West Coast’s Jack Graham has been banned for four matches after self-reporting a “highly offensive homophobic slur” against a GWS opponent in round 17.
Graham used the same homophobic slur that Gold Coast player Wil Powell used when he was banned for five matches last season, calling a GWS player a “f---ing f----t”, according to two industry sources not authorised to speak publicly.
Jack Graham (left) has been banned for four matches.Credit: AFL Photos
Graham was given a discount on that suspension because he had self-reported the incident, which was unlikely to have come to the AFL’s attention otherwise.
Powell was suspended last year just weeks after Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson was suspended for three matches for the same offence.
An industry source, who was not authorised to speak publicly, said the former Richmond premiership player went to the Eagles during the week and told the club he felt badly about an incident in the game when he had gone too far and used offensive and inappropriate language in the sledge of an opponent.
West Coast contacted GWS, who had not made a complaint with either the Eagles or the AFL over the incident, and the clubs discussed the matter. A GWS source said the club was aware of the incident but assumed the umpires had heard it, or were aware of it, and that there would be an investigation.
Graham in his days as a Tiger.Credit: AFL Photos
The Eagles contacted the AFL on Friday morning to report the matter, with the league unaware of the incident until then. Graham personally rang AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to explain the situation and to apologise.
A punishment was immediately imposed, meaning Graham was a withdrawal from Sunday’s game against Port Adelaide.
“I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,” Graham said in an Eagles statement.
“I have offered my unreserved apology to the Giants player and Greater Western Sydney, and would also like to publicly apologise for my comment.
Jeremy Finlayson has previously served a suspension for using a homophobic slur.Credit: Ben Searcy
“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.”
Speaking after the Eagles’ loss to the Power on Sunday, West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said, “Jack’s accepted his sanction and understands where it lies”.
McQualter said Graham had “clearly made a mistake”, adding, “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”.
Graham was found guilty of breaching AFL Rule 2.3(a) (conduct unbecoming).
The league earlier released a statement on Sunday morning saying the slur “demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality”.
“Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” the AFL’s head of integrity and security, Tony Keane, 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.”
Graham cannot play at any level over the next four weeks and must also complete Pride in Sport education.
West Coast CEO Don Pyke said the club was disappointed by Graham’s comment but would provide support and education during his time out of the game.
“The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and club values,” Pyke said.
“Jack understands the harmful effects comments like these can have on others, and he has been honest in addressing this matter.
“Player welfare was front of mind throughout the process, and we were in regular contact with the Giants following the match and earlier this week around this situation.
“With no match-day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL.
“Jack personally called AFL CEO Andrew Dillon to apologise and has taken full responsibility and accepted the sanction that has been handed down.
“In addition, our playing groups will continue education around their role in respect and responsibility in the game.”
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