AFL player Jack Graham handed four-match ban after using ‘highly offensive’ homophobic slur
AFL player Jack Graham has been suspended following the use of a ‘highly offensive’ homophobic slur (Getty)
AFL player Jack Graham has been suspended following the use of a 'highly offensive' homophobic slur (Getty)
The AFL (Australian Football League) has suspended West Coast Eagles player Jack Graham after he admitted to using a ‘highly offensive’ homophobic slur in a recent match against a Greater Western Sydney Giants player.
Australian Eagles player Jack Graham self-reported the use of a “highly offensive” homophobic slur against a Giants player during a round 17 match in Perth (4 July) at Optus Stadium.
The AFL announced the ban Sunday (13 July) after Graham was found guilty of ‘conduct unbecoming’ by an AFL integrity unit investigation.
Graham self-reported to the Eagles, who in turn notified the AFL, who launched the investigation.
“Jack 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.
“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. He will not be eligible to play for the West Coast Eagles or any level of football for the next four weeks. As a part of the sanction, Graham will also undertake Pride in Sport education.”
In a statement from the Eagles, Jack Graham said he was “very remorseful” for the language used.
“I know such language has no place in our community or our game,” the midfielder/ forward 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 values. I made a mistake and need to be better and will prove that through my actions going forward.”
Eagles chief Don Pyke said that the language used was “completely unnaccpetable and does not align with societal and club values.”
“Jack understands the harmful effects comments like these can have on others and he has been honest in addressing this matter.”
Head of integrity and security for AFL Tony Keane said: “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.”
Three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs in 2024, including Port Adelaide player Jeremy Finlayson, who accepted a three-match ban, and Gold Coast’s Wil Powell, who was handed a five-match ban.
St Kilda’s Lance Collard received a six-match penalty that year, too, in the longest suspension in AFL history.
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