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The cricketer who dubbed Cheteshwar Pujara ‘Steve’ whereas they each performed for Yorkshire has apologised to the India batsman within the newest fallout from the Azeem Rafiq case that has despatched shockwaves by way of the English sport. Pakistan-born Rafiq instructed a UK parliamentary committee on Tuesday how racist language was “continually” used throughout his two spells at Yorkshire. The 30-year-old, who mentioned he had misplaced his profession to racism, cited examples of discrimination involving a number of former England internationals in addition to how briskly bowler Jack Brooks had named Pujara ‘Steve’ as a result of he struggled to pronounce the India star’s forename.
“On the subject of my naming in Azeem Rafiq’s assertion to MPs this week, the usage of the title ‘Steve’ associated to some folks having troublesome names to pronounce,” mentioned Brooks in a press release issued Thursday.
“When this has occurred up to now in a dressing room setting, it has been commonplace to present nicknames, no matter creed or race.”
The 37-year-old added: “I admit to having used it on this context and now settle for that it was disrespectful and improper to take action. I’ve reached out and apologised to Cheteshwar for any offence that I’ve triggered him or his household.
“On the time I did not recognise this as racist behaviour, however I can now see that it was not acceptable.”
Brooks, who now performs for rival county Somerset, additionally apologised Thursday for utilizing the phrase “negro” in a dialog on Twitter 9 years in the past with England bowler Tymal Mills and Stewart Laudat, with whom he performed minor counties cricket for Oxfordshire. The tweets have been despatched when Brooks was at Northamptonshire.
“I acknowledge that the language utilized in two tweets I made in 2012 was unacceptable and I deeply remorse utilizing it,” mentioned Brooks. “I unreservedly apologise for any offence triggered to anyone who could have seen these tweets.
“The 2 gamers to whom I despatched the tweets are my buddies and it was actually not my intention to trigger misery or offence to them or anybody who learn them.
“It’s my understanding that neither particular person was offended on the time, however I settle for that language is necessary and {that a} phrase I used could have triggered offence to others.”
Rafiq’s case has additionally led to accusations of discrimination at different counties, with the previous off-spinner saying he now anticipated the “floodgates” to open in a racism disaster that threatens to engulf English cricket.
The results for Yorkshire have been devastating, with sponsors making a mass exodus, resignations from prime directors and the county barred from internet hosting profitable worldwide matches.
However Rafiq has warned Yorkshire can not transfer ahead till head coach Andrew Gale and director of cricket Martyn Moxon have left the Headingley-based membership.
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Gale is at the moment suspended pending investigations over a historic tweet and Moxon, a former England batsman, is signed off with a stress-related sickness.
Each males featured closely in Rafiq’s proof, with Gale accused of fixed racial abuse and Moxon of systematic bullying, together with an outburst on Rafiq’s first day again following the stillbirth of his son.
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