Adelaide veteran Taylor Walker has accepted a six-game AFL ban for uttering a racist remark about a rival reserves player and apologised for his "shameful" behaviour.
The former Crows captain will sit out the last three games of this season, including Saturday night's Showdown against Port Adelaide, after a meeting with AFL and North Adelaide player Robbie Young on Thursday.
The 31-year-old has taken leave from the club and will not be available for selection for the first three rounds of the 2022 season either.
Walker used a racist slur about Young during a SANFL game on 17 July, admitting there is no excuse for his "unacceptable" words.
He was a spectator at the match between Adelaide and North Adelaide when a Crows official overheard Walker's comment and reported the incident to the club, who then referred it to the AFL.
Conciliation was held in Adelaide on Thursday involving Walker, Young, the club official and the AFL, leading to the suspension and the apology.
As well as the six-match ban, it was also decided the key forward would make a $20,000 donation to an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander program in South Australia.
"There is no excuse or justification for the words I said," Walker said in a lengthy statement.
"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."
Walker met with the the Crows' Indigenous players on Friday, before fronting the entire playing group and football department staff.
North Adelaide player Robbie Young. Source: Getty Images AsiaPac
The club has condemned Walker's comments but have offered support to the Crows' all-time leading goal-kicker, as well as all the "hurting" parties, including Young.
"Taylor's had a big few weeks, it's been emotional for him, but he's understanding the gravity of the situation," Crows chief executive Tim Silvers told reporters on Friday.
"He's gone through a long conciliation process (on Thursday) so yes, he's a bit of an emotional wreck."
Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks conceded the Crows' four Indigenous players had endured a "tough 24 hours".
"My priorities, at this point, are all our staff, our players, the Indigenous community as a whole, and I'll still be there for Taylor when the time's right," Nicks said.
Walker will also need to privately address the North Adelaide club about his behaviour during the next three weeks and undertake an education program.
"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," AFL inclusion and social policy executive Tanya 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.
AFL Players' Association boss Paul Marsh has spoken to Walker, who expressed "genuine remorse" for his actions.
"Tex's language was damaging and divisive and there is no excuse for it," Marsh said.
"We are very clear on this - racism is abhorrent and there is no room for it in our game."
