Jack Graham banned for four games after using homophobic slur against GWS

Andrew McQualter has gone in to bat for Jack Graham after the Eagle was banned for four games for using a homophobic slur against a Giants player.

Suspended West Coast veteran Jack Graham is a good person who made a bad mistake according to Eagles coach Andrew McQualter, who pledged his support for the two-time Richmond premiership player.

Graham was suspended by the AFL for four matches on Sunday for using an offensive homophobic slur against a GWS player during his side’s round 17 loss to the Giants.

The 27-year-old was withdrawn from the side that suffered a fighting 26-point loss to Port Adelaide on Sunday, with McQualter addressing the issue for the first time at the start of his post-match press conference.

Jack Graham self-reported the slur after last week’s match against GWS. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“Jack clearly made a mistake and owned his mistake,” McQualter said.

“Jack’s a really good person, I’ve known him for a very long time, this is an error on Jack’s behalf, and he understands that it doesn’t align with the values of our club.

“The process we went through was that the club was informed, and we worked with the Giants and then eventually, with the AFL.

“Jack’s accepted his sanction and understands where it lies.

“Our priority now is to look after Jack and his wellbeing and to continue to educate our players as much as we can.

“I appreciate that it’s a story and it has got some interest, but we’re just going to continue to support Jack.

“Jack’s a very good person, he used one word that was a mistake, and he’s copped a serious punishment for that word, and he understands that that’s right.”

GRAHAM HANDED FOUR-WEEK BAN OVER HOMOPHOBIC SLUR

West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been handed a four-week ban for a disgusting homophobic slur after being the third player since last April to be found guilty of an offence of that nature.

Graham’s decision to self-report after he made the homophobic slur against a GWS player last week saved him a longer penalty despite being found guilty of conduct unbecoming.

Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was banned for three weeks in April last year for a slur against an Essendon player then a month later Gold Coast’s Wil Powell was suspended for five weeks.

Graham will miss the next four matches. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The league said after Powell’s ban that the close proximity to Finlayson’s incident played a key role in the longer suspension.

But while Graham will not play at any level for a month, his decision to self-report to the Eagles hierarchy meant he was not given a longer penalty.

The club reported the incident from the round 17 game to the AFL integrity unity, who undertook an investigation.

Graham said on Sunday he apologised to the Giants player after self-reporting.

“I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,” Graham 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.”

The league said on Monday the “highly offensive” homophobic slur demeaned and denigrated person regardless of their sexuality.

The league took into account his self-reporting, private apology and contrition, with Graham ringing AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon to apologise.

The 27-year-old dual premiership player at Richmond moved to West Coast this season as a free agent.

AFL head of integrity and security Tony Keane said his comment was inappropriate.

“Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” he said.

“The AFL is very clear that 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. Graham’s sanction would have been higher if he hadn’t self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate.”

Originally published as Jack Graham banned for four games after using homophobic slur against GWS