Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine has publicly apologised after receiving a four-game ban from the Australian Football League (AFL) for using a homophobic slur during a recent match against Collingwood.
The initial penalty could have been five matches, but AFL CEO Andrew Dillon confirmed that a “compelling medical submission” from the Adelaide Football Club influenced the reduction. Dillon did not disclose the medical details behind the appeal.
Rankine, 24, was temporarily sent to Italy by the Crows in a move aimed at shielding him from public scrutiny in the wake of the incident. Upon his return to Adelaide on Tuesday (2 September), he faced reporters at the airport and expressed deep remorse for his actions.
“I want to start by saying how deeply sorry I am for what I said. There was no excuse, it was wrong and I take full responsibility,” Rankine said.
“I’m disappointed in myself and I know I have let a lot of people down.
I want to apologise to anyone who I have hurt and offended. I understand that word was offensive, harmful, it’s hurtful and has no place in our game or our society.”
He continued, saying the suspension has given him time to reflect and educate himself.
“This period has given me space to reflect and educate myself to better understand the weight of my mistake. And I am fully committed to bettering myself. In the next few days I will be standing in front of my teammates and the AFLW and apologising to them personally – and they deserve this at the very least.”
Rankine added that he is determined to rebuild trust and use the experience as a catalyst for positive change.
“I’ll be doing everything I can to gain everyone’s trust back and have a positive impact on society and the people who’ve supported me.”
Rankine has already served one game of his four-match suspension.
