logo
Jack Graham suspended for homophobic slur but why the Eagle midfielder chose to self-report

Jack Graham suspended for homophobic slur but why the Eagle midfielder chose to self-report

Time of India13-07-2025
West Coast Eagles
midfielder
Jack Graham
has been suspended for four matches by the AFL after admitting to using a homophobic slur against a Greater Western Sydney (
GWS
) opponent on July 4. The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Eagles' Round 17 game against the Giants at Optus Stadium, Perth.
The AFL and the club described the incident as 'highly offensive' and 'completely unacceptable.'
Graham voluntarily informed the Eagles about his use of offensive language. The club then reported the matter to the AFL's Integrity Unit for an investigation.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
This Japanese AI invention allows you to speak 68 languages instantly. The idea? Genius.
Enence 2.0
Undo
Reduced suspension
The AFL said the suspension could have been longer if
Graham
hadn't taken accountability and self-reported the incident.
In its official statement, the AFL condemned the remark, stating that it 'demeans and denigrates persons regardless of their sexuality.' The league reiterated that homophobia has no place in the sport or the wider community.
Live Events
As part of his penalty, Graham will also undergo education through the
Pride in Sport program
.
Graham issued a public apology, saying, 'I am very remorseful for the word I used and know such language has no place in our community or our game. I made a mistake and need to be better. I will prove that through my actions going forward.'
He also personally apologized to the GWS player involved, the Giants club, and directly to AFL CEO Andrew Dillon.
Why did he choose to come forward?
The 27-year-old midfielder, who previously played for Richmond, said he took full responsibility for his behavior. His decision to report himself may have two reasons: self-accountability and personal ethics to acknowledge wrongdoing and face the consequences, or it may also align with the AFL's recent push to encourage accountability and uphold respect and inclusion within the game.
Club and AFL respond
West Coast Eagles CEO Don Pyke said the club was 'very disappointed' by Graham's conduct. 'The word Jack used is completely unacceptable and does not align with societal and club values,' Pyke stated.
AFL Head of Integrity and Security Tony Keane added, 'Everyone understands the word he used is both hurtful and totally unacceptable in any setting. This incident shows there is still more to be done to make our game safe and inclusive for all.'
Graham will miss the Eagles' next four matches, including clashes against Port Adelaide, his former club Richmond, Fremantle, and Melbourne. He will not be eligible to play at any level of football during the suspension.
The AFL has made clear it will continue to review each case individually, but it hopes incidents like this reinforce the importance of respect, accountability, and inclusion in Australian football.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sabbi shines bright as Whitecaps crush SKC in shocking shutout
Sabbi shines bright as Whitecaps crush SKC in shocking shutout

Economic Times

time4 hours ago

  • Economic Times

Sabbi shines bright as Whitecaps crush SKC in shocking shutout

Jul 26, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Vancouver Whitecaps FC forward Emmanuel Sabbi (11) shoots the ball against Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper John Pulskamp (1) during the second half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-Imagn Images Synopsis In a thrilling match, the Vancouver Whitecaps triumphed over Sporting Kansas City with a commanding 3-0 victory. Takaoka's exceptional goalkeeping was pivotal, maintaining a clean sheet. Goals from Sabbi, Ngando, and Laborda showcased the Whitecaps' offensive prowess, as they dominated both possession and shots. This defeat marks Kansas City's third in a row, raising concerns for the team. Yohei Takaoka notched up yet another clean sheet as the Vancouver Whitecaps blanked Sporting Kansas City 3-0 on Saturday. ADVERTISEMENT The Japanese goalkeeper stopped all three on-target shots he faced to record his Major League Soccer-leading 11th shutout of the season. Emmanuel Sabbi got the 'Caps (13-5-6) on the board in the 35th minute, J.C. Ngando increased the lead before halftime and Mathias Laborda sealed the scoring at 3-0 with a goal in the 87th minute. The home side dominated 54.2 per cent of possession across the game and outshot the visitors 22-12, including a 5-3 edge in on-target City (6-12-6) is currently third worst in the Western Conference rankings and has lost all three of its recent games (0-2-1).The Whitecaps are one point behind San Diego FC for the top spot in the Western Conference and have won their previous three games (2-0-1). ADVERTISEMENT Throughout the first ten minutes of Saturday's game, Kansas City regularly denied the home team possession of the ball, posing a challenge to the ' through the first half, Vancouver settled in and seized charge of the game. ADVERTISEMENT Jayden Nelson cut a ball across the top of the six-yard box to Sabbi, who dipped and pushed a shot past SKC goalkeeper John Pulskamp to give the Whitecaps the lead in the 35th minute, making it 1-0. It was Sabbi's sixth goal of the season in all the halftime whistle blew, he nearly added to the total. ADVERTISEMENT In the 38th minute, the American striker blasted up and over the Kansas City net. In the 41st minute, he sent a low ball that narrowly missed the the 43rd minute, Vancouver doubled their lead thanks to a rebound. ADVERTISEMENT The ball bounced out to Ngando, who placed a right-footed drive in just over Pulskamp's outstretched arm after Sebastian Berhalter nodded a shot towards the net but his attempt was gave the 'Caps a 2-0 lead with his second goal of the addition to controlling 56.8% of the first half's possession, the home team had a 12–5 shot advantage, including the game's only two on-target City had a good opportunity in the 55th minute and worked hard to score early in the second Salloi, a left winger, sneaked past the Vancouver defence and fired a rocket from the top of the penalty area, but Takaoka jumped to stop striker Brian White stroked a shot into the SKC net in the 68th minute, it looked like the 'Caps had taken a 3-0 lead, but the goal was promptly in the week, White was one of four Whitecaps players that participated in Major League Soccer's all-star the 87th minute, Laborda scored Vancouver's third goal of the evening on a corner nodded the ball in under Pulskamp's arm for his third goal of the season after Berhalter, who also played for the 'Caps at the MLS all-star game, floated it into the six-yard Utvik started at centre back, replacing Ranko Veselinovic. The Serbian defender tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during last week's 1-1 tie with San Diego FC, and the Whitecaps announced on Tuesday that he will be sidelined for the rest of the season. … Due to discomfort in his groin, Vancouver midfielder Andreas Cubas left the game at halftime. Ralph Priso took his place. … The Whitecaps played their 12th annual Pride game in front of an announced 20,719 spectators. UPCOMING The Whitecaps' next game is against the San Jose Earthquakes on August 9. On the same night, Sporting will host San Diego FC. The Canadian Press initially released this report on July 26, 2025. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY

'Hand was hanging by a thread': Indian man brutally attacked with machete in Melbourne, two accused get bail
'Hand was hanging by a thread': Indian man brutally attacked with machete in Melbourne, two accused get bail

First Post

time4 hours ago

  • First Post

'Hand was hanging by a thread': Indian man brutally attacked with machete in Melbourne, two accused get bail

Anand had just picked up medicine from a Melbourne pharmacy and was on a phone call when five boys ambushed him from behind. read more (Trigger warning: Please note that the report contains graphical details of abuse, which could be distressing to some. Reader discretion is advised.) Saurabh Anand, a 33-year-old Indian-origin man, is in hospital recovering from a brutal machete attack by a group of teenagers outside a Melbourne shopping centre. The assault happened around 7:30 pm at Central Square Shopping Centre in Altona Meadows. Anand had just picked up medicine from a pharmacy and was on a phone call when five boys ambushed him from behind, according to The Australia Today. He didn't hear anything before the attack began. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD One teen searched his pockets, another punched him until he collapsed, and a third held a machete to his throat. When Anand raised his arm to protect himself, the blade cut through his wrist, hand, and bone. 'All I remember is the pain and my hand was … hanging by a thread,' he said from his hospital bed. He also suffered stab wounds to his shoulder and back, a fractured spine, multiple broken arm bones, and head injuries. Bystanders called emergency services after hearing Anand's screams. At Royal Melbourne Hospital, surgeons considered amputating his hand but managed to reattach it after hours of complex surgery, inserting screws in his wrist and hand. Anand remains in intensive care, with doctors uncertain about his long-term recovery. 'I cannot move my hand… All I feel in it is pain,' he said. Arrests made Police arrested four of the five teens. A 14-year-old from Wyndham faces charges including robbery, unlawful assault, and intentionally causing serious injury. Two 15-year-olds and another 14-year-old from Hobsons Bay were also charged and are set to appear in court in August. Anand was upset that two of the accused were granted bail, saying, 'I'm seeking justice… I want this to be a catalyst for change.' In a separate incident last week, a 23-year-old Indian man, Charanpreet Singh, was allegedly assaulted in Adelaide over a parking dispute involving racist remarks, Australian media reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The attack occurred on the night of July 19 on Kintore Avenue. Singh told 9NEWS that a group used racial slurs, shouted an obscenity, and then punched him until he lost consciousness. He suffered brain trauma, facial fractures, and needed overnight hospital treatment. A 20-year-old from Enfield was arrested the next day and charged with assault causing harm. Police are still seeking others who fled the scene, per 9NEWS. Singh expressed his distress, saying, 'Things like this, when they happen, it makes you feel like you should go back. You can change anything in your body, but you can't change the colours.'

Davidovich Fokina beats Shelton to reach the DC Open final vs. de Minaur
Davidovich Fokina beats Shelton to reach the DC Open final vs. de Minaur

News18

time5 hours ago

  • News18

Davidovich Fokina beats Shelton to reach the DC Open final vs. de Minaur

Last Updated: Washington, Jul 27 (AP) Alejandro Davidovich Fokina broke big-serving Ben Shelton a half-dozen times and eliminated the No. 4 seed by a 6-2, 7-5 score in the D.C. Open semifinals to follow up his upset of No. 1 seed Taylor Fritz a night earlier. The 12th-seeded Davidovich Fokina, a 26-year-old from Spain, will face No. 7 seed Alex de Minaur on Sunday for the title at the hard-court tournament. De Minaur advanced to his second Washington final by beating Corentin Moutet 6-4, 6-3. Davidovich Fokina will be seeking his first ATP trophy in his fourth career final. No matter the outcome, he has guaranteed himself a debut in the top 20 of the rankings after arriving in D.C. at No. 26. The semifinal win was de Minaur's 20th victory on a hard court in 2025, the most on the ATP tour. The Australian, who is 13th in the rankings, moved into his 19th career final; he's 9-9 so far. One of the runner-up finishes came against Alexander Zverev at Washington in 2018. In the women's bracket, Leylah Fernandez will be trying to win her first WTA title of the season, and Anna Kalinskaya will seek the first of her career when they meet each other Sunday. Fernandez, the runner-up at the 2021 U.S. Open, hit 12 aces and picked up her second victory of the week against a top-20 opponent by beating 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) across 3 hours, 16 minutes in the semifinals. Kalinskaya needed less than half as much time to eliminate Emma Raducanu 6-4, 6-3 with the help of 14 backhand winners in the other women's semifinal. It was Raducanu who defeated Fernandez for the championship at Flushing Meadows four years ago. Both women's finalists are unseeded. Canada's Fernandez, who is 22 years old, is ranked 36th; Russia's Kalinskaya, 26, is ranked 48th. Kalinskaya moved into her third tour-level final. She went 0-2 in title matches last season. Fernandez, who got past top-seeded Jessica Pegula earlier in the week, owns three titles. Sunday's matchup will be her seventh career final. (AP) APA APA view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 12:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store