'No excuse': Taylor Walker cops massive ban over racist slur
Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker has been suspended for six games after he was found guilty of using a racial slur while spectating a reserves match in July.
Walker, a former captain of the Crows, was given the ban after an Adelaide official overheard his comments and made the club aware.
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The Crows then referred the incident to the AFL.
Walker had been spectating the match between the Crows reserves and North Adelaide in the SANFL on July 17 when he made the comments.
As well as the six-match ban, it was also decided Walker would make a $20,000 donation to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program in South Australia.
After a meeting with the AFL and North Adelaide player Robbie Young, Walker apologised for his actions and described what had been said as 'unacceptable'.
"There is no excuse or justification for the words I said," Walker said.
"They are unacceptable and I take full accountability for that. I am deeply ashamed.
"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 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.
"This 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."
Taylor Walker banned for six matches over racial abuse
The incident with Walker comes as another blow to the Crows, already battling through a tough season after a downright miserable campaign in 2020.
With just six wins from 19 games this season, the absence of Walker not only for the remainder of this season, but the first three matches of 2022, will come as a massive blow.
Walker will also need to privately address both the Adelaide and North Adelaide football clubs about his behaviour during the next three weeks and undertake an education program.
AFL inclusion and social policy executive Tanya Hosch, who was involved in the conciliation process, applauded the Adelaide official for calling out Walker's behaviour.
"I have no doubt 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," Hosch said.
Walker's career was on the line at the end of a disappointing 2020 campaign before he was eventually given a one-year contract for 2021.
He has been in outstanding form this season, kicking 48 goals in 17 games to sit second on the Coleman Medal leaderboard and earn another extension.
With AAP
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