Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell has vowed to continue calling out racism for the good of future generations of indigenous Australians.
Mitchell has been vocal in calling out racism on social media in recent weeks, an act he says was inspired by the birth of his daughter and his desire for it to be eradicated for future generations of indigenous Australians.
The 22-year-old reiterated on Monday that he wouldn’t take a backwards step.
However, he has curbed his use of social media in the lead up to Saturday’s NRL preliminary final against Melbourne and has limited his comments on his Instagram account to only people he follows.
He said that after he began calling out online abuse, it led to more people attacking him, as well as attracting plenty of support.
“I reckon it’sgotworse,” Mitchell said.
“I’ve had more good comments than bad.
“But since I’ve come out and named-and-shamed, I’ve stoked the fire and people have thought ‘I can get something out of this’.
“But when I put it up and they get the backlash, it’s like ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry’.
“I don’t care, I’m not going to take it down now because you say you were drunk. That’s not an excuse.”
Mitchell said that many of those that sought to racially attack him were motivated by jealousy.
The Rooster has received the backing of AFL legend Adam Goodes and has been speaking to the integrity unit about how the NRL can drive further cultural change.
“I’m just lost for words, how sad it is that people can go out of their way to say something,” Mitchell said.
“The sad part is it’s the younger generation, it’s 13 or 14-year-old kids that are saying stuff to me.
“What are your parents teaching you at home? Look in your own backyard and keep it there.
“No need to share your opinion with me, I don’t care.”
© AAP
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