West Coast Eagles player Jack Graham has been suspended for four matches after using a homophobic slur against a Greater Western Sydney opponent during a recent AFL match.
The incident occurred during Round 17 on July 4, when the GWS Giants defeated the Eagles at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Graham, a 27-year-old two-time premiership player, self-reported the "highly offensive" comment to club officials, who in turn notified the AFL integrity unit on Friday.
"I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game," Graham said in a statement issued by the Eagles.
"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 values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward.”
Following a two-day investigation, the AFL confirmed the four-match suspension on Sunday.
"Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the league said in a statement.
AFL head of integrity Tony Keane said the language used by Graham was "hurtful" and had no place in the sport.
"The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community," Keane said.
"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 has previously handed down similar sanctions as part of a crackdown on homophobic language. Last season, Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson received a three-match ban, Gold Coast's Wil Powell was suspended for five matches, and St Kilda's Lance Collard was banned for six.
Keane said Graham's self-reporting and private apology were taken into account when determining the penalty.
"He will not be eligible to play for the West Coast Eagles or any level of football for the next four weeks," Keane said. "As a part of the sanction, Graham will also undertake Pride in Sport education."
Pride in Sport is a program that supports sporting organisations to promote inclusion at all levels of competition.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: [email protected]
