Adelaide forward Taylor Walker has spoken publicly about Izak Rankine’s alleged homophobic slur, saying the 23-year-old is “very remorseful” and ready to accept whatever penalty the AFL hands down.
Rankine, who has racked up 31 goals this season, faces the prospect of missing the Crows’ entire finals campaign if suspended.
Walker, who himself served a six-game ban in 2021 for a racial remark in the SANFL, revealed the pair had spoken on Monday night after Rankine stayed home from training.
“He’s very remorseful and he understands that he’s made a mistake,” Walker told Triple M Adelaide. “He’ll accept whatever comes his way. He hasn’t been outside. He had a full day of investigation with the AFL yesterday. I can’t comment on (a sanction). What I can comment on is that our footy club is a very positive and supportive environment, and we will support Ranks. However, we don’t agree with what happened.”
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Walker reflects on lessons learned
The 34-year-old drew on his past to stress the seriousness of Rankine’s actions.
“However, I do not sit here and say that I agree with what happened with Ranks. I don’t accept that, and he’s made a mistake and he’ll get a sanction for it,” Walker said.
“Once you start going down that line, whether it be family, the colour of your skin … or what sexuality you find yourself with, I think you’re treading on thin ice when you go down that path.”
Recent sanctions for homophobic slurs have ranged from three to six matches, with the AFL stating each case would be judged on its circumstances. For the ladder-leading Crows, any lengthy ban would be a major blow to their premiership hopes.