Latrell Mitchell has set the report straight on his weekend journey to a junior footy carnival, whereas firing again at a 2BG radio report which accused him of snubbing kids asking for images.
Talkback radio host Ben Fordham kicked off the controversy on Tuesday morning, declaring he ‘couldn’t imagine’ the South Sydney celebrity had brushed two younger kids who had requested him for a photograph on the Mark Geyer Trophy occasion in Penrith on Saturday.
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Fordham mentioned the incident with a caller, who claimed his two grandchildren, aged 4 and eight, had been instructed to “go away” by Mitchell as a result of it was his break day once they approached him for {a photograph}.
“To hear that on Saturday morning was so disappointing and I’m pretty sure I’m no longer a Rabbitohs supporter,” the caller, who claimed to have been a fan of the membership for 54 years, instructed 2GB.
Now Mitchell himself has rubbished the report in a press release posted to his Instagram account, insisting he by no means instructed any kids he wouldn’t take a photograph with them.
“I’m glad everyone can believe one idiot (who makes) a stupid complaint,” Mitchell wrote on Instagram.
“Never once said no (to a photo), I said ‘wait til the games are over and I will happily’ (take the photo).
“I don’t need to explain myself. My integrity with the youth should never be questioned.
“When can we as NRL players have a day to sit watch a bit of junior footy and enjoy our kids?
“Shame on you!”
The 26-year-old, who just lately withdrew from the Kangaroos squad attributable to a finger harm, additionally shared a collection of photos to his Instagram Stories of him participating with delighted younger kids.
Alongside one picture of himself sitting with round 12 kids he talked about the “10 hour drive to see these fullas smile”.
Latrell’s brother and teammate Shaquai additionally hit out on the criticism on social media with a reminder that the Rabbitohs fullback goes above and past to have interaction with youthful individuals.
“Seriously! This is getting old don’t question my brother with (regards to) youth, (and) what he does for our younger generations coming through, got you my bra Latrell, put some respect on the name,” Shaquai wrote.
South Sydney CEO Blake Solly additionally launched a passionate defence of Mitchell whereas slamming the ‘outrageous’ criticism towards him in an interview with news.com.au on Tuesday.
“In my time at the Rabbitohs, I’ve never seen a player stop for more photos, autographs or interactions with fans than Latrell Mitchell,” Solly stated.
“On this occasion, it is his off-season, he goes out to a huge carnival for junior rugby league in the Penrith area with over 40 junior teams involved, he attends with his family.
“He signs autographs and engages with hundreds of kids. But given the amount of people there – and the fact he’s with his family, he would prefer not to have photographs. I don’t think that’s an unreasonable request of a player in that situation.
“At the end of the day he’s gone out to attend a junior rugby league carnival, engage with any number of kids and fans on a day off when he doesn’t have to with his own family and he’s being criticised for not stopping for photos.
“It’s actually an outrageous criticism. He is a player, who in my time at the club, gives more back to the rugby league community than almost any other. What more do people expect of him?”
Mitchell’s supervisor Matt Rose, from the No Limit company, additionally responded to the report in scathing style, and as reported by 2GB instructed Fordham earlier than the story went to air, “if you take on Latrell, you’ll have a legal letter on your doorstep.”
“Latrell Mitchell drove out to attend a gala day on Saturday and he was there with his family for several hours,” Rose stated.
“Whilst at the gala day, Latrell signed autographs and shook hands with junior rugby league players. But there were no photos taken on the day. It is not uncommon for him to say no to photos.
“If this is raised in the media it will only push Latrell further away and it may lead him to not attending these events in future.”
The NRL introduced final week Mitchell is among the finalists for the celebrated Ken Stephen Medal, which recognises the work gamers decide to group initiatives away from the soccer subject.
He obtained his nomination due to the work he does by the Souths Cares program, ongoing motion in Indigenous communities, campaigning towards on-line bullying and his place as a psychological well being ambassador of the Goanna Academy.
– with Tyson Otto
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
