Latest news with #PrideinSport
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sky News AU
West Coast Eagle Jack Graham hit with huge ban over homophobic slur, ordered to undertake Pride in Sport education
West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has admitted to using a 'highly offensive' homophobic slur against a Giants player in Round 17. 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 Given Graham's four-game ban, he will be withdrawn from West Coast' clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday afternoon.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."
Courier-Mail
3 days ago
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
West Coast footballer banned for ‘highly offensive' slur
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has admitted to using a 'highly offensive' homophobic slur during his team's loss to the Giants. The AFL on Sunday handed down a four-match suspension. According to the football club, Graham informed team official he had said the offensive comment during the Giants' 59-point loss at Optus Stadium on Friday, July 5. The AFL said in a statement the club then notified the league about the incident on Monday. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. The 27-year-old is in breach of AFL Rule 2.3(a), Conduct Unbecoming, with Graham self-reporting to the Eagles before the league were made aware on Friday morning. It has been reported it occurred during the second quarter of the match. According to the AFL, Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which 'demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality'. Channel 7's Mitch Cleary reported Graham's comment was one singular word. Graham has apologised privately to the unnamed Giants player his slur was directed towards. The AFL said Graham had also made an apology to chief executive Andrew Dillon. Jack Graham and his Eagles. Photo by. The two-time Richmond premiership player — who is now a part of West Coast's leadership group — will undertake Pride in Sport education as a result of his actions. 'I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game,' Graham said via a West Coast club 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 added: 'The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and Club values. '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. Jack Graham of the Eagles. Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images. Given his four-game ban, Graham has been withdrawn from Sunday evening's clash against Port Adelaide. After initially being omitted, young ruck Jack Williams replaces him and holds his place in the side. Graham is the fourth AFL player in 16 months to be suspended for the use of a homophobic slur, with Port Adelaide's Jeremy Finlayson, Gold Coast's Wil Powell and St Kilda's Lance Collard each receiving suspensions between four and six weeks. 'Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever.' AFL Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane said in the AFL's own statement. '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 West Coast footballer banned for 'highly offensive' slur
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
West Coast's Jack Graham banned over homophobic slur
West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. The league said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. The league said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will also have to undertake Pride in Sport education. "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 a club 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." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "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," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL 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. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate." The Graham incident comes after three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. The league said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. The league said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will also have to undertake Pride in Sport education. "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 a club 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." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "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," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL 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. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate." The Graham incident comes after three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game. West Coast midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. The league said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. The league said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will also have to undertake Pride in Sport education. "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 a club 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." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "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," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL 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. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate." The Graham incident comes after three AFL players were suspended for using homophobic slurs last season. Gold Coast defender Wil Powell (five matches) and Port Adelaide forward Jeremy Finlayson (three) served bans over incidents in AFL matches. St Kilda's Lance Collard served a six-match penalty for "unprompted and highly offensive" slurs towards two Williamstown players in a VFL game.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jack Graham suspended for homophobic slur but why the Eagle midfielder chose to self-report
West Coast Eagles midfielder Jack Graham has been suspended for four matches by the AFL after admitting to using a homophobic slur against a Greater Western Sydney ( GWS ) opponent on July 4. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Eagles' Round 17 game against the Giants at Optus Stadium, Perth. The AFL and the club described the incident as 'highly offensive' and 'completely unacceptable.' Graham voluntarily informed the Eagles about his use of offensive language. The club then reported the matter to the AFL's Integrity Unit for an investigation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius. Enence 2.0 Undo Reduced suspension The AFL said the suspension could have been longer if Graham hadn't taken accountability and self-reported the incident. In its official statement, the AFL condemned the remark, stating that it 'demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality.' The league reiterated that homophobia has no place in the sport or the wider community. Live Events As part of his penalty, Graham will also undergo education through the Pride in Sport program . Graham issued a public apology, saying, 'I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game. I made a mistake and need to be better. I will prove that through my actions going forward.' He also personally apologized to the GWS player involved, the Giants club, and directly to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon. Why did he choose to come forward? The 27-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Richmond, said he took full responsibility for his behavior. His decision to report himself may have two reasons: self-accountability and personal ethics to acknowledge wrongdoing and face the consequences, or it may also align with the AFL's recent push to encourage accountability and uphold respect and inclusion within the game. Club and AFL respond West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke said the club was 'very disappointed' by Graham's conduct. 'The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and club values,' Pyke stated. AFL Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane added, 'Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting. This incident shows there is still more to be done to make our game safe and inclusive for all.' Graham will miss the Eagles' next four matches, including clashes against Port Adelaide, his former club Richmond, Fremantle, and Melbourne. He will not be eligible to play at any level of football during the suspension. The AFL has made clear it will continue to review each case individually, but it hopes incidents like this reinforce the importance of respect, accountability, and inclusion in Australian football.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
West Coast's Jack Graham banned over homophobic slur
West Coast player Jack Graham has been suspended by the AFL for four matches for using a homophobic slur against an opponent. The AFL announced the ban on Sunday after finding Graham guilty of conduct unbecoming over the incident during the July 4 match won by GWS at Optus Stadium. It said the incident was self-reported by Graham to his club, who reported it to the AFL on Friday morning, prompting an AFL integrity unit investigation. "Graham used a highly offensive homophobic slur against a GWS Giants opponent, which demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality," the AFL said in a statement. It said it took into account Graham's self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology and contrition. Graham also rang the AFL CEO directly to apologise. A two-time premiership player with Richmond before joining the Eagles, 27-year-old Graham will not be eligible to play for West Coast for the next four weeks and he will undertake Pride in Sport education. "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 a club 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." West Coast CEO Don Pyke said Graham had been honest in addressing the matter and understood its harmful effects. "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," he added. "With no match day report being lodged, both clubs agreed the appropriate course of action was to refer the matter to the AFL." AFL 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. "Graham's sanction would have been higher if he hadn't self-reported and understood his comment was totally inappropriate."
