AFL bans West Coast player Jack Graham for four matches over homophobic slur

West Coast player Jack Graham has been suspended for four matches and will undertake an education program after using a “highly offensive” homophobic slur during an AFL match against GWS Giants.

The 27-year-old used the offensive term towards a Giants opponent during their round 17 clash and later self-reported the incident to the Eagles.

The club passed the report to the AFL on Friday morning with the AFL Integrity Unit undertaking an immediate investigation and moving quickly to sanction Graham who has been withdrawn from the West Coast side to face Port Adelaide on Sunday.

“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 former Richmond player will not be eligible to play for West Coast or at any level of football for the next four weeks and will also undertake Pride in Sport education.

All AFL and AFLW Players and officials receive yearly education regarding vilification and the impact of such behaviour.

“Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting, ever,” Tony Keane, AFL head of integrity and security, 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 took into account Graham’s self-reporting of the incident, along with his private apology to the unnamed Giants player and contrition when considering its sanctions.

Graham also rang AFL chief executive, Andrew Dillion, directly to apologise.

“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.”

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Graham is playing his first season with the Eagles after lining up in 131 matches and winning two premierships with the Tigers.

West Coast said that Graham had admitted to using a homophobic slur and accepted the sanctions handed down by the AFL.

“The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and club values,” West Coast chief executive, Don Pyke, said.

“Jack understands the harmful effects comments like these can have on others and he has been honest in addressing this matter.”

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