NRL integrity unit interviews Mitchell over white substance photo

The NRL integrity unit has interviewed Latrell Mitchell about a controversial photo circulating on social media.

A photo of Mitchell appearing to lean over a table with a white substance on it was initially offered for sale to media outlets. The veracity of the photo, when it was taken and the context surrounding it were among the questions the integrity unit wanted answered. The nature of the white substance is not known and there is no suggestion that it is an illicit drug.

The governing body required the South Sydney star, currently sidelined with a foot injury, to provide his version of events on Tuesday. The Rabbitohs and the NRL have declined to comment, while attempts to reach Mitchell’s management were unsuccessful.

Precedents have been set following a series of similar incidents. Parramatta forward Shaun Lane was fined $17,500 following Mad Monday celebrations in 2019; in 2021, Cameron Munster, Brandon Smith and Chris Lewis were each suspended for one match and fined a total of $49,000; and Valentine Holmes was handed a $25,000 fine and a one-game ban, which was served during a Test series, last September.

Latrell Mitchell in the photo.

Each of them were photographed with an unidentified white substance and sanctioned for bringing the game into disrepute. Mitchell’s case differs from the most recent case, that of Holmes, in that he wasn’t responsible for posting the photo to social media.

Regardless, Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said it was a timely reminder to all players about being mindful of the company they keep.

“Obviously the evidence that’s been portrayed, it’s alleged, [appears] incriminating,” Meninga told SEN’s The Jimmy Smith Show. “You’re bringing the game into disrepute by putting yourself into that situation.

“This fella who has allegedly taken this photo of Latrell with white powder, he’s not a mate. He’s not a friend, he’s a person trying to make money out of this …

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“I know that Latrell is not that type of person who uses drugs. Let’s be honest, let’s make it out straight away. I don’t see him as a person who does that sort of stuff …

“For those who stick up for Latrell, we hope he hasn’t let us down either, to be honest with you. People of high profile, not just Latrell, this is the society we’re living in now. You put yourself in those public situations, you’ve got to be so careful. So careful.”

Mitchell’s close friend, Bulldogs star Josh Addo-Carr, provided a measured response when quizzed about the matter.

“I can’t comment. He’s my brother,” Addo-Carr said. “I love him but I can’t say too much about it. It’s a hard one.”

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