Adelaide coach applauded after teary Tex Walker racism response

Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks has been commended for his powerful response to the Tex Walker racism controversy that has rocked the AFL.

Walker, a former Crows captain, will not be eligible to play until round four next season after admitting to making a racist remark about North Adelaide player Robbie Young while attending an SANFL game in July.

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Left in disgrace and reportedly struggling to cope emotionally, Walker was slapped with a six-game ban after an incident that leaves his future at the club hanging in the balance.

An emotional Nicks fronted a press conference on Friday, condemning Walker's actions and the impact they would be having on sections of society.

During his 175-game playing career, Nicks was part of a Sydney team containing Indigenous legends Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin.

The Crows have four Indigenous players on their list this year - Ben Davis, Tariek Newchurch, Wayne Milera and Shane McAdam.

Walker was also a long-time teammate and good friend of Crows legend Eddie Betts - who is one of the most high-profile advocates for Indigenous rights in the AFL.

The shocking controversy left Nicks fighting back tears on Friday as he addressed the media about an issue that has left the club shocked and saddened.

"It's times like this you make phone calls to people you played alongside and you apologise to them," a teary Nicks told reporters.

"You just want to look them in the eye and say 'we've got your back', and that's hard to do at the moment.

"We're sticking strong and we'll stand side-by-side with our Indigenous brothers and we'll get through and educate ourselves.

"Let's make sure we learn from this.

"There's an education piece around the history in this country and the people who were first here.

"When you do understand that, it's incredible how much respect you have for the people who were on this land first."

Matthew Nicks commended for racism response

Nicks said he and the Crows would also support Walker, who has taken leave from the club and has been struggling in the wake of the incident.

"That's not my priority at this point, my priority is working with every person who has been affected by this," he said.

Fans applauded Nicks for his genuine passion when addressing the scandal and the fact he stood up and fronted the media, despite the trying circumstances.

'No excuse' for Tex Walker's actions

After a meeting with the AFL and Young - the player he racially vilified - 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."

with AAP

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