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He has been called disruptive, at times, in the dressing room. He has been fined and suspended by the league more than once — in July 2012, after violently hyperextending the arm of Edmonton offensive-lineman Simeon Rottier. Mitchell also caused a controversy in the province of British Columbia for what were interpreted as racist remarks against Asians made on Twitter. He remains active on social media.

“I’m not who I was, I’m who I am. I’m a man now. When I was done doing those things (I was) a child,” said the native of Virginia Beach, Va. “I was coming up at 23, 24, 25, having no male influence. Growing up, living life and being raised around women … making a couple of mistakes based on my illegitimate knowledge of how society claims political correctness.

“Based on where I’m from. I think I’ve done pretty well.”