West Coast Eagles player Jack Graham has copped a four-match ban from the AFL after he admitted to using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur against the GWS Giants during a match earlier this month.
On Sunday, the AFL Integrity Unit completed an investigation into a round 17 match between the West Coast Eagles and GWS Giants, in which Graham admitted to using a homophobic slur against the opposing team.
As a result of its investigation, the West Coast Eagles forward was handed a four-match ban and will undertake a Pride in Sport education.
Per ABC News, Graham self-reported the incident to his team, who then notified the AFL Integrity Unit on Friday. According to the publication, Graham’s sanction would’ve been harsher if he hadn’t self-reported the incident.
“Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality,” the AFL said in a statement, per ABC News.
“Graham has received a four-match sanction, with the AFL taking into account Graham’s self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition.
“Graham also rang the AFL CEO [Andrew Dillon] directly to apologise.”
In a statement through the club, Graham apologised and said he was “very remorseful” for using homophobic language and that it has “no place in our community or our game”.
“I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment,” Graham said.
“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.”
Don Pyke, West Coast Eagles’ CEO, expressed that the club was “very disappointed” in Graham’s conduct and that it would be providing him “support and education” during the four-match sanction.
“The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and Club values,” Pyke stated.
“Jack understands the harmful effects comments like these can have on others, and he has been honest in addressing this matter.
“Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process, and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation.
“With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL.”
In 2024, Gold Coast Sun’s Wil Powell was handed a five-match ban for using a homophobic slur, as well as Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson, who was suspended for three matches.
Lance Collard was handed a six-match ban last year for using “homophobic slurs” against his opponents during a VFL game.
Image source: Getty Images
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