By Kaya 959 Reporter
South African cricket player Quinton de Kock will take the knee.
The Proteas’ batsman and wicket-keeper says he did not mean to hurt anyone by his decision not to adopt the stance ahead of SA’s match against the West Indies earlier this week.
Players across sporting codes kneel before every match in support of the Black Lives Matter movement against racism.
De Kock has also apologised to his teammates and SA fans.
He says it was never a “Quinton issue” and he understands the importance of standing against racism.
“I also understand the responsibility of us as players to set an example. 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 said in a statement.
De Kock adds that he did not, in any way, mean to disrespect anyone by not playing against West Indies, especially the West Indian team themselves.
“Maybe some people don’t understand that we were just hit with this on Tuesday morning, on the way to a game. I am deeply sorry for all the hurt, confusion and anger that I have caused,” he says.
He adds: “I was quiet on this very important issue until now. But I feel I have to explain myself a little bit. For those who don’t know, I come from a mixed race family.
“My half-sisters are Coloured and my stepmom is Black. For me, Black lives have mattered since I was born. Not just because there was an international movement. The rights and equality of all people is more important than any individual.”
Quinton de Kock statement 📝 pic.twitter.com/Vtje9yUCO6
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 28, 2021
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