Thursday’s apology to De Kock was extended to his teammates and supporters. However, he said that he felt his rights had been “taken away” by players being told to kneel in support of Black Lives Matter.
He said that requiring someone to kneel also “takes away” the meaning.
De Kock stated that he is now more than happy to take a stoop ahead of any future games “if taking a stoop helps to educate other people, and makes their lives better.”
The wicketkeeper-batsman, a former captain and one of South Africa’s star players, made himself unavailable for Tuesday’s game against the West Indies after a directive from the country’s cricket board that morning ordered all its players to take a knee before games. De Kock pulled out of the game, while all other South African players sat down before the start.
De Kock stated that he didn’t mean to offend anyone, but was shocked by the directive.
He said that he felt like his rights had been taken away and that he was told what he needed to do. He also stated that he believes other players were not as comfortable with the order.
After previously stating that players could show their support for the antiracism movement in their own ways, Cricket South Africa issued this order just hours before the critical game in Dubai.
De Kock stated, “I didn’t mean to offend anyone by not playing against West Indies,” “Maybe some people don’t get that we were just hit with this Tuesday morning on our way to a match.
“I deeply regret all the pain, confusion, and anger I have caused.”
De Kock refused to play due to the Black Lives Matter gesture. This sparked fierce reactions at home in South Africa where racism and race are frequently in the news because of South Africa’s history under apartheid.
South Africa’s multiracial cricket squad had previously used a different approach to taking a knee. Some players knelt with fists raised while others stand with fists up, while others, including de Kock have stood with their hands behind their backs or by their sides for the moment.
The actions of those players led to accusations that they were not supporting the anti-racism movement. De Kock was previously asked why he didn’t just take a knee against racism. He replied that it was personal, but felt the need to clarify his position.
De Kock refuted the allegations that he was racist in the wake of Tuesday’s controversy. He explained that “for those who don’t know”, he is from a mixed-race background. His stepmother is Black, and his half-sisters mixed-race.
“Black lives have been important to me since the day I was born. De Kock stated that there was more than an international movement. I didn’t get why I needed to make a gesture when I was learning and loving people from all walks of the life. It takes away the meaning when you’re told what to do without any discussion.
De Kock said, “If I were racist, I could easily take the knee and lie, which is wrong, and doesn’t help build a better society.” As a cricketer, I’ve been called many things… stupid. Selfish. Immature. These didn’t hurt. I am deeply hurt by being called racist for a misunderstanding. It is a hurtful thing for my family. It’s hard for my wife who is pregnant.”
De Kock stated that he and his teammates had “emotional conversations” with Cricket South Africa board members on Wednesday. “I think we all have better understanding of their intentions.”
Although there was speculation that de Kock might be called back after the World Cup, he stated that he would continue to play for South Africa if Temba Bavuma and his team “will have” him.
South Africa will be playing Sri Lanka in the next World Cup match on Saturday.
