West Coast Eagle Jack Graham hit with huge ban over homophobic slur, ordered to undertake Pride in Sport education
Graham was found guilty of breaching AFL rule 2.3(a) for Conduct Unbecoming.
He self-reported the incident to the Eagles, who informed the AFL integrity unit on Friday.
The offensive slur occurred during the Eagles 111-52 loss to the Giants at Perth's Optus Stadium on Friday, July 5.
The AFL on Sunday handed down a four-match suspension and ordered him to undertake Pride in Sport education as a result of his actions.
"Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," an AFL statement read.
"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."
The 27-year-old said he is very remorseful of the word he used and apologised to the Giants player.
"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.
"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 executive Don Pyke said the club was 'very disappointed' in Graham's choice of words.
"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."
Given Graham's four-game ban, he will be withdrawn from West Coast' clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.
The two-time Richmond premiership player is now the fourth AFL player in 16 months to be suspended for the use of a homophobic slur.
Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson, Gold Coast's Wil Powell and St Kilda's Lance Collard each received suspensions between four and six weeks.
AFL head of integrity and security Tony Keane said the game has a long way to go to in terms of becoming an inclusive environment.
"The AFL is very clear that homophobia has no place in our game, nor in the community," Keane said.
"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."
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