- Latrell Mitchell fined $100,000 by South Sydney
- However, $80,000 of that will be suspended
- Follows a $20,000 from the NRL after investigation
- Under fire following image from a Dubbo hotel room
South Sydney have issued troubled star Latrell Mitchell a whopping $100,000 fine following the white substance photo scandal – but $80,000 is suspended.
The heavy sanction from the Rabbitohs comes as he was also fined $20,000 by the NRL after the Integrity Unit concluded he breached the sport’s code of conduct.
It followed a widely circulated image from a Dubbo hotel room.
Mitchell will have to hand over $40,000 and is said to be on his final chance at the Rabbitohs, with board members concerned about numerous instances of questionable behaviour.
‘This has been a very challenging time for everyone at South Sydney, including staff and management, coaches, players, members, supporters, and Latrell himself,’ Souths chief executive Blake Solly told News Corp.
‘Most importantly, it has been very difficult for his family. This is not lost on Latrell.
‘He has shown great remorse and given us a solid commitment to improve himself, make better decisions, and to work towards becoming the best dad he can be to his children, the best partner he can be to Brielle, and the player he can be for the Rabbitohs.’
Solly added Mitchell, 27, ‘has taken full responsibility for his decisions and his actions’ and is committed to ‘making better decisions in the future.’
South Sydney have issued troubled star Latrell Mitchell a whopping $100,000 fine following the white substance photo scandal – but $80,000 is suspended
The heavy sanction from the Rabbitohs comes as he was also fined $20,000 by the NRL after the Integrity Unit concluded he breached the sport’s code of conduct following a widely circulated image from a Dubbo hotel room (pictured)
Meanwhile, it is understood it will be up to the Rabbitohs’ medical staff to determine when Mitchell, who has not played since round 18, is fit and therefore available to serve his ban this season.
The timing of the one-match suspension mandated by the NRL’s breach notice has been a sticking point in recent days.
The Rugby League Players’ Association had pushed for Mitchell to serve his ban immediately, despite interim coach Ben Hornby initially indicating the fullback’s season had been ended by his foot injury.
Less than two hours before the NRL finalised its investigation, Hornby back-tracked on that claim.
The interim coach claimed Mitchell could actually be available for the final round of the season, and therefore would be able to serve his ban in round 27.
The fullback took on light training duties at Heffron Park on Thursday as the Rabbitohs finalised preparations for Friday’s clash with reigning premiers Penrith.
‘He’s just trying to tick the boxes. There is an outside chance he could play next week if we needed,’ Hornby said.
‘He needs to show that he’s in good enough condition to play a game.’
