AFL CEO Andrew Dillon hits back over Snoop Dogg criticism in the wake of Izak Rankine’s ban

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has responded to accusations of hypocrisy over the hiring of Snoop Dogg for AFL grand final entertainment following Izak Rankine’s homophobic slur ban.

Rankine was banned for four matches on Thursday following days of speculation as Adelaide looked to employ every argument to have the star’s sentence reduced.

That included reportedly referencing the AFL announcing Snoop Dogg as their grand final entertainment, given his discography features the same offensive slurs Rankine is said to have made.

Adelaide CEO Tim Silvers denies that they referenced it in their submission to the AFL; however, Dillon was still on the front foot to address the controversy, saying calls of double standards were unfounded.

“I want to address the commentary in the last couple of days around our grand final entertainment,” he said.

“We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage, Australian or international.

“What I can say is our pre-match entertainment on grand final day will be family-friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and watching on the broadcast.”

While Rankine did get his ban reduced from five weeks to four, Dillon said the Snoop Dogg defence played no part in that decision.

“We’ve engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 for the person he is today,” he said

“He has spoken publicly about his past, and he’s changed. Today, he’s a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth and is a global act who has performed at the Super Bowl and the Olympic closing ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.

“In those environments, his performances were appropriate and well-received, and his performance this year will be fitting for the best sporting event in the country.”

Instead, the AFL said “compelling medical submissions” and Rankine’s remorse, including phoning the Collingwood player the day after last Saturday night’s game to apologise, influenced its verdict.