AFL bans West Coast's Jack Graham for use of 'highly offensive', 'hurtful' slur
Updated . First published
West Coast's Jack Graham has been slapped with a four-match ban for using a homophobic slur described by the AFL as "highly offensive", "hurtful" and "totally inappropriate".
The AFL said in a statement on Sunday that Graham had been found guilty of using a homophobic slur during last Friday's clash between West Coast and GWS in Perth.
Graham self-reported the incident to the Eagles, and the club reported it to the AFL, prompting the league's integrity unit to investigate, the statement said.
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In deciding on the penalty, the AFL took into account Graham's self-reporting, private apology and remorse.
He will also have to undertake pride in sport education.
"Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL's statement said.
Jack Graham of West Coast. AFL Photos via Getty Images
"Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever," said Tony Keane, the AFL's head of integrity and security.
"The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community.
"We have come a long way as a code, but this incident demonstrates there is so much more to be done, and we will continue to work together to improve our game as a safe and inclusive environment for all.
"The AFL will continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses.
"Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate."
Graham issued a public apology via a West Coast statement on Sunday.
"I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game," Graham said.
"I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment.
"What I said does not reflect my values or our club's values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward."
The AFL's statement said: "All AFL and AFLW players and officials receive yearly education regarding vilification and the effects of such behaviour, and we will continue to build on anti-vilification training across our code at all levels."
Jack Graham during his time at Richmond. AFL Photos via Getty Images
The AFL Players' Association released a statement on Monday.
"The AFL Players' Association acknowledges that Jack Graham has admitted to using homophobic language in a recent AFL match," the statement read.
"The AFLPA reiterates that homophobic language is hurtful, unacceptable, and has no place in our game or the broader community.
"We will continue to support Jack. Importantly, he recognised this behaviour was wrong, self-reported to his club, and took ownership by speaking directly to the AFL.
"We remain deeply committed to working with the industry to provide an equitable, safe and inclusive workplace for all our members, which is reinforced through a fair and transparent disciplinary process.
"We continue to meet with the AFL to design a framework which the players and the industry will have confidence in, provides due process, and will help drive any needed behavioural change."
Graham played 131 AFL games for Richmond before being traded to West Coast after last season.
The Eagles faced the Power at Adelaide Oval on Sunday afternoon, but Graham did not play.
