Former Richmond and Collingwood footballer Andrew Krakouer believes education, and not a harsher punishment is the key to ensuring Taylor Walker learns the lessons from his racial slur.
The former Crows captain was banned for six games and fined $20,000 for a slur directed at former AFL player Robbie Young at quarter time of a SANFL game last month.
Krakouer, who played a combined 137 games for the Tigers and Pies, said it was important the footy community gave Walker the opportunity to educate himself and learn from the incident.
He said figures like Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks are the type of people Walker should be looking to for guidance and support.
“It’s about that education,” he said on AFL Nation.
“People are saying that Taylor (Walker’s) contract should be ripped up, but I don’t think that should be the case.
“People make mistakes and I’m certainly one that has done that, you have to give people an opportunity to learn form their mistakes and be better.
“Taylor has a fair way to be able to come back, but he needs to get that support.
"I think someone like Matthew Nicks is going to be able to give him that support.”
Figures like Eddie Betts, Michael O'Loughlin and Tony Armstrong have also spoken in the immediate aftermath of Walker’s slur, which came to light last week.