Melbourne's superstar fullback Billy Slater has issued a public apology to Cory Paterson after taunting the Newcastle forward over his highly-publicised battle with depression during last Saturday's game at EnergyAustralia Stadium.
Paterson had just made a tackle on Slater's Storm team-mate Adam Blair when the incident occurred and Paterson took immediate offence to the sledge but the pair shook hands after the match and Slater telephoned Paterson on Sunday to say sorry before doing so again publicly on Monday.
"I accept that in the heat of the moment on Saturday night, I overstepped the mark with a flippant comment I directed at Cory Paterson," Slater said in a statement issued on Monday afternoon.
"What was said was insensitive given what Cory has been through over the past 18 months."
"I called Cory yesterday (Sunday) afternoon to clear the air and he assured me that there was no ill-feeling between us."
"He accepted my sincerest apology and asked that we leave the issue alone."
A repentant Slater, the Kangaroos and Maroons custodian, refused to reveal exactly what he said because he believes 'it would be insensitive' to Paterson to do so.
"The simple fact of the matter is I made an error of judgment in the heat of the moment and I intend to learn from this," added last year's Clive Churchill Medallist.
"I fully understand that depression is a serious mental health issue in Australian society and if anyone has been offended by this incident I am deeply apologetic."
Melbourne also intends to 'strengthen' its player education programs following the incident according to acting chief executive Matt Hanson.
"Billy is aware that what he said on Saturday night was inappropriate," Hanson said.
"I have personally spoken to him about the incident and accept that he deeply regrets it."
"He acknowledges that depression is a serious mental health issue in this country."
"As a club we intend to learn from this incident. We will be seeking the advice of mental health experts to further strengthen our player education programs on issues such as this one."