Somerset investigating bowler after two tweets using word “n***o” emerge
Brooks, 37, released a statement on Thursday saying that he “deeply regretted” used the term.
“I acknowledge that the language used in two tweets I made in 2012 was unacceptable and I deeply regret using it,” Brooks said. “I unreservedly apologise for any offence caused to anybody who may have seen these tweets.”
Laudat also addressed the issue on Twitter, saying that he had “known [Brooks] for a long time” and had “never been made to feel uncomfortable in any conversations we’ve had”.
Earlier in the week, Brooks’ name featured in Azeem Rafiq’s testimony in front of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport select committee. Rafiq said that Brooks had started the practice at Yorkshire of referring to Pujara as “Steve”, rather than use his given name.
Brooks said he had not realised it could be construed as racist but “can now see that it was not acceptable”.
“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,” Brooks said.
“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.”
Somerset said that they been looking into the issue since it was brought to their attention last week.
“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.”