‘I am not a racist’: Quinton De Kock apologises to teammates, says ‘happy’ to take the knee

South Africa wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock apologised to his team-mates on Thursday and mentioned that he’ll take the knee for the rest of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The 32-year-old additionally reiterated his need of enjoying for South Africa. “If me taking a knee helps to educate others, and makes the lives of others better, I am more than happy to do so,” he mentioned in a press release launched.
De Kock, who had withdrawn from South Africa’s Pool 1 match in opposition to the West Indies in Dubai after Cricket South Africa, had refused to take the knee after Cricket South Africa (CSA) instructed the squad to indicate the gesture in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter motion opposing racism and equality – for the rest of the event.
Explaining his stand, De Kock mentioned: “I want to begin by saying sorry to my teammates, and the followers again dwelling.
I by no means ever needed to make this a Quinton problem. I perceive the significance of standing in opposition to racism, and I additionally perceive the accountability of us as gamers to set an instance.
If me taking a knee helps to coach others, and makes the lives of others higher, I’m very happy to take action.
I didn’t, in any approach, imply to disrespect anybody by not enjoying in opposition to West Indies, particularly the West Indian staff themselves. Maybe some individuals don’t perceive that we had been simply hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way in which to a sport.
I’m deeply sorry for all of the harm, confusion and anger that I’ve precipitated.
I used to be quiet on this crucial problem till now. But I really feel I’ve to clarify myself a bit of bit.
For those that don’t know, I come from a combined race household. My half-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 global motion.

The rights and equality of all individuals is extra essential than any particular person.
I used to be raised to grasp that all of us have rights, and they’re essential.
I felt like my rights had been taken away once I was advised what we needed to do in the way in which that we had been advised.
Since our chat with the board final night time, which was very emotional, I feel all of us have a greater understanding of their intentions as nicely. I want this had occurred sooner, as a result of what occurred on match day may have been averted.
I do know I’ve an instance to set. We had been beforehand advised we had the selection to do what we felt we needed to do.
I selected to maintain my ideas to myself, and considered the satisfaction of enjoying for my household and my nation.
I didn’t perceive why I needed to show it with a gesture, once I reside and study and love individuals from all walks of life day by day. When you might be advised what to do, with no dialogue, I felt prefer it takes away the that means. If I used to be racist, I may simply have taken the knee and lied, which is unsuitable and doesn’t construct a greater society.
Those who’ve grown up with me and performed with me, know what sort of individual I’m.
I’ve been referred to as loads of issues as a cricketer. Doff. Stupid. Selfish. Immature. But these didn’t harm. Being referred to as a racist due to a misunderstanding hurts me deeply.
It hurts my household. It hurts my pregnant spouse.
I’m not a racist. In my coronary heart of hearts, I do know that. And I feel those that know me know that.
I do know I’m not nice with phrases, however I’ve tried my finest to clarify how really sorry I’m for making like that is about me.
It isn’t.
I received’t lie, I used to be shocked that we had been advised on the way in which to an essential match that there was an instruction that we needed to comply with, with a perceived “or else.” I don’t suppose I used to be the one one.

Quinton de Kock assertion 📝 pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) October 28, 2021
We had camps. We had classes. We had zoom conferences. We know the place all of us stand. And that’s collectively.
I like each one among my teammates, and I like nothing greater than enjoying cricket for South Africa.
I feel it might of been higher for everybody involved if we had sorted this out earlier than the event began.
Then we may have centered on our job, to win cricket matches for our nation.
There all the time appears to be a drama after we go to World Cups. That isn’t truthful.
I simply wish to thank my teammates for his or her help, particularly my captain, Temba. People won’t recognise, however he’s a flipping wonderful chief.”