AFL Slaps Izak Rankine with Four-Game Ban for Homophobic Slur
The Australian Football League (AFL) has handed down a four-game suspension to Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine for using a homophobic slur during a match against Collingwood last Saturday.
The 25-year-old superstar’s season is effectively over, unless the Crows win both a qualifying and preliminary final to reach the grand final.
In a statement, the Crows confirmed Rankine used a homophobic slur and apologised for his actions, saying he regretted using the word and was committed to educating himself and being better.
Incident and Investigation
The incident occurred during the fourth quarter of the Round 23 match, and was reported to the AFL on Sunday by the Adelaide Crows.
The AFL Integrity Unit conducted an investigation and found Rankine used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a Collingwood opponent, which demeans and denigrates people regardless of their sexuality.
Rankine fully cooperated with the investigation, admitted to using the slur, and apologised to the Collingwood player.
He will also undergo further Pride In Sport training.
AFL’s Response
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade slammed Rankine’s actions, saying the language used was offensive, hurtful, and highly inappropriate.
Meade added that the AFL was committed to stamping out vilification in the game and would continue to consider the specific circumstances in each incident in determining appropriate responses.
Crows chief executive Tim Silvers expressed disappointment and frustration with Rankine’s behaviour, saying the language used was unacceptable and at odds with the values of the organisation.
Silvers committed to providing Rankine with support and education.
Previous Bans for Offensive Slurs
This is the sixth such offence since the beginning of last year involving slurs, with the AFL slowly trending towards harsher bans.
Previous bans include Jeremy Finlayson (three games), Wil Powell (five games), Lance Collard (six games), Jack Graham (four games), and Riak Andrew (five games).
The AFL’s decision is a significant blow to the Crows, who are pushing for their first premiership since 1998.
Adelaide concludes its regular season against the Kangaroos in Melbourne on Saturday, and will need to navigate the finals without one of their most important players.