Nick Kyrgios laments media 'beating up' on Latrell Mitchell after white substance controversy, points out double standards in Tom Craig treatment
Nick Kyrgios lamented the media's treatment of rugby league player Latrell Mitchell following a white substance controversy. The tennis star also pointed out the double standard by comparing Mitchell's case to that of hockey player Tom Craig.
South Sydney Rabbitohs fullback Mitchell has recently found himself at the center of controversy after a photo surfaced online showing him leaning over a table with a white powdery substance. The grainy image has sparked speculation, though the nature of the substance remains unclear.
The photo, reportedly taken over the weekend, shows Mitchell in a room with an unidentified woman. The South Sydney Rabbitohs have acknowledged the image, stating they have informed the NRL integrity unit about the matter.
Meanwhile, Australian hockey player Tom Craig was embroiled in a controversy at the Paris Olympics. He was arrested for allegedly buying cocaine from an underage dealer. Craig issued a formal apology, stating:
“My actions are my own and in no way reflect the values of my family, my teammates, my friends, my sport and the Australian Olympic Committee. I’ve embarrassed you all and I’m truly sorry.”
Australian tennis star Kyrgios has suggested a double standard in media coverage of the aforementioned incidents. He took to X and wrote:
"Latrell was helping the next generation of females in the football community. That got no media. - picture surfaces, we continue to beat him up. One of our Olympic athletes gets a pick me up from an under age dealer, and that’s gone in 1 day.. We really do have our favourites"
Nick Kyrgios came out in defense of Rafael Nadal after a Novak Djokovic fan leveled an accusation against the Spaniard
Following the conclusion of his campaign at the Paris Olympics, Rafael Nadal took to X to announce that he would not play at the US Open. Further, the 22-time Grand Slam champion revealed that he would next be seen at the Laver Cup.
A Novak Djokovic fan accused the Spaniard of skipping the US Open so that he could appear in the Laver Cup and allegedly earn 'a huge appearance fee'.
"A fully fit Nadal has withdrawn from the @usopen but will play in the Laver Cup a couple weeks after the US Open with a huge appearance fee," the fan wrote.
Nick Kyrgios defended Nadal, dismissing the criticism as unfounded.
"Can’t be upset at players taking money bro," Kyrgios wrote in response.
The US Open main draw is scheduled to start on August 26, and the Laver Cup will start on September 20, soon after the New York Major.