West Coast Eagles midfielder Jack Graham has broken his silence since being handed a four match ban, declaring homophobic language needs to be eliminated from the game.
Graham is the fourth AFL-listed player to receive a ban for using “a highly offensive” slur against an opponent, following an incident during West Coast’s round 17 clash against GWS.
Barely a week after Graham’s suspension, Sydney’s Riak Andrew was suspended for five matches after using a homophobic slur in a VFL match against North Melbourne.
Last year, Gold Coast’s Will Powell and Port Adelaide’s Jeremy Finlayson served suspensions for using homophobic slurs in AFL matches, while St Kilda Lance Collard was banned for using a slur in a VFL match.
Speaking to SportFM, Graham, who is two matches into his suspension; has taken responsibility and stated he, and the AFL community needs to do better.
“What happened in the GWS game, we need to stamp that out of our game. That’s why I went straight to the club and admitted what I’d done,” he told SportFM.
“I apologised to the GWS player and the wider community.
“It’s been a tough couple of weeks for myself and my family. But at the same time, the club and the fans have really supported me.
“It’s been a challenging time, but one that I’ve got to learn from and do a bit better at, and so does everyone in the AFL and the wider community.”
Graham self-reported the incident to the club following the match, who then informed the AFL Integrity Unit one week later.
There was no report from a player or umpire regarding the incident.
The AFL also stated the penalty was less severe as Graham self-reported the incident.
Graham says was able to get on the front foot post match and apologies to the player and GWS coach Adam Kingsley.
“Straight after the game, I went and apologised and we went from there,” he said.
“There were a couple of phone calls between the player and the GWS coach Adam Kingsley.
“He was my midfield coach and had him for four or five years at Richmond. We’ve got a really good relationship and even him admitting saying that was out of character.
“But still what I said wasn’t good enough but we were able to make up and straight away get on the front foot.”
Graham returned to training this week after being given time off following his suspension by the Eagles and spending time with family in South Australia.
IMAGE: AFL Photos