South Africa’s Quinton de Kock has issued an extraordinary statement by clarifying that he was not racist as alleged after he refused to take the knee in the T20 World Cup match against West Indies.
The South African player said in a statement, “I am not a racist. In my heart of hearts, I know that. And I think those who know me know that. I know I’m not great with words, but I’ve tried my best to explain how truly sorry I am for making like this is about me. It is not.”
The cricketer said that the controversy surrounding his decision to not take the knee had hurt his pregnant wife. “Those who have grown up with me and played with me, know what type of person I am. I’ve been called a lot of things as a cricketer. Doff. Stupid. Selfish. Immature. But those didn’t hurt. Being called a racist because of a misunderstanding hurts me deeply. It hurts my family. It hurts my pregnant wife,” he added.
Quinton de Kock announced that he had decided to make himself available for the remainder of the World Cup.
“I would like to start by saying sorry to my teammates, and the fans back home,” the statement began.
“I never ever wanted to make this a Quinton issue. I understand the importance of standing against racism, and I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example.
“If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so.
“I did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves. Maybe some people don’t understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game.
“I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused.
“I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit,” he continued.
The cricketer said that he himself came from a mixed background with his half-sisters being ‘Coloured and my step mom is Black.’ He said, “For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement.”
South Africa’s next T20 World Cup fixture is against Sri Lanka on Saturday.