Jack Brooks apologises for racist tweets and behaviour towards Cheteshwar Pujara after Somerset reprimand

Historic messages sent by the 37-year-old in 2012 using the word 'n***o', and the name 'Steve' to refer to the India batter have led to an undisclosed punishment. Brooks will also attend training on equality, diversity and inclusivity

Somerset have reprimanded Jack Brooks for a succession of historic offences relating to racism and discrimination.

The club opened two investigations into the conduct of the 37-year-old and have handed down an undisclosed punishment.

In addition, Brooks has been reminded of his responsibilities and will attend extensive training on equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Action was taken after two tweets using the word 'n***o' surfaced. Posted in 2012 while at Northamptonshire, the messages were sent to Sussex and England bowler Tymal Mills and Stewart Laudat, who represented Oxfordshire.

A complaint regarding the posts was received on Sunday (November 14) and Somerset immediately looked into the case.

In addition, claims were made that Brooks used the name 'Steve' to refer to India batter Chesteshwar Pujara while he was an overseas player at Yorkshire.

Azeem Rafiq then referred to this conduct during his testimony at a DCMS hearing into racism in cricket on Tuesday (November 16).

^{Cheteshwar Pujara substantiated the claims he was referred to as 'Steve' during an interview in 2018}

In a statement, the Taunton club said: "There is no doubt that these comments are unacceptable.

"Somerset CCC condemn the use of language which has any racist connotations. 

"Jack agrees with this sentiment and is embarrassed and devastated that his comments offended people and he has acknowledged that, whilst they were made nearly a decade ago when he was less mature, the content of the posts was wrong and not in accordance with his personal values. 

"Jack has engaged honestly and openly throughout the investigation and unreservedly apologies for his past errors.

"The club considered a number of factors including no evidence of repeated documented behaviour of this kind, the contrition shown by Jack throughout the process, feedback received from recipients of the social media posts, and his commitment to his own personal development.

"The club has decided to reprimand Jack, remind him of his responsibilities and require him to participate in extensive training on equality, diversity and inclusivity.

"There is no place for racism at Somerset cricket or across the game as a whole."

Somerset also used the statement to condemn threatening posts sent to Brooks and his partner on social media this week.

^{Azeem Rafiq also referenced Brooks' behaviour during his DCMS testimony}

In a statement of his own Brooks said: "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.

"The two players to whom I sent the tweets are my friends and it was certainly not my intention to cause distress or offence to them or anyone who read them. 

"It is my understanding that neither individual was offended at the time, but I accept that language is important and that a word I used may have caused offence to others."

Referring to the use of 'Steve' relating to Pujara, the right-arm quick bowler added: "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. 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.

"I will ensure that my actions and language are never brought into question like this again. I want to be clear and give an unequivocal apology to anybody who has ever been upset or offended by my actions. I am genuinely sorry."

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