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, following investigations into a photo circulating on social media in August.
The NRL’s sanctions for bringing the game into disrepute included:
- a one match ban;
- a $20,000 fine;
- a requirement to undertake appropriate remediation and attend such education and training as advised by the NRL Wellbeing and Education Department.
In addition, the Club’s sanctions included:
- a $100,000 fine, $20,000 of which is payable immediately with $80,000 suspended pending any further breach of his playing contract or wellbeing program;
- full commitment to a wellbeing program.
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," Mr. Solly said.
"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."
