Telegraph columnist The Oracle added: “Absolutely no defence.

“Are you kidding me? How many on field interviews has Latrell done in 9 years?” The Oracle added.

“He doesn’t care that he’s swearing but happy he has scored 100 tries.

“Not sure what to make of this? Is he making a statement?”

Originally published as Latrell Mitchell slammed, facing NRL action over radio chat

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/sport/nrl/latrell-mitchell-slammed-facing-nrl-action-over-radio-chat/news-story/a92c098606a980bd56f6c54e71e4fefd