‘Family-friendly’: AFL boss Andrew Dillon responds to Snoop Dogg drama

AFL boss Andrew Dillon has launched a passionate defence of rapper Snoop Dogg in the wake of Izak Rankine’s ban for a homophobic slur.

AFL boss Andrew Dillon has addressed the controversy over US rapper Snoop Dogg’s looming performance at this year’s grand final.

The signing of the American legend was widely considered a huge coup for the competition, although he will come with a massive price tag, and there were some initial rumblings over Snoop’s questionable past.

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The 53-year-old, who was born Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr, has written and performed songs over the years that revolve around violence, homophobia, misogyny and drug use, among others.

But the consternation over the Dogg’s appearance at the AFL’s biggest event of the year gained far more steam in the lead-up to Izak Rankine’s four-game suspension for using a homophobic slur.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon discussed Snoop Dogg in his press conference. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

After a drawn-out saga, Dillon and the AFL finally handed out the penalty to the Crows superstar on Thursday afternoon, leaving AFL legend Jason Dunstall and plenty of others confused after it was reduced on apparent mental health grounds.

So Dillon got on the front foot over the grand final entertainment, commenting on Snoop’s upcoming appearance as part of his pre-prepared remarks.

“In light of this (Rankine) issue, I also want to address commentary in the last couple of days around our grand final entertainment,” he said.

“We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage, Australian or international.

“But what I can say is our pre-match entertainment on grand final day will be family-friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast.”

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 21: AFL CEO Andrew Dillon speaks to the media during a press conference at AFL House on August 21, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. The AFL today handed down a four game suspension to Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine after he was found guilty of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) (Conduct Unbecoming) in relation to an incident using a homophobic slur in the game against Collingwood on Saturday night. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/Getty Images)

Snoop Dogg became embroiled in the Izak Rankine drama. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/WireImage)

On top of his song lyrics, Snoop Dogg also had his visa cancelled shortly before he was due to appear in Australia back in 2007 in the wake of a drug and firearm conviction.

Broadcaster KG Cunningham was among those blasting the AFL for its perceived double standards earlier this week.

“I don’t agree for one moment when these (homophobic) comments are made that the players should not be penalised,” he told Adelaide Now.

“But the AFL have done themselves no favour at all when on the one hand their leading artist, on the biggest day in the season, uses these lyrics and has done so many, many times.

“Yet on the other hand, they now see fit to potentially penalise another AFL player for doing exactly the same thing.

“So, where does the AFL stand on this? They’re either for it or against it.”

On Wednesday, the Crows were granted more time from the AFL as they attempted to reduce Rankine’s sanction.

In the end, they were successful, with “compelling medical submissions” – which are understood to involve Rankine’s mental health – knocking one week from his ban and keeping his faint hopes of playing again this season alive.

There had been reports during the week that the South Australian club was also going to reference Snoop Dogg in its defence, but Crows chief executive Tim Silvers flatly denied that suggestion.

“That wasn’t part of our submission,” he told reporters.

“We’re striving to be in the grand final, there’s no doubt about it, (but) I don’t think we’re focused on the grand final entertainment.”

Rankine playing against the Pies last Saturday. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Crows chief executive Tim Silvers denied Snoop was used in their defence. (Photo by Sarah Reed/Getty Images)

Dillon had also done his homework on Snoop ahead of his press conference, laying out an impassioned defence of the reformed rapper.

“It’s also important to remember that we have engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today,” Dillon said.

“He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth, and he’s a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic closing ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.

“In those environments, his performances were appropriate and well-received, and his performance this year at our grand final will be fitting for the best sporting event in the country.”