Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine, pictured, is currently being investigated by the AFL for potential breaches of gambling policy. He allegedly directed a homophobic slur towards a match official during a recent MLS match. This incident has raised significant alarms over Rankine’s long-term career in the league. It has huge implications for the Crows with finals fast approaching.
The debate was sparked after a Twitter tussle between Rankine and ex-Port Adelaide defender Dan Houston. According to multiple reports, this incident is just a single example of the overarching investigation into Rankine’s actions on the field. The AFL has done additional interviews with him to learn more about the origin of the slur.
Without question, Rankine is one of the league’s most dynamic talents. He should expect to be hit with draconian consequences, depending on where the investigation leads him. If he receives a four-match suspension, it would mean that he could only return to play if the Crows lose a final match leading to the grand final. Commentators are already clamoring about league firsts. They fear that Rankine is looking at a five-match ban, which might effectively ruin his 2025 season.
Mitch Cleary, a sports journalist, commented on the situation, stating, “Last night Adelaide entered a written submission to the AFL to try to have Rankine free to play this year. Now, on precedent, he would receive a five-match ban, which would ultimately end his 2025 season.”
The Crows are lobbying hard to give Rankine the lightest of touches. Now there’s a possibility his ban will be reduced to just three games at most. As commentators recommend, it seems that cutting such leniency might be what incites the most outrage from fans and critics. Cleary said, “Three (games) there would be an uproar.
Taylor Walker, Rankine’s teammate, told media during the tournament what happened when they talked after the incident. Shackelford’s depiction of Rankine was that he was exceedingly contrite. He too was confident that whatever punishment the league decided to issue would be accepted by Rankine.
I talked to him last night on the phone and so regretful, Walker stated. He knows that he has done wrong, and he’ll take what he has coming.
Walker also stressed the importance of what players say or do during games. He understood that trash talk is one of the main ingredients for competition. He stated you need to be more sensitive to the background of each player and each journey of the player.
“It’s a bit of fun trying to put your opposition off but you have got to be super, super critical and understanding of who they are and their background and their journey,” Walker added.
As the investigation continues, it’s rightly anyone’s guess as to how long it’ll be until restitution is achieved. Cleary said everyone involved expected the issue to be settled by Tuesday but suggested things changed at the last minute. “All parties around this investigation thought it would be wrapped up by today, but there’s been a late twist,” he said.
Though his life’s work is already in motion, this investigation will affect Rankine personally. It would too, in a monumental way, for the Adelaide Crows, as they seek out success in the determination of the finals series. The squad is fully supporting Rankine amid this trying time. They closely follow news about his case, and await further decisions from the AFL regarding his likely suspension.
