Suspended West Coast midfielder Jack Graham on leave in SA during homophobic slur suspension

An AFL player in the spotlight after he was slapped with a four-match suspension for a homophobic slur has been in South Australia amid the fallout.

West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has remained in South Australia as he serves a four-week suspension for using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur during an AFL match.

Graham was slapped with a four-match suspension after he self-reported an offensive comment he made in the Eagles’ Round 17 loss against the GWS Giants.

Jack Graham (left) after kicking a goal during the Round 17 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and GWS Giants at Optus Stadium. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

He was withdrawn from the selected team which played Port Adelaide in SA on Sunday as the four-match penalty was handed down on the same day.

The West Australian is reporting Graham is in South Australia amid the fallout from his homophobic slur.

It is understood West Coast granted Graham leave in the first week of his four-match suspension.

Graham hails from the northeast of Adelaide, playing junior football with Tea Tree Gully before joining North Adelaide in the SANFL.

He began his rise to the highest level on the national stage, winning the Larke Medal as the best player at the national under-18s carnival while captaining the South Australian side.

Jack Graham grew up in Adelaide and played his junior footy at North Adelaide before being drafted by Richmond. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

He was drafted to Richmond in 2016 and was part of the Tigers’ 2017 and 2020 premierships.

He joined West Coast this season after 131 games with the Tigers.

Graham is part of the Eagles’ leadership group and expressed remorse for his actions during the Round 17 match.

“I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,” he said in a statement posted by West Coast.

“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.”

Graham will undertake Pride in Sport education.

Originally published as Suspended West Coast midfielder Jack Graham on leave in SA during homophobic slur suspension