AFL Player Izak Rankine Targeted with online Threats; Man Charged
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Published December 9, 2023 at 07:22 AM PST
Threats Followed Finals Loss
A 31-year-old man from Kensington Gardens, a suburb of Adelaide, South australia, has been charged with offensive use of a carriage service following an investigation into threatening messages sent to Adelaide Crows forward Izak Rankine. The alleged offenses occurred on September 8,2023,just four days after the Crows’ qualifying final loss to collingwood.
According to police reports, Rankine received five separate threatening communications via social media. He immediately reported the incidents to South Australia Police, initiating a months-long investigation by cybercrime detectives. The suspect was apprehended yesterday and has been granted bail, with a court appearance scheduled for January 30, 2024, at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
Club Reports multiple Threats
The Adelaide Football Club revealed that Rankine was not the sole target. The club stated that two of its players were subjected to “direct and significant threats” on a social media platform. These reports, also made in September 2023, prompted the police investigation. The Australian Football League (AFL) integrity unit has been notified of the situation.
The incident occurred during a challenging period for Rankine,who received a four-match suspension stemming from an incident related to the qualifying final. This suspension effectively ended his participation in the Crows’ 2023 finals campaign.
Growing Concern Over Athlete Safety
This case highlights the increasing prevalence of online abuse directed towards athletes. The charges brought against the suspect underscore the seriousness with which authorities are treating such threats. It also emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents to law enforcement and league integrity departments.