‘I’m not a racist’: Quinton de Kock apologizes to teammates, kneels down and says ‘blissful’

De Kock, who pulled out of South Africa’s Pool 1 match towards West Indies in Dubai after Cricket South Africa, refused to take a knee after Cricket South Africa (CSA) directed the group to point out solidarity with Black Lives Matter. A motion against racism and equality for the rest of the match.

Explaining his stand, de Kock stated: “I wish to begin by saying sorry to my teammates and followers again dwelling.

I by no means needed to make it a Quinton difficulty. I perceive the significance of taking a stand towards racism, and I additionally perceive our accountability as gamers to set an instance.

If I take a knee and assist educate others, and make others’ lives higher, I’m very blissful to take action.

I did not imply to insult anybody by not enjoying towards West Indies in any approach, particularly towards the West Indies group itself. What some might not perceive is that we bought hit by it on the way in which to the sport on Tuesday morning.

I’m deeply sorry for all of the harm, confusion and anger I’ve brought about.

Till now I used to be silent on this essential difficulty. But I suppose I’ll have to elucidate myself a bit of.

For those that do not know, I come from a combined caste household. My step-sisters are coloured and my step-mother is black. For me, black lives have mattered since I used to be born. Not simply because there was a world motion happening.

The rights and equality of all persons are extra necessary than any particular person.

I used to be raised to grasp that all of us have rights, and they’re necessary.

I felt like my rights had been taken away after I was informed what to do the way in which we had been informed.

Our dialog with the board final night time, which was very emotional, I believe all of us have a greater understanding of their intentions. I want it had occurred sooner, as a result of what occurred on match day might have been prevented.

I do know I’ve an instance to set. We had been informed earlier that we had the choice of doing what we thought we needed to do.

I made a decision to maintain my ideas to myself, and thought concerning the pleasure of enjoying for my household and my nation.

I do not perceive why I needed to show it with one gesture, after I study and love folks from all walks of life day by day. When you had been informed what to do, with out a lot dialogue, I felt it took away the which means. If I had been a racist, I might simply kneel down and lie, which is incorrect and would not result in a greater society.

Those who’ve grown up with me and performed with me know what sort of particular person I’m.

As a cricketer, I’ve been known as upon for lots of issues. Douf. Idiot. Selfish. immature. But they did not get harm. It hurts me rather a lot to be known as a racist due to a misunderstanding.

This hurts my household. This hurts my pregnant spouse.

I’m not a racist. In the guts of my coronary heart, I do know. And I believe those that know me know.

I do know I’m not nice with phrases, however I’ve tried my greatest to elucidate how sorry I’m for doing this to myself.

It’s not.

I will not lie, I used to be shocked that we had been informed on the way in which to an necessary match that there was one instruction we needed to observe, a perceived “or else.” I do not assume I used to be alone.

Quinton de Kock’s assertion pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 28, 2021

We had camps. We had classes. We had a zoom assembly. We know the place all of us stand. And he’s collectively.

I like all my teammates, and I like nothing greater than enjoying cricket for South Africa.

I believe it will have been higher for all involved if we might have sorted it out earlier than the match begins.

Then we might consider our work, to win cricket matches for our nation.

When we go to the World Cup there’s all the time a drama. This shouldn’t be proper.

I simply wish to thank my teammates for his or her help, particularly my captain Temba. People might not acknowledge him, however he’s an incredible chief.”