CSA (Twitter)
Proteas wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock has apologized to his teammates and the fans back home for refusing to take the knee ahead of Tuesday's T20 World Cup match against the West Indies in Dubai.
De Kock was subsequently withdrawn from the team for the encounter, just hours after Cricket South Africa issued a directive requiring all Proteas players to adopt a consistent stance against racism by taking the knee prior to the start of their matches.
He issued a statement on Thursday in which he stated that he 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."
De Kock said he 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 the game. I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused."
De Kock said people may also not know that he comes from a mixed-race family. "My half-sisters are Coloured and my stepmom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement."
He added that the rights and equality of all people are more important than any individual.
However, he felt his rights were taken away when he was told what the team had to do and the way in which they were told with a perceived "or else."
"Since our chat with the board on Wednesday night, which was very emotional, I think we all have a better understanding of their intentions as well. I wish this had happened sooner because what happened on match day could have been avoided," stated De Kock.
"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. I am not a racist and I think those who know me know that too."
De Kock concluded that there always seems to be drama when South Africa goes to World Cups which isn't fair. "I think it would have been better for everyone concerned if we had sorted this out before the tournament started. Then we could have focused on our job, to win cricket matches for our country."
He said if the Proteas will have him back, he would love nothing more than to play cricket for his country again.
The Proteas will play their next T20 match on Saturday against Sri- Lanka.
