SEN’s Mat Rogers has slammed South Sydney Rabbitohs star Latrell Mitchell for his post-match comments after his side’s loss to the Brisbane Broncos.
Mitchell caused a stir after an interview on Sydney radio in which he swore several times before acknowledging his profanity and not apologising for it.
Many called for Mitchell to be punished but the NRL has given him a pass, with the competition’s CEO Andrew Abdo instead calling for a meeting with the star fullback.
Mitchell’s comments and subsequent no punishment has led to even more backlash, with many calling out the star for not having respect for the game.
“I am certainly no angel and I’m not the fun police, I want people to have a good time,” Rogers said on SEN 1170 Sportsday.
“If you’re doing a podcast and it’s your name, you’re wearing your clothes, then do whatever you want.
“He’s standing on an NRL pitch, wearing a South Sydney jersey, playing a game he is privileged to play in and gets paid well to do it, and wants to be a role model to young kids, it’s just ridiculous, in what world do you think that’s ok? Who’s telling you that’s ok?”
Rogers continued with his belief that Latrell should have more respect for not only the NRL but countless others both in and around the Rabbitohs.
"Have some respect for all of us who went before you."
— SEN League (@SENLeague) March 19, 2024
Mat Rogers blows up over Latrell Mitchell's post-game comments #NRL pic.twitter.com/IHp4UTIqT4
“The more I hear it, it makes me angry, have some respect for all of us who went before you who respected the game,” Rogers added.
“Have some respect for the people that work their brains out to sell a sponsorship to that club, have some respect for the NRL that do everything they can to promote this game to the youth of today and then you come out and do that, how is that going to do anything but have a negative impact on the game.
“It’s ridiculous to think that is ok, I know I’m a little bit fired about it but how hard the game has worked to put ourselves in the position we are in right now, we just don’t need that from, who is and can be the best player in the competition.
“After that, he’s knocked himself down a few pegs in my books.”
Mitchell has since responded to the backlash with a post on his Instagram story on Tuesday morning saying: “There was no intent. No malice, Let’s move on.”