NO TROLLS Rankine handed a 4 match suspension by the AFL integrity unit for a homophobic slur against opponent

[LukeParkerno1]

It simply doesn't make sense that the penalty for a crude word is almost the same as full-fledged assault off the ball. Gaff got what, 7? Weeks for his hit on brayshaw, how can you argue 6+ for (albeit harmful) words?

Yeah I get it with how the world is now, but when you have players threatening to gang-bash opposition players recieving no penalty, I fail to understand how this can attract such an enormous ban.

Idk, there is no easy answer

Be fair though if Gaff did that in todays era he'd have got double same with Hall for his on Staker. Times have changed

 

[DangerSloane]

Obviously at certain workplaces if you used called someone a fairy, it could be construed as been homophobic.

Are you trying to look for ways to insult people and hurt them, but without getting suspended or fired?

The question is...is that any better than the bundle of sticks? Would it attract a suspension still?
What about calling someone a girl? That could be considered transphobic.

 

[57 Milner]

Obviously at certain workplaces if you used called someone a fairy, it could be construed as been homophobic.

Are you trying to look for ways to insult people and hurt them, but without getting suspended or fired?

Well clearly context is important. I'd imagine some may take offense to be referred to as a wizard, depending on one's profession.

 

[RCAB]

Well clearly context is important. I'd imagine some may take offense to be referred to as a wizard, depending on one's profession.

No

 

[_Mike_]

I guess it depends on what was said. Could the equivalent of 'fairy' or 'wimp' be construed as homophobic?

The following link will provide further information

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/bullying-sexual-harassment-and-discrimination-at-work/bullying-in-the-workplace

 

[South of the Yarra]

It simply doesn't make sense that the penalty for a crude word is almost the same as full-fledged assault off the ball. Gaff got what, 7? Weeks for his hit on brayshaw, how can you argue 6+ for (albeit harmful) words?

Yeah I get it with how the world is now, but when you have players threatening to gang-bash opposition players recieving no penalty, I fail to understand how this can attract such an enormous ban.

Idk, there is no easy answer

I can't give personal experience on homophobic comments, but I can on other similar matters. The words can cause just as much damage and hurt as the physical beatings.

 

[Underarm]

AFL need to get on the front foot and publish a list of insults that players (and fans) can use to ensure this won't happen again

every one with a brain knows what you can and can't say.

 

[_Mike_]

how can you argue 6+ for (albeit harmful) words?

We live in a different world now, whether you agree or not, legislation has been created to ensure that all employees are working in a safe environment, free from all forms of discrimination.

It's a fine line now between what constitutes "jokes" and harmful comments.

 

[57 Milner]

The following link will provide further information

https://www.fairwork.gov.au/employment-conditions/bullying-sexual-harassment-and-discrimination-at-work/bullying-in-the-workplace

Sorry, was there an accusation of bullying, such as behaving agressively against an opposition player?

 

[Scotland]

Be fair though if Gaff did that in todays era he'd have got double same with Hall for his on Staker. Times have changed

It was 2018 not 1985. Tom Lynch got 5 weeks for his hit on Jordan Butts this year. The impact wasn't severe but the AFL have had ample opportunity to come down hard on 'non football acts' and haven't. They are more interested in intellectualising split second bumps like Steven May and Peter Wright.

AFL need to get on the front foot and publish a list of insults that players (and fans) can use to ensure this won't happen again

I'm pretty confident that by now players know what they can and can't say. Jack Graham was suspended in Round 18.

Do I think the AFL have lost the plot with this stuff yes, but if it's OK to suspend a fringe St Kilda player in the VFL or a player from the wooden spooner for 6 and 4 weeks respectively then the fact that Adelaide are one game out from finals and will likely finish top shouldn't be a consideration.

 

[Bostonian]

this is why we need a pride round in mens.

Won't fix a single thing.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

The question is...is that any better than the bundle of sticks? Would it attract a suspension still?
What about calling someone a girl? That could be considered transphobic.

Just don't do it, why are people worrying about what word is or isn't bad. Use an ounce of self control. If you wouldn't say the word to your mother or your father then it's perhaps the wrong thing to be saying. Use self control and if you don't know whether it should be said err on the side of not saying it. It's not actually hard

 

[_Mike_]

Sorry, was there an accusation of bullying, such as behaving agressively against an opposition player?

you could always read the information on that page and find the answer to that question

 

[LukeParkerno1]

It was 2018 not 1985. Tom Lynch got 5 weeks for his hit on Jordan Butts this year. The impact wasn't severe but the AFL have had ample opportunity to come down hard on 'non football acts' and haven't. They are more interested in intellectualising split second bumps like Steven May and Peter Wright.

The Lynch one was on the lower scale, but it at least wasn't a full Gaff or Hall one

 

[FyfeToAdelaide]

This thread seems very guilty until proven innocent

 

[SSSSSS]

This thread seems very guilty until proven innocent

Well if he supposedly self-reported wouldn't that be an admission of guilt?

 

[Corkintheocean]

The question is...is that any better than the bundle of sticks? Would it attract a suspension still?
What about calling someone a girl? That could be considered transphobic.

Spot the Adelaide/Chelsea fan.

Let me guess, you accidently left Maccabi Tel Aviv B.C. off your 'Other Teams:'?

 

[LukeParkerno1]

This thread seems very guilty until proven innocent

He has self reported it from all reports. No one should feel sorry for Rankine, everyone should feel sorry that the player he did it to copped it.

 

[RCAB]

Sorry, was there an accusation of bullying, such as behaving agressively against an opposition player?

But you’re missing the point either deliberately (because you want this stuff to keep happening) or because you genuinely don’t understand.

The AFL is a workplace, and like any other workplace it has obligations under discrimination law and its own code of conduct. Whether or not this technically fits the Fair Work definition of “bullying” is irrelevant, what Rankine said is derogatory and discriminatory.

On top of that, the AFL isn’t just any workplace. It holds itself up as a role model for kids and the wider community. That’s why standards have to be higher than “just words.” If you don’t draw a hard line on homophobic slurs, you send a signal that they’re still tolerated.

That's why a minimum of four weeks should be the suspension here.

 

[57 Milner]

you could always read the information on that page and find the answer to that question

Yes but without knowing what was actually said, in this case, it would be pointless speculation, would it not? For instance we don't even know the word form of what was said. For example, would accusing someone of 'wimping out from a contest' be considered homophobic?

 

[57 Milner]

He has self reported it from all reports.

One credible source would be helpful here.

 

[Mr MysteryGuest]

What gets me is the hypocrisy of the AFL and its mission to pander to minority groups..

However If anyone in the crowd , media or a player bags Christianity or Jesus it's absolutely fair game. ( We are a country founded and based on Christian values ) That's the truth..

There was a disgusting blasphemous sign in the crowd on Saturday night from a crows supporter comparing one of their players to Jesus as a savour. The media went out of their way to specifically made sure this sign was aired on live TV at least twice

This is totally normal and fair game for the AFL. Nothing is said. In fact it's encouraged.. Just hypocrites..

you're an absolute nutter if you're getting offended by the Keasus sign.

it's just a joke, it's not actually making fun of Christianity. It's only blasphemous if you choose to take it literally.

 

[Scotland]

We live in a different world now, whether you agree or not, legislation has been created to ensure that all employees are working in a safe environment, free from all forms of discrimination.

It's a fine line now between what constitutes "jokes" and harmful comments.

The AFL isn't the real world though. I don't get to tackle my colleagues (though the thought has crossed my mind) and if I call someone a mean word I will probably be called into HR and given a warning. It's not like I will be suspended from my job for 4 weeks (I wish) and if I physically assault someone I will likely be fired on the spot and potentially face criminal charges.

While the discussion around 'just jokes' vs harmful words is valid we need to stop equating AFL players with regular folk because they aren't. They play a game for a living and are judged to very different standards.

Personally I don't think calling someone presumably straight a homophobic slur constitutes discrimination per se, but the AFL don't want to condone it as acceptable behaviour.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

But you’re missing the point either deliberately (because you want this stuff to keep happening) or because you genuinely don’t understand.

The AFL is a workplace, and like any other workplace it has obligations under discrimination law and its own code of conduct. Whether or not this technically fits the Fair Work definition of “bullying” is irrelevant, what Rankine said is derogatory and discriminatory.

On top of that, the AFL isn’t just any workplace. It holds itself up as a role model for kids and the wider community. That’s why standards have to be higher than “just words.” If you don’t draw a hard line on homophobic slurs, you send a signal that they’re still tolerated.

That's why a minimum of four weeks should be the suspension here.

Yep, its 4-5 weeks, and 4 would be on the lowest end. Though if it's 4 other players have a right to complain that they received longer suspensions. luckily GC are so bad a side that the Crows won't lose at home to them in a Qualifying final so 4 or 5 makes zero difference he's not playing in the finals

 

[hawksalltheway]

I guess it depends on what was said. Could the equivalent of 'fairy' or 'wimp' be construed as homophobic?

no....i think most people understand what a homophobic slur is...this kind of belittling argument is just ridiculous