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Ollie Robinson has “wholeheartedly apologized” after admitting to posting “racist and sexist” comments on Twitter as a teenager.
The tweets, sent between April 2012 and June 2013, included the use of the “N” word, comments suggesting Muslims were linked to terrorism, and derogatory comments about women and people of Asian descent. Robinson was aged 18 and 19 at the time and represented Leicestershire, Kent and Yorkshire in second cricket team.
“On the biggest day of my career so far, I am embarrassed by the racist and sexist tweets I posted over eight years ago, which have now gone public,” Robinson said in a statement. released shortly after the strains on the opening day of the Two Test Series against New Zealand. “I want it to be clear that I am not a racist and that I am not a sexist.
“I deeply regret my actions and am ashamed to make such remarks. I would like to apologize wholeheartedly to everyone I have offended, my teammates and the game as a whole during this day of action and awareness raising against discrimination in our sport. “
There was a certain irony in the moment of the discovery. England and New Zealand joined in a ‘moment of unity’ ahead of the match in an attempt to show a collective stance against any form of discrimination in cricket. England also unveiled training t-shirts to be worn all summer which carried slogans declaring “cricket is a game for everyone” on the front and denouncing racism, sexism and intolerance nun among others on the back.
“I don’t want something that happened eight years ago to diminish the efforts of my teammates and the ECB as they continue to build meaningful actions with their comprehensive initiatives and efforts, which I endorse and fully support, “Robinson continued.
“I will continue to educate myself, seek guidance and work with the support network that is available to me to learn more about how to improve in this area. I am sorry, and I have certainly learned my lesson. today.”
Ollie Robinson apologized for the offensive tweets posted as a teenager PA Images via Getty Images
Tweets can also expose the ECB to allegations of breach of due diligence. Robinson has been close to the England squad for quite some time – he’s been on tour with the Lions and spent months in the senior squad’s bio-bubble lately – so it may raise eyebrows that no one in the organization did not notice any such comments. Questions could also be asked of the Yorkshire, who is currently under investigation over their attitude to race and inclusiveness. Robinson made his first-team debut for the club in August 2013.
Although the comments were made several years ago, it is possible that Robinson is still subject to disciplinary action by the ECB. A statement by ECB Managing Director Tom Harrison made it clear that a “zero tolerance” attitude to such behavior would be adopted and engaged in “a full investigation as part of our disciplinary process” .
“I don’t have the words to express how disappointed I am that an England player has chosen to write tweets of this nature, for as long as it may have been,” said Harrison.
“Anyone reading these words, especially a woman or person of color, would take away an image of cricketers and cricketers that is totally unacceptable. We are better than that.
“We have a zero tolerance position with respect to all forms of discrimination and rules are in place to deal with behavior of this nature. We will initiate a full investigation as part of our disciplinary process.
“Our England men’s team, alongside other members of the ECB and our partners across football, worked together today to create a moment of unity. Using today’s spotlight to reaffirm our commitment to advancing an anti-discrimination agenda. Our commitment to this effort remains unwavering, and the emergence of these comments from Ollie’s past reiterates the need for continued education and commitment to this effort. question. “
England players and staff defend a moment of unity while wearing anti-discrimination t-shirts Getty Images
Until the emergence of the tweets, Robinson had had a day to remember for almost entirely positive reasons. Receiving his Test cap from former Sussex colleague Jon Lewis, who is now the bowling coach with England, he impressed by taking two of the top three wickets on flat ground. Offering excellent sounding length, he generated movement both ways and seemed to have the knack to forge a decent career at the highest level.
“Today should be about my efforts on the pitch and the pride in making my England Test debut, but my thoughtless behavior in the past has tarnished that,” Robinson said.
Although Robinson made no attempt to apologize for his behavior, he hinted that he had “matured as a person” since the tweets were posted. At a subsequent press conference, he also suggested that they were sent into a period of unrest after his release from Yorkshire. While the tweets gained prominence shortly after lunch, it’s understood England’s management didn’t say anything to Robinson until the game was over.
“I was reckless and irresponsible, and whatever my state of mind at the time, my actions were inexcusable,” Robinson continued. “Since that time, I have matured as a person and fully regret tweets.
“Over the past few years I have worked hard to change my life. I have matured considerably as an adult. The work and education I have personally gained from PCA, my county of Sussex and from the England cricket team have helped me come to terms and gain a thorough understanding of being a responsible professional cricketer. “
It was not until July 2014 that Yorkshire terminated Robinson’s contract due to “unprofessional” conduct. The club’s coach at the time, Jason Gillespie, said at the time: “When a player consistently displays behavior that is unprofessional, there has to be a point where you say, ‘Look, this isn’t is not the case. really work, you obviously don’t care about playing for the club ‘. “
The current Robinson club, Sussex, issued a statement saying they were “more than disappointed to read these tweets when they were brought to our attention today” and that “their content was totally unacceptable”.
“We are pleased that Ollie has apologized wholeheartedly and taken responsibility for a significant mistake he made as a teenager,” the statement said. “His age is no excuse for the content of these tweets and he will now suffer the consequences of his actions.
“We know he recognizes the gravity of the situation and is devastated that what should have been a proud day was overshadowed in this way. We also know that Ollie will learn very important lessons from this experience. We’ll be there to provide any support Ollie needs during this process. “
Some will dismiss the tweets as the work of an immature young man and suggest that Robinson should not be defined by them. Others will point out that we may have all been young and stupid, but not all of us were young and stupid and racist. Either way, they will be an acute embarrassment to the individual as well as to the ECB and will do nothing to convince skeptics that sport is inclusive and welcoming.
In the longer term, however, Robinson’s tweets can serve as a reminder of where we are as a sport and as a society on these issues. In doing so, they underline the importance of the England team’s current campaign to ensure greater awareness and education in these areas.
George Dobell is Senior Correspondent at ESPNcricinfo
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