Izak Rankine, a prominent player for the Adelaide Football Club, has been handed a four-match suspension after being found guilty of using a homophobic slur during a match. An investigation was launched on Sunday evening. It resulted in extreme disciplinary action against the young 25-year-old athlete. If Adelaide makes the finals and wins their qualifying game, the suspension will end his season.
The Australian Football League (AFL) first recommended a five-match penalty for Rankine. It was first increased to ten matches, but then ultimately trimmed down to four matches based on “specific medical submissions” relating to his mental health. Their decision to reduce penalties has opened an important and overdue conversation about personal accountability versus the mental-health renaissance happening in professional sports.
Rankine has been an incredibly important player for Adelaide this season. Yet his impact is more than tangible, with just one year of work elevating his team from the honey spot (#15) to the top of the ladder. That helps to explain the 31-goal season he’s enjoying, playing every game this season while averaging a career-best 20 touches per game. If nothing else, his breakout season has put him at the center of the most influential player in the league this season.
Following the incident, Rankine reportedly reached out to the Collingwood player in question. He subsequently apologized publicly. He was apologizing for the wording he chose. In response to that kind of language, he recognized that it is no longer acceptable language in our football world and society.
“I regret using the word and I am very sorry for doing so, and that type of language has no place in football or the community,” – Izak Rankine
In the meantime, Rankine will be serving his suspension. Furthermore, he will complete additional Pride in Sport training to foster greater inclusivity and understanding within the sport. His willingness to repair the harm caused by his actions was apparent in his honesty and vulnerability in his statement.
“I’m committed to educating myself and being better,” – Izak Rankine
The leadership shown by the Adelaide Football Club’s management in responding to the crisis with a player welfare and education first approach should be commended. Tim Silvers, the club’s chief executive, stated that even using that language goes against their inclusive values as an organization.
“Such language is unacceptable and at odds with the values of our organisation, and we are committed to being a Club that fosters a respectful and inclusive environment,” – Tim Silvers
Though the disappointment surrounding the incident was palpable, Silvers said it will continue to be important to offer support for Rankine. He reminded everyone that accountability must come with compassion.
“We are obviously frustrated and disappointed; however, player welfare is always a priority, and we will provide Izak with the appropriate support and education,” – Tim Silvers
As head coach Matthew Nicks recently said, “What we’ve seen is growth, growth in our players as well.” He supported their commitment, during the season, to focus on just the next game. In so doing, they’re ensuring that Rankine gets the care and support he needs during this difficult period.
“We just put support around Izak because it is a tough thing to go through, and he knows it’s going to be tough from here,” – Matthew Nicks
As Adelaide prepares for their qualifying final, they too realize the impact of Rankine’s suspension. Potentially all the way to the decider if they continue to progress. If they go out in early September, Rankine might be able to make it back in time for the grand final. That’s only if they make it to that level of the contest.
Reflecting on this incident As with other similar incidents, this case demonstrates the persistent need for education and awareness around appropriate language and behavior in sports. The AFL still tackles these challenges today, but in an effort to ensure every player feels comfortable, welcomed and accepted in a respectful, inclusive environment.
