South Sydney have introduced a swear jar to discourage players from using profanity in broadcast interviews as Latrell Mitchell did following the Rabbitohs' round-two NRL loss to Brisbane.
Captain Cameron Murray says explicit language comes with the territory when media speak to players after games and has urged the public not to judge Mitchell on one interview.
Mitchell raised eyebrows with an expletive-laden radio cross on Thursday night, saying "f***" four times live on Triple M as he reflected on the Rabbitohs' 28-18 loss to Brisbane.
The incident prompted NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo to publicly remind players to "be respectful" with their language during interviews.
Mitchell has not been sanctioned over the episode but the high-profile fullback's choice of words nevertheless generated public scrutiny.
Mitchell took to social media on Monday to address the backlash, writing on his Instagram story: "There was no intent. No malice. Let's move on."
The Rabbitohs have taken matters into their own hands, establishing an in-house swear jar to help players keep each other in line.
"Trell's got a few dollars to put in after the weekend," Souths recruit Jack Wighton said.
"Obviously he probably shouldn't have said it so many times, but slip of the tongue.
"I might be in (the swear jar) there a few times if you listen at training!"
Murray shrugged the incident off as the Rabbitohs looked ahead to Friday's grudge match against the Sydney Roosters.
"I didn't see too much wrong with it," he said.
"I know he's a passionate man and I know all he wants to do is win. They're two pretty good attributes that I think Latrell has and things that I'll always back.
"Trell is Trell and I think what we do at this club really well is empower people to be themselves. I know if he had his time again, he'd probably be a little bit more selective about the words he chose."
Murray pointed out Mitchell had been interviewed on the field at Suncorp Stadium, immediately after the final whistle had been blown on Souths' second loss from as many games this season.
"That's what happens when you grab somebody whose emotions are still running high 30 seconds after the final siren's gone," Murray said.
"That's what happens. I know he didn't mean any harm by it and I think it's unfair to judge him and his character off that one interview.
"He does a lot of other great things for the community and for us here."
Australian Associated Press
