Sydney Roosters star Latrell Mitchell has revealed his crusade against racist trolls has led to a deluge of more abuse, but has vowed to continue naming and shaming.
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.
On Monday, the 22-year-old reiterated that he wouldn't take a backwards step.
But 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.
After he began calling out online abuse, he said it led to more people attacking him, as well as attracting plenty of support.
"I reckon it's gotten worse," Mitchell said. "People see my profile and, 'I can get a look out of you, I can get a follow or a shout-out' sort of thing.
"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 racially attacking him were motivated by jealousy.
"They've got nothing better to do. They have to go after personal stuff, my race.
"I don't get how you could lower yourself to calling someone a monkey. I get to enjoy myself and do what I want.
"People think 'I could be doing something like that [playing NRL], but I don't want to work hard for it, so I'll be racist... I'll do this, I'll do that'. Mate, just keep it to yourself."
Mitchell has received the backing of AFL legend Adam Goodes and has spoken to the integrity unit about how the NRL can drive further cultural change.
"We just need to work out how we can stop this," Mitchell said. "I'm just lost for words, how sad it is that people can go out of their way to say something.
"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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