'It's a coward act': Latrell Mitchell vows to keep shaming racists

Latrell Mitchell got the backing of Adam Goodes after he shared a racist online slur against him and the Sydney Roosters star vows to keep fighting abuse.

Latrell Mitchell

Sydney Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell has called out racist abuse directed at him on social media. Source: AAP

NRL star Latrell Mitchell has vowed to maintain his stand against "coward" racism and revealed Adam Goodes reached out to support him.

Mitchell made his mark back on the field on Sunday, scoring a try double as his Sydney Roosters trounced the Warriors 42-6 at the SCG.

But it's been off the field where Mitchell had the biggest impact in the past week.
His decision to screenshot and share vile social media abuse against him became one of the most high-profile anti-racism stands in Australian sport since AFL superstar Goodes stood up to booing crowds in 2015.

"Adam reached out the other day and that was awesome," Mitchell said.

"He just gave me a message and said 'I love what you're doing' for standing up for myself as well.

"He said it was pretty much similar to what he went through in his career.

"I take my hat off to him - getting booed every game is nothing you want to be going through as a footy player. It's only a game.

"I'm very emotional when it comes to these things because we don't need to run out and be booed.

"We go out and do what we love to entertain people."
Mitchell revealed he'd also spoken to Swans star Lance Franklin and thanked NRL boss Todd Greenberg for his support.

The Kangaroos centre confirmed it was not the first time he'd been targeted.

But he said from here on, he would continue to call out racist online behaviour in a bid to assist societal change.

"I'll name and shame whoever does it, I don't care," Mitchell said.

"I want it to start there. I look in my backyard and I know where I want to be.

"But I need people to start looking in theirs and making sure what they teach their kids. It's going to take another generation before this is even thought about again.

"One person says it, 10 people think it, and that's where I want to stop that.
Todd Greenberg
NRL CEO Todd Greenberg. Source: AAP
"I'm not going to stand back and take it on the chin. Everything that is said about Aboriginal people really affects me.

"It's a coward act (the racist social media post), it's hiding behind a phone."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson reaffirmed his support for Mitchell's stance.

The 22-year-old was arguably the Roosters' best player on Sunday, scoring two tries and throwing the last pass for another.

"I've been very impressed with him," Robinson said.
"It's a pretty important lesson in life. I thought he did really well in dealing with it.

"Making a call and then being really positive about the way he was going to play.

"And it's not this week and it's finished - it's his whole life."


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Published 18 August 2019 6:44pm
Updated 18 August 2019 8:34pm


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