Latrell Mitchell has taken a swipe at former New South Wales teammate James Maloney after the latter criticised the South Sydney Rabbitohs centre for his self-imposed media ban.
Mitchell, 28, has not spoken to the media in 18 months, following criticism of his expletive-filled post-match interview in 2024. The decision has raised eyebrows, with Maloney slamming Mitchell for the prolonged silence.
'We all (footballers) understand we get paid decent money, and it all comes through TV rights and that comes with an expectation that you need to do media,' Maloney told news.com.au. 'I can understand where Trell comes from as he has been hung out to dry for things he did and said but he needs to also understand that it is what runs our game and brings the pay cheque in.'
Mitchell responded to Maloney's comments with an Instagram story captioned 'Talk when I'm ready James'.
Maloney has joined Josh Morris in condemning the footy star's decision. 'It's absolutely ridiculous,' Morris told 2GB last week. 'In an age where we have social media and more access than ever to the players, record viewership and all that. It's part of your contract that you have to speak to the media. I don't know how he gets away with it. It's almost like saying I'm bigger than the game. I don't understand it. Even a press conference or interview once a month. But 18 months, that's taking the mickey.'
Mitchell has made very few media appearances since his ban. His speech after being awarded the Spirit of the Anzac Medal for his performance in the Rabbitohs win against the Storm was one of the only occasions he has spoken publicly.
