Cricket-De Kock apologizes for BLM nonsense, says future descent | Mighty 790 KFGO

(Reuters) – Quinton de Kock has apologized for withdrawing from the Twenty20 World Cup against the West Indies on Tuesday after rejecting a Cricket South African (CSA) order requiring players to “kneel” in the Black Lives Matter support before the match. game.

De Kock, who has revealed that he has a mixed-race family, said he did not mean disrespect and “would just like to play cricket for my country” in a statement released by the CSA on Thursday.

“I understand the importance of fighting racism, and I also understand the responsibility of our players to set an example,” De Kock said.

“If taking a knee helps educate others and improve the lives of others, I’m more than happy to do so.

“By no means did I mean to despise anyone. I am deeply sorry for all the harm, confusion and anger I have caused.”

De Kock says his mind changed after the players met with the CSA board on Wednesday night.

– I was raised to understand that we all have rights and they are important. I felt like my rights were taken away when I was told what we had to do as we were told.

“I think we all have a better idea of ​​their intentions after our discussion with the board, which was very emotional. I wish this had happened earlier because what happened on match day could have been avoided.

De Kock also revealed for the first time that he came from a mixed-race family.

“My sisters are colored and my stepmother is black. For me, the life of blacks has mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement there.

Wicketkeeper striker hopes to return to the team for Saturday’s third block game against Sri Lanka.

“I love every one of my teammates, and I love nothing more than playing cricket in South Africa. I just want to thank my teammates for their support, especially my captain Tema (Bavuma).

“If he and the team and South Africa get me, I would love nothing more than playing cricket in my home country.”

(Reported by Nick Said; Edited by Toby Chopra, Robert Birsel)