The Jeremy Finlayson saga has taken yet another turn, after the Port Adelaide player made a controversial statement during an appearance on his wife's podcast.
Finlayson appeared on a recent episode of the Sh!t Talkers podcast, co-hosted by his wife Kellie Finlayson, during which he stated that his recent suspension had "pissed him off".
Finlayson was suspended for three-games after directing a homophobic slur towards an Essendon player during his team's round four win.
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Jeremy Finlayson apologises for comments on wife's podcast
During a segment on the Sh!t Talkers podcast, Finlayson was asked for his "offensive", something that he was not currently pleased with, to which the Port Adelaide player named his current ban.
"My offensive is it pissed me off that I got a three-week suspension," Finlayson said.
"That’s it. That’s tipped me over the edge. That’s about it. We’ll leave it there and move on."
The internet was quick to react to this, noting that Finlayson's supposed remorse was a key factor in minimising his suspension.
On Wednesday, Finlayson released a statement via his team, in which he apologised for this new set of comments, but insisted that the context of what he had said was crucial in understanding his meaning.
"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."
What did Jeremy Finlayson say against Essendon?
During Port Adelaide's 69-point win over Essendon, Finlayson was caught on microphone referring to an opposing player by a homophobic slur, which was quickly picked up on.
A day later, the AFL confirmed that the player was under investigation, which resulted in the player recieving a three-game ban.
Following the game, Finlayson said that he immediately knew his words were wrong, and that he took full responsibility for his actions.
"I take full responsibility for what happened Friday night," he said.
"The word I used is very unacceptable in the game of football. We need to stamp it out and I'm very remorseful.
"I knew straight away that it was not acceptable and I take full responsibility.
"I addressed it at the time and … let everyone know what happened, and it's now in the hands of the AFL to investigate.
"I'm continuing to reflect and improve myself, getting all the education I can to make myself better."
