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

[LukeParkerno1]

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.

The players get paid, it is the real world. It's a job. Players have the right to be free from harrassment, discrimination and everything under that umbrella. The AFL is also there for millions of kids, you recon we need younger kids mimicking what Rankine has said whether it be on a footy field or in a classroom setting? Like it or not these players are role models

 

[Mr MysteryGuest]

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

haven't seen any evidence of that

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

Can you imagine the ramifications for a player whose found to be lying about this? The logic that people think this is possible is insane

 

[CatToTheFuture]

The precedent has been set by the AFL, 4 weeks and then 6 weeks so it will likely be 8 weeks.

Yeah but those players weren't as good at football and it wasn't finals

 

[CatToTheFuture]

Can you imagine the ramifications for a player whose found to be lying about this? The logic that people think this is possible is insane

Which is why I doubt anyone is

 

[Anja_Nees]

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

I’m in a minority I’m sure, but a final is worth a lot more than a home and away game. I think if he missed three (which could include a prelim) and was available for a GF I’d have no issue. If they lost a prelim by a point he’d be kicking himself for the rest of his days.

 

[10571z]

Rumour is he called Quaynor a ****** multiple times.. who knows how true

 

[LukeParkerno1]

I’m in a minority I’m sure, but a final is worth a lot more than a home and away game. I think if he missed three (which could include a prelim) and was available for a GF I’d have no issue. If they lost a prelim by a point he’d be kicking himself for the rest of his days.

I'd have a big issue if a suspension through the MRP isn't differentiated this shouldn't either. Start with the 4 weeks, that's on the low end but 'okay'

 

[RCAB]

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?

The impression I'm getting here feels less like curiosity and more like “I say it every day so surely it’s fine.” It’s not. That’s why the AFL is investigating, and that’s why it’s possibly going to be a long suspension, to stop normalising exactly this attitude.

 

[_Mike_]

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.

The issue for the AFL is that the AFL and football field is a workplace to which is governed by Workplace & Anti-Discrimination laws. This means the AFL is required, by law, to protect players in the same manner as you or I in the workplace from the same words.

A lot has changed over time, including what is now considered appropriate and inappropriate conduct. There's already a case in the AFLW for a matter of inappropriate contact the AFL is dealing with

 

[Scotland]

The players get paid, it is the real world. It's a job. Players have the right to be free from harrassment, discrimination and everything under that umbrella. The AFL is also there for millions of kids, you recon we need younger kids mimicking what Rankine has said whether it be on a footy field or in a classroom setting? Like it or not these players are role models

And how many times have you been sanctioned at your job for what you do in your free time?

AFL players do not live in the real world. Take the wrong supplement and you will be banned for two years. I went to a job interview, told my boss about it. No one cares, I didn't have to go on TV and apologise.

Players being role models is a separate issue to harassment and discrimination. People need to let go of the ridiculous idea that elite level sports is relevant to regular to society. Sledging is part of sports because it can help gain a competitive advantage. Doesn't mean we tell kids to do it in under 8s.

 

[Unfazed]

I don't feel sorry for Rankine and, if the other player isn't gay, I doubt he was bothered but any gay player or umpire who heard it would rightly be offended and upset. That's who I feel sorry for and why I believe in zero tolerance. AFLW embrace their gay members but it's so stupidly taboo in the men's competition.

 

[Yellow Feathers]

Anyone surprised it was Rankine? I’m not.

 

[LukeParkerno1]

And how many times have you been sanctioned at your job for what you do in your free time?

AFL players do not live in the real world. Take the wrong supplement and you will be banned for two years. I went to a job interview, told my boss about it. No one cares, I didn't have to go on TV and apologise.

Players being role models is a separate issue to harassment and discrimination. People need to let go of the ridiculous idea that elite level sports is relevant to regular to society. Sledging is part of sports because it can help gain a competitive advantage. Doesn't mean we tell kids to do it in under 8s.

Well none becuase wait for it...I know how to have an ounce of self control. Don't say things that others may interpret differently. If it's not something you'd say to your mother then it's not something to say to anyone, period.

Sledging is fine but there are clear lines and anything in the discrimination umbrella is in the no go area. Like it or not they are role models, if you want to be paid lets say 500k plus and Rankine is a million you can do the right thing by the game.

 

[danman69]

win 3 premierships in 5 years, make a statement.

Supporters of your mob were calling for Finlayson to be deregistered after his incident last year. They were also so glad to see Houston rubbed out of finals for his hit on this clown. Been a great day so far listening to your supporters squirm I hope he gets rubbed out for the year.

 

[57 Milner]

The impression I'm getting here feels less like curiosity and more like “I say it every day so surely it’s fine.” It’s not. That’s why the AFL is investigating ....

I think the point of an investigation is to investigate the allegation rather than to presume it was in fact a homophobic slur as you appear to be doing. I'd prefer to hold back until further information is revealed.

 

[Corkintheocean]

I don't feel sorry for Rankine and, if the other player isn't gay, I doubt he was bothered but any gay player or umpire who heard it would rightly be offended and upset. That's who I feel sorry for and why I believe in zero tolerance. AFLW embrace their gay members but it's so stupidly taboo in the men's competition.

If you ignore the players who take a week off to avoid Pride Round and escape with no punishment, sure.

 

[Scotland]

The issue for the AFL is that the AFL and football field is a workplace to which is governed by Workplace & Anti-Discrimination laws. This means the AFL is required, by law, to protect players in the same manner as you or I in the workplace from the same words.

A lot has changed over time, including what is now considered appropriate and inappropriate conduct. There's already a case in the AFLW for a matter of inappropriate contact the AFL is dealing with

The AFLW is a very different beast with (I'm guessing) a majority of LGBT players. I have friends that played high level women's footy here and from what they told me the dynamics are very different.

Policing language and intent opens a can of worms. The NBA is ~70% African American and someone like Kevin Garnett drops the N word into conversation like a connecting word. Big difference to him doing that in his media roles vs a black player saying it to another black player vs a white player saying it.

 

[GreyCrow]

Rumour is he called Quaynor a ****** multiple times.. who knows how true

This disappoints me on so many levels

1. That he said it - not once but if true many times

2. That none of his teammates thought to tell him to pull his head in

3. The leadership group either did or didnt pull him aside

I'm quite happy to let the AFL deal with it - I'm frustrated that the players didnt think it was that bad

 

[Deepthroat]

Izak will probably write a song about this one day....

 

[10571z]

This disappoints me on so many levels

1. That he said it - not once but if true many times

2. That none of his teammates thought to tell him to pull his head in

3. The leadership group either did or didnt pull him aside

I'm quite happy to let the AFL deal with it - I'm frustrated that the players didnt think it was that bad

Its it tiktok rumour i wouldn't be so sure it has any basis btw

 

[Hoops]

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.

It's not who the slur is directed at, but diminishing those that are gay by using such a slur.

 

[iameviljez]

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.

I can assure that if I called someone a Bundle of Sticks at work, I'd be very very lucky to still have a job on Monday, especially if the recipient were gay.

But it does vary wildly, especially depending on where your workplace sits on that continuum from blue collar to white collar.

 

[Woody15]

Jon Ralph reporting Adelaide bracing for 3-5 week suspension.

 

[RCAB]

I think the point of an investigation is to investigate the allegation rather than to presume it was in fact a homophobic slur as you appear to be doing. I'd prefer to hold back until further information is revealed.

Yes due process is offered because that's what we always seen to be fair in our society, and it's a legal requirement.

But we're still allowed to discuss it here, if it's still allegedly while it's investigated.

I also noticed in the game day thread on Saturday, someone noticed Rankine saying the F word, so there's very little chance IMO that he did not say it.