Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker has been suspended for the last three games of the AFL season and the first three games of 2022 after admitting to making a racist comment at a SANFL match on July 17.
Walker, who was a spectator at the match, said he was “deeply ashamed” of the remarks he made regarding North Adelaide player Robbie Young to an Adelaide Crows teammate who was playing in the game.
An Adelaide Crows official overheard the comment and reported the incident to the club who reported it to the AFL.
The incident was then investigated by the AFL Integrity Unit, and after a conciliation between Walker, Young, the Adelaide Crows official and the AFL, it was concluded the veteran would be banned for the rest of the season.
During the conciliation, Walker apologised to Young and the official for his conduct. Both accepted the apology.
Walker, 31, expressed his sincere remorse for his comments and expressed his commitment to being an active participant in addressing racism within the game and society.
“There is no excuse or justification for the words I said. They are unacceptable and I take full accountability for that. I am deeply ashamed,” he said in a statement.
“I did not intend to cause harm, but I know and understand that I have caused deep hurt to the official who reported the matter and to Robbie Young, to both of their families and to the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. I apologise to all of them and to the Adelaide and North Adelaide football clubs.
“I ask that you respect the wish of the official who reported this matter not to be identified.
“Today’s process has led to a deeper understanding of the hurt that I have caused, and I am embarrassed, ashamed and remorseful.
“The official who reported this showed courage and leadership in calling out what I said, and I am determined to do what I can to emulate his actions.
“I want to be an active participant in addressing racism in our game and the wider community. This starts by educating myself so I can influence others and make a positive difference moving forward.
“I know I need to back up my apology with action, and this is my commitment.”
AFL executive general manager inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch, who attended the conciliation on behalf of the AFL, said such racist actions and behaviours were “inexcusable”.
“The AFL strongly condemns the racial vilification of our football community, including our players, staff, and their families, across all levels of our game,” she said.
“I would like to acknowledge everyone involved in today’s conciliation process, especially the Adelaide official and Mr Young for calling out the behaviour and/or taking a stand against racism by their involvement in this process.
“I have no doubt Mr Walker is remorseful, understands that his comments can trigger trauma and seriously impact the mental health of the individuals, families and communities involved and he has accepted his sanctions.”
Walker was given the six-week ban and will also make a donation in the sum of $20,000 to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Program in South Australia.
He will also undertake an education program and apologise to players and staff of the Adelaide and North Adelaide clubs.
AFL Players Association chief executive Paul Marsh said Walker’s comments were “damaging and divisive” but was confident the veteran was truly remorseful.
“We are extremely disappointed at the language used by Adelaide Crows player Taylor Walker regarding current North Adelaide player and former St Kilda player, Robbie Young, at a SANFL match,” Marsh said in a statement.
“Tex’s language was damaging and divisive, and there is no excuse for it. We are very clear on this – racism is abhorrent and there is no room for it in our game.
“In my conversations with Tex, he has expressed his sincere and genuine remorse and has owned and apologised for his actions.
“Tex is committed to not only learning from this, but to also make a positive difference moving forward.”
Crows CEO Tim Silvers said Walker’s behaviour was totally unacceptable.
“This incident should not have happened and we are sorry that it did, and we endorse and support the sanctions,” Silvers said.
“As a Club, we also understand the impact this behaviour had on the people involved, their families and the wider Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.
“The fact someone from inside our Club called out the inappropriate comment made by an experienced and well-known player reflects the environment and culture we are trying to create.”
Crows coach Matthew Nicks added that the club would support its Indigenous players in the wake of Walker’s comments.
“It’s time like this you make phone calls to people you played alongside and you apologise to them,” Nicks said.
“You just want to look them in the eye and say, ‘We’ve got your back’ and that’s hard to do at the moment.
“We’re sticking strong and we’ll stand side-by-side our Indigenous brothers and we’ll get through and educate ourselves.
“Let’s make sure we learn from this. There’s an education piece around the history in this country and the people who were first here.
“When you do understand that, it’s incredible how much respect you have for the people who were on this land first.”
Walker met with the Crows Indigenous players before fronting the entire playing group and football department staff on Friday morning.
“To use Taylor’s own words, he is embarrassed, ashamed and remorseful, and he has apologised. We will now provide him with the appropriate support,” Silvers said.
“Everyone in society must work to stamp out racism and our players, coaches and staff are committed to taking a stand against this behaviour.”
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
