Walker banned for racist comment
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 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.
Tex Walker won't play in the Showdown – listed as omitted.
Walker was given Thursday's training off by the club amid the AFL's racism probe.#AFL#Showdownhttps://t.co/pRCfk0duwW
“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 are“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 w 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, address players and staff of the Adelaide Football Club to apologise in relation to his prohibited conduct and address players of the North Adelaide Football Club to apologise in relation to his prohibited conduct.
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