Jeremy Finlayson says he should’ve “provided more context” after comments on his wife’s podcast regarding his suspension for a homophobic slur — comments that were since removed from the podcast following backlash.
A remorseful Finlayson apologised multiple times for the single-word homophobic slur directed at an Essendon player in Round 4 that resulted in a three-match suspension — a ban the AFL said could’ve been more severe if not for his contrition.
Then, in comments on his wife’s Sh!t Talkers podcast during a regular segment, “good, bad and offensive” talking points, the 28-year old vented frustration over his lengthy suspension.
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“My ‘offensive’ is it pissed me off that I got a three-week suspension,” Finlayson said in a section of the podcast that was leaked.
“That’s it. That’s tipped me over the edge. That’s about it. We’ll leave it there and (at) that and move on.”
In a club statement released later on Wednesday, Finlayson said he got his wording wrong.
“I made some comments on my wife Kellie’s Sh!t Talkers podcast yesterday that I need to address,” Finlayson said.
“I said “(It) pissed me off that I got a three-week suspension, that’s it, that’s tipped me over the edge. We’ll leave it there and (at) that.”
“When re-thinking my comments today, it’s clear that I should have provided more context.
“On reflection, I should have explained that I was bitterly disappointed that I said what I did during the game and I am bitterly disappointed that I put myself and the club in the position I did. That is what I am most upset with.
“What I said on the field that night was totally unacceptable. I knew that at the time and I know it now. I stress, I have no issue with the sanction at all.”
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The AFL in a statement to foxfooty.com.au said it’s “disappointed” in Finlayson’s podcast comments and reinforced there’s “no place for that in our game.”
Finlayson’s ban prompted criticism of double standards after North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson escaped with a $20,000 fine for a homophobic slur towards St Kilda players earlier this season.
It included AFL Players Association boss Paul Marsh calling out the league for being “consistently inconsistent” and asking for an “urgent review of the AFL’s sanctioning framework”.
“We believe the AFL is consistently inconsistent and there are double standards in its approach to dealing with players compared to others on behavioural matters,” Marsh said last week.
“This issue highlights the lack of clarity on how the AFL handles these situations, and we want this to be the catalyst for an urgent review of the sanctioning framework.
“If this type of conduct is a three-week sanction for a player, it should be for everyone involved in the game.”
