Rabbitohs whack Latrell Mitchell with monster fine as star commits to wellbeing program
Updated . First published at
Latrell Mitchell has been hit with a big fine by South Sydney over a white substance photo scandal earlier this month.
Mitchell fronted the Rabbitohs board on Tuesday, and on Thursday the club announced a $100,000 fine for the star fullback, although $80,000 is suspended.
He will pay $20,000 immediately, on top of the $20,000 also ordered by the NRL.
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The governing body has also hit Mitchell with a one-game suspension which the NRL says will be "served once the player is fit and available to return from injury".
The Rabbitohs had attempted to have Mitchell's ban served during the coming fortnight but the NRL will likely make him sit out round one next year instead.
Latrell Mitchell in action for the Rabbitohs. NRL Images
He had already been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a foot injury.
Mitchell has also committed to a wellbeing program.
The NRL says Mitchell is "required to undertake appropriate training, education and remediation".
Images were leaked of the Origin and Kangaroos star leaning over a table with what appeared to be a white substance in front of him.
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The incident allegedly happened inside a Dubbo hotel room.
"This has been a very challenging time for everyone at South Sydney, including staff and management, coaches, players, members, supporters, and Latrell himself," Bunnies boss Blake 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 best 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."
South Sydney has two games remaining this season but the Rabbitohs will miss finals for a second consecutive year.
