Rodney Churchill, the son of Rabbitohs legend Clive Churchill, has apologised for his scathing criticism of Souths fullback Latrell Mitchell.
In a textual content to South Sydney chairman Nick Pappas, Churchill labelled the membership’s marquee famous person a “cancer” after their loss to the Eels in Indigenous Round.
In response to the message, it emerged Rabbitohs gamers had been ready to boycott receiving the Clive Churchill Medal in the event that they reached the ultimate and a member of their squad received man-of-the-match.
However, as The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield reported, Churchill has now provided to face down from presenting the award going ahead.
Watch each sport of each spherical of the 2023 NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >>>
Rugby league legend Gorden Tallis criticised Churchill’s feedback however didn’t agree with South Sydney’s proposed boycott.
“The way I look at it is Rod Churchill said it, not Clive. It’s the Rod Churchill medal, not Clive… Don’t worry about what the son said, it’s Clive’s medal,” Tallis mentioned on NRL 360.
Rothfield, who was one of many journalists who recieved a duplicate of the textual content message, panned Churchill’s feedback, beliving they had been “over the top.”
“He should have apologised… I was sent a text message of a nasty message that was sent to Nick Pappas some time ago… It was over the top, it really was,” Rothfield mentioned.
“It was a private text to Nick Pappas to which Rod Churchill made a mistake of sending it to his friends. That’s where it got out and found its way into the hands of the media, so it wasn’t really private.
“There was that much sniping and nastiness at Souths last week, I actually applaud Rod Churchill for having the courage to put his name to it. What he said though was wrong. Rod is the family spokesman and it was inappropriate.
“He’s offered to stand down from that prestigeous role of handing the medal out and that saves the NRL of having to get rid of him.”
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING PTS: Cleary’s mammoth name; flaw that would derail Broncos’ push
TEAM TIPS: Roosters’ massive Manu name as Warriors cop recent blow
HOOPS: NRL finals arrive early with 96-hr frenzy. Here’s what to anticipate
JWH probably dealing with expensive ban | 04:41
The legend’s son issued an apology in an e-mail to Souths powerbrokers in line with The Daily Telegraph and provided to face down from presenting the medal.
“I’m embarrassed that I’ve tarnished my dad’s reputation,” Churchill mentioned to News Corp.
“I can’t take things back that I’ve said but on reflection, I regret all my comments.
“My reaction was out of frustration and passion for the Rabbitohs. I went overboard and I’m deeply sorry.”
Churchill’s textual content learn: “Where was the human headline Mitchell tonight Nicholas? Missing again, this was his big game apparently? Your club will not win another comp for another 40 years if this imposter remains at Souths.
“He is a complete myth who has the aboriginal cause paramount and south sydney second, if at all. I hope you and family are well. Nothing was done and now this cancer that is Mitchell has ruined the club.”
Get all the most recent NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
Ponga injured as Knights safe finals | 02:43
MORE NRL NEWS
‘IT’S BULLS**T’: Bunnies skipper blasts experiences of membership unrest and star remedy
‘WON’T BE STUPID WITH HIM’: O’Brien received’t seemingly to not danger injured star
BIG HITS: Ponga’s wait as winger’s profession yr rolls on; Hynes’ absence apparent
RESIGNED TO FACT: Hunt set to remain at Dragons…. for now
Rabbitohs powerbrokers had been reportedly infuriated with the textual content, with chief govt Blake Solly elevating issues to NRL powerbrokers.
Churchill has additionally provided to make a head to head apology to Mitchell for his feedback.
“I was in an emotional state but that’s no excuse,” he mentioned.
“I shouldn’t have spoken about anyone like that.
“The text message was then leaked and we’re in a position now where it has caused hurt to a lot of people. I should have just kept everything to myself.”
ARLC chairman Peter V’landys went in to bat for the under-siege fullback, claiming “it’s about time people backed off”.
“Enough is enough. Leave the guy alone,” V’landys mentioned to News Corp.
“He does a lot of great things behind the scenes that people don’t see. From my experiences with him he’s a very good person.
“He’s high profile – and I understand that – but he is still a human being. He’s a good father and husband.
“He’s such a great role model for Indigenous kids. They want to be Latrell Mitchell. It gives them hope in life.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
