Jack Brooks apologizes for historic racist tweets and to Cheteshwar Pujara for the nickname “Steve”

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Somerset berates the pitcher after two tweets using the word ‘n *** o’ emerged

Somerset crimper Jack Brooks has apologized for the tweets containing racist language sent in 2012. Brooks also apologized for his role in the Cheteshwar Pujara nickname, Indian drummer, “Steve” while in Yorkshire. . The emergence of two examples of Brooks using the word “n *** o” – in exchanges with English fast pitcher Tymal Mills and Stewart Laudat, who played minor counties cricket for Oxfordshire – led Somerset to announce Wednesday night that they would investigate the allegations.

The club issued a statement Thursday describing Brooks’ comments as “unacceptable”, saying he would receive a formal reprimand and be required to attend “extensive training on equality, diversity and inclusion.”

Brooks, 37, said he “deeply regrets” using the term and apologized “wholeheartedly”.

“I recognize that the language used in two tweets I made in 2012 was unacceptable and I deeply regret using it,” Brooks said. “I wholeheartedly apologize for any offense caused to anyone who may have seen these tweets.

“The two players I tweeted to are my friends and it was certainly not my intention to cause them distress or offense or anyone who has read them. I understand neither of the two was not offended at the time, but I accept that language is important and that a word I have used may have offended others.

“I condemn all forms of discrimination and I should never have used discriminatory language, whatever the intention and the context. I sincerely apologize for any offense committed.”

Laudat also addressed the issue on Twitter, saying he “knew [Brooks] for a long time “and had” never been made uncomfortable in the conversations we had “.

Regarding the historic tweet that was revealed between my friend Jack Brooks and myself, I would like to state that I understand that the things that have been said or expressed are now under increased scrutiny and rightly so. if we want to address all forms of discrimination.

– Stewart V Laudat (@vernoffrog) November 18, 2021

Brooks said he did not realize this could be interpreted as racist but “can now see that it is not acceptable”.

“Referring to my appointment in Azeem Rafiq’s statement to MPs this week, the use of the name ‘Steve’ was for some people with names that are difficult to pronounce,” Brooks said. “When this has happened in the past in a locker room environment, it was common to give nicknames, regardless of creed or race. I admit having used it in this context and now accept that it was disrespectful and wrong to do so. I reached out and apologized to Cheteshwar for any offense I caused him or his family. At the time, I did not recognize this as a racist behavior, but now I can see that was not acceptable.

“I have always tried to act with the best efforts for inclusion and harmony in team environments, and I have strived to learn, understand and develop as a person. was aided by the diversity and inclusion training I undertook this year and will continue to participate through Somerset CCC.

“I will make sure that my actions and my language are never questioned like this again. I want to be clear and apologize unequivocally to anyone who has ever been upset or offended by my actions. I am so sorry.”

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Key moments from Azeem Rafiq’s testimony on racism in Yorkshire

Somerset said they learned of the tweets on Sunday and conducted their own investigation. They also urged anyone with “information about incidents that may have occurred in the past to report them to the club to ensure lessons are learned,” as part of a confidential process.

“As a result of our internal investigation, alongside the evidence provided to MPs this week and now in the public domain, the club had a lengthy discussion with Jack about the nature and content of his comments. There is no doubt that these comments are unacceptable. .

“The Somerset CCC condemns the use of language that has racist overtones. Jack agrees with this sentiment and is embarrassed and devastated that his comments offended people and he acknowledged that while they were made nearly a decade ago when he was less mature, the content of the messages was flawed and inconsistent with his personal values. Jack has been committed honestly and openly throughout the investigation and apologizes unreservedly for his past mistakes.

“Before drawing any conclusions, the club took into account a number of factors, including the lack of evidence of repeated and documented behavior of this type, the contrition shown by Jack throughout the process, the comments received. recipients of publications on social networks and its commitment to its own development.

“In light of these considerations, the club decided to scold Jack, remind him of his responsibilities and require him to participate in extensive training on equality, diversity and inclusiveness.”

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