Former Yorkshire cricketer Jack Brooks has issued an apology to Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara over his racist behaviour during the Indian batter’s time at Yorkshire. Brooks also apologized for the racist tweets he made back in 2012.
Cheteshwar Pujara was nicknamed Steve when he was playing for Yorkshire in the County Championship. It was Jack Brooks who came up with the name after having difficulties in pronouncing difficult names.
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“I acknowledge that the language used in two tweets I made in 2012 was unacceptable and I deeply regret using it. I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused to anybody who may have seen these tweets,” Brooks said in his statement, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Yorkshire Cricket Club is going through a dark period since former cricketer Azeem Rafiq made serious allegations of racist culture within the club and how Asian cricketers are being treated during their cricketing days.
Jack Brooks’ name was taken during Azeem Rafiq’s testimony in front of the Department for Digital, Cultural, Media and Sports select committee. Rafiq revealed that Brooks started calling Cheteshwar Pujara as ‘Steve’.
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“With reference to my naming in Azeem Rafiq’s statement to MPs this week, the use of the name ‘Steve’ related to some people having difficult names to pronounce. When this has occurred in the past in a dressing room environment, it has been commonplace to give nicknames, regardless of creed or race. I admit to having used it in this context and now accept that it was disrespectful and wrong to do so,” said Brooks.
“I have reached out and apologised to Cheteshwar for any offence that I have caused him or his family. At the time I didn’t recognise this as racist behaviour, but I can now see that it was not acceptable,” he added.
Brooks has shifted his base to Somerset, who also issued a statement saying they are also looking into the issue.
“Late on Sunday evening, Somerset County Cricket Club was made aware of allegations regarding one of our players, Jack Brooks, which occurred while he was employed by Yorkshire CCC. An investigation was immediately launched and is ongoing. It would be inappropriate for the club to comment further until this process has been concluded. A further statement will be made in due course,” said the club.
