Izak Rankine has been given a four-game ban for using a homophobic slur in Adelaide's win over Collingwood last Saturday night and will also be required to complete "further Pride In Sport training".
The AFL Integrity Unit reached its verdict after five days of consideration, which included a defence argument from Adelaide.
The sentence gives Rankine a small chance to play in the AFL Grand Final, should Adelaide make it, but the Crows would have to lose their Qualifying Final in order for him to return for the big dance. He becomes the sixth player to be suspended for the use of a homophobic comment in the past two years.
Rankine's four-match ban is the same punishment given to Eagles defender Jack Graham, who self-reported his usage of a "highly offensive homophobic slur" in Round 17 against GWS. Sydney's Riak Andrew was given a five-game suspension for using a homophobic slur during a VFL match in July.
The AFL claims that Rankine called the Collingwood player to personally apologise and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation by the AFL Integrity Unit, including the admission of the use of the homophobic slur and being remorseful for it.
"I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so, and that type of language has no place in football or the community," Rankine said.
"It was a mistake and I have apologised to the Collingwood player, and what happened does not reflect my values or those of the club.
"I'm committed to educating myself and being better."
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said the club was extremely disappointed with Rankine's behaviour but would provide the 25-year-old with the necessary support and education.
"Such language is unacceptable and at odds with the values of our organisation, and we are committed to being a club that fosters a respectful and inclusive environment," Silvers said.
"We are obviously frustrated and disappointed; however, player welfare is always a priority, and we will provide Izak with the appropriate support and education."
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade said the following in a statement released by the AFL on Thursday.
"The language used was offensive, hurtful and highly inappropriate. Our players have a very clear understanding of what is acceptable on the football field. Importantly, in this instance, it was called out by players and acknowledged by Izak himself as wrong — and that reflects the standards we expect and demand in our game.
"Izak has said he knew it was not acceptable. Adelaide have said they know it is not acceptable. In an AFL environment, this behaviour is not acceptable. Homophobia has no place in football. The suspension is significant, but stamping out vilification in our game is incredibly important. Everyone in football understands the rules, and there are consequences of breaching them.
"We recognise this is a challenging time for the players and clubs involved, and appropriate support has been offered. But our responsibility is also to every player, official and fan who deserves respect when they come to our game. In 2025, the players know this more than anyone.
"We know people in the LGBTQI+ community and allies hurt when an incident like this happens. One incident of this nature is too many, and the fact there have been multiple this year shows we still have more work to do, and we are committed to that."
