His mum is allowed to stick up for him.
It probably doesn't, and shouldn't, carry much weight, but his mum should be respected for saying Jarrod is a good boy.
His mum also did a hell of a lot for the Knights in her time. she had many of our out of town juniors stay with her family over the years - Tyler Randell is one I remember living with the Mullen family from about age 16 - and several others did as well.
In summary, good on his mum for sticking up for her boy. I'd hope my mum would do the same.