Latrell Mitchell Stood down over Dubbo Incident
12th August 2024
The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been made aware of a photograph circulating through social media of Latrell Mitchell following a personal appearance in Dubbo on the weekend. The Club has informed the NRL Integrity Unit about the photograph. The Rabbitohs will be making no further comment at this stage.
It was confirmed the following day that Latrell Mitchell had been stood down from club duties, while the matter is being investigated. The NRL Integrity Unit has scheduled a meeting with Latrell Mitchell.
Latrell Mitchell was already on the sideline after suffering injury in the Round 19 clash and walking around in a moon boot.
Latrell Mitchell Issued breach notice by the NRL
15th August 2024
The NRL has issued the following media release today: The National Rugby League (NRL) today issued South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell with a Breach Notice alleging a breach of the NRL Code of Conduct following an NRL Integrity Unit investigation. The particulars of the Breach Notice are that Mitchell featured in imagery, which emerged publicly on 12 August 2024, which depicted him acting in a manner which has brought the game into disrepute. Mitchell has 5 business days to respond to the Breach Notice. The South Sydney Rabbitohs will be making no comment on this issue until all processes have been completed.
Latrell Mitchell will also front the South Sydney board over the incident.
Latrell Mitchell Accepted breach by the NRL
29th August 2024
The National Rugby League (NRL) has made a final determination following an Integrity Unit investigation into the actions of South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell. The NRL can confirm that Mitchell will be suspended for one (1) Match, issued with a $20,000 fine, and required to undertake appropriate training, education and remediation. The particulars of the breach notice were that Mitchell featured in imagery, which emerged publicly on 12 August 2024, that depicted him acting in a manner which has brought the game into disrepute.
The suspension is to be served once the Player is fit and available to return from injury.
Since this statement was originally made, the following clause became known "after being cleared by Rabbitohs doctors.". Thus the NRL has requested clear evidence from the Rabbitohs club medical staff that he is "fit and available" before the suspension can be served. This is a unprecedented suspension procedure.
Latrell Mitchell Issued futher fine by the Rabbitohs
29th August 2024
South Sydney Rabbitohs player Latrell Mitchell has been issued with final breach notices from both the NRL and the Club, and he has accepted the sanctions which were finalised today after fronting the South Sydney board, following investigations into a photo circulating on social media in August.
The NRL’s sanctions for bringing the game into disrepute included:
In addition, the Club’s sanctions included:
Mitchell has accepted responsibility for the actions that resulted in the NRL and the Rabbitohs serving him with breach notices under the NRL’s and the Club’s Codes of Conduct and the NRL Playing Contract. The Rabbitohs have decided that the $20,000, which is payable now, of the club-imposed fine will go to Souths Cares to support their community programs.
Rabbitohs CEO, Blake Solly, said Mitchell has accepted the penalties and has committed to improve. "This has been a very challenging time for everyone at South Sydney, including staff and management, coaches, players, Members, supporters, and Latrell himself. 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. He has taken full responsibility for his decisions and his actions. I, along with the Board and management, are confident that this will be a turning point for Latrell and that he will make better decisions in the future. We are committed to helping him do that."
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