Izak Rankine, Adelaide Crows forward, has been back in Australia. He was fleeing the ugly aftermath from his four match ban for directing a homophobic slur at a Collingwood player. He really hit the jackpot. He spent 10 days in Italy trying to escape this. The incident, which occurred during a match, has made Rankine the sixth AFL-listed player to face disciplinary action for on-field homophobic comments in the past 16 months.
Rankine’s original suspension was five games. Yet, it was cut down to four after persuasive medical testimony underscored his severe mental health. After serving one match of his suspension already, he and the team continue to appeal. The player departed Australia the day after being issued the ban. In an effort to clear his head and stay in shape, he traveled to a European training facility to ponder his future.
On his return, Rankine was apologetic for what transpired, addressing media at Adelaide airport on Wednesday. He fought back tears as he addressed the controversy that has surrounded him since the incident.
“I wanna start by saying how deeply sorry I am for what I said, there was no excuse. It was wrong and I take full responsibility.” – Izak Rankine
In his written apology, Rankine recognized the hurt his statements have done and reaffirmed his intention to do better. In his first comments on the situation, he expressed his hope to earn back the trust of his teammates and the wider community.
“I want to apologise to anyone I’ve hurt and offended. I understand that word is offensive, harmful and hurtful and has no place in our game or society.” – Izak Rankine
The young athlete quickly realized just how far off the map he was in the AFL. He was enthusiastic about expressing his desire to help foster a better environment. He made it clear that his intentions are to stop with him being a catalyst for the greater good through his active participation.
“More than anything I want this club to succeed, so I’ll be doing everything I can to gain everyone’s trust back and positive impact on society.” – Izak Rankine
Adelaide Crows’ coach Matthew Nicks has shed light on Rankine’s predicament. He warned against considering Rankine a victim, given the history of his exclusion. Nicks was concerned for Rankine’s safety. Curt’s father, Ed, recounts all the time that Sparky spent with him in the days after the incident.
“I spent a fair bit of time with him across the week prior to, in the end, the decision that was made,” Nicks mentioned, stressing the importance of support during difficult times.
He added, “Within the country here, we know people are going to find him, and we just wanted him to focus on that.”
Rankine’s return is a key moment in his path to redemption. Unsurprisingly, the player’s focus is on reestablishing himself within the league, and he is dead set on returning to play this year. For this to happen, he needs Adelaide to lose their first final against Collingwood. Only then can he realistically hope for a return in the appropriate grand final.
Speaking to the media, Rankine broke down the importance of the situation and re-affirmed his grasp on the gravity of it.
“I’m disappointed in myself and I know I’ve let a lot of people down.” – Izak Rankine
As he looks toward the future, Rankine is determined to make this an opportunity to grow personally and learn from this experience. Together, his journey and his actions now remind us all of the accountability that is needed and possible at the highest levels of professional sports.
