Overview

• The AFL Integrity Unit found Rankine breached rule 2.3(a) with a “highly offensive” slur and ordered additional Pride In Sport training.
• The ban rules Rankine out of round 24 and the start of finals, with a return possible only if Adelaide lose their qualifying final and still reach the Grand Final.
• Adelaide will not appeal, with CEO Tim Silvers saying Rankine is taking time away from the club and will receive support.
• Commentators including Gerard Whateley and Jason Dunstall criticised the reduction from five games and questioned the AFL’s consistency.
• Coach Matthew Nicks said Rankine is not the victim as advocates press for stronger LGBTQ+ education, noting he is the sixth player suspended for such language in two seasons.