Anybody who has ever found themselves in a raging, screaming argument which started out over something well-meaning but misunderstood may be better placed to understand the way Cricket South Africa ending up ‘accusing’ its greatest captain and former Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith, and national men’s coach, Mark Boucher, of various things, including racism and unfair racial discrimination
A comment on one of your previous posts. As much as I like to watch the odd T20 game (especially when a Saffer hits 140 from 70 balls) and I would support a domestic T20 league that will help the local game (and local business pockets) I truly hope it does not come to us not fielding a "full strength" Test team versus Australia in Australia. That would be a sad day indeed
Man, so much I want to say but also feel/know just best to say thanks again Neil for a very informative and detailed article, much to ponder about. Just one comment, cricket never won from the start of this until now (which will not be the end)
The entire debacle was a result of a flawed SJN process. It was very one sided and I don't believe the accused were given a fair opportunity to state their case in response to very flimsy accusations. This lead to the extremely serious allegations against Smith and charges against Boucher. To publicly accuse two of South Africa's best ex-cricketers that were merely doing their best to get South African cricket back on track of being racists without any substantiating let alone compelling evidence is utterly disgraceful. After what they did to Smith CSA now have the cheek to suggest he could have an important role to play in setting up their third attempt at a T20 league and then sweep the whole Boucher affair under the carpet and pretend that it never happened. Both have indicated that they will not take their respective matters further which is honorable and the best thing for the future of the game but they both have substantial grounds to take CSA to the cleaners if that's what they wanted to do!!!
Unfortunately Manners this 'problem' in all South African sports is not going to go away anytime soon. Soccer seems to be the least affected by these 'racist' type verbals being thrown around and it is easy to understand why.... most players, staff and coaches are black.
Its a pity that this whole CSA debacle was not looked at by some 'level' heads before tearing off to charge Smith and Bouchie but the 'law' of the land basically dictated they had to pursue it and that in itself leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (almost like racism in reverse). I am sure there was a certain amount of racism shown but to have singled out these two for special treatment was only because of the positions they now held which others wanted or something pretty close to that and as said 'this is not going away anytime soon'. Thanks for the article and the insight. Graham Riley / The AGA Program
South African cricket has produced many brilliant, world class players of all races over the years. CSA should focus on finding and developing new talent, and supporting the game and its players. Race based witch hunts are hugely divisive and damaging, and should be thrown out the back door onto the old Apartheid junk heap.
A comment on one of your previous posts. As much as I like to watch the odd T20 game (especially when a Saffer hits 140 from 70 balls) and I would support a domestic T20 league that will help the local game (and local business pockets) I truly hope it does not come to us not fielding a "full strength" Test team versus Australia in Australia. That would be a sad day indeed
Thanx for a really informative unravelling of what has happened to date! Nice and simply explained.
VERY WELL WRITTEN AS ALWAYS!
I just detest situations like this where the lawyers are the only winners.
Man, so much I want to say but also feel/know just best to say thanks again Neil for a very informative and detailed article, much to ponder about. Just one comment, cricket never won from the start of this until now (which will not be the end)
Thank you for the column. Not easy in SA!
The entire debacle was a result of a flawed SJN process. It was very one sided and I don't believe the accused were given a fair opportunity to state their case in response to very flimsy accusations. This lead to the extremely serious allegations against Smith and charges against Boucher. To publicly accuse two of South Africa's best ex-cricketers that were merely doing their best to get South African cricket back on track of being racists without any substantiating let alone compelling evidence is utterly disgraceful. After what they did to Smith CSA now have the cheek to suggest he could have an important role to play in setting up their third attempt at a T20 league and then sweep the whole Boucher affair under the carpet and pretend that it never happened. Both have indicated that they will not take their respective matters further which is honorable and the best thing for the future of the game but they both have substantial grounds to take CSA to the cleaners if that's what they wanted to do!!!
Difficult working environment Wasn’t GM in charge wen this happened and no one @ CSA to sort this out then ….!!
Unfortunately Manners this 'problem' in all South African sports is not going to go away anytime soon. Soccer seems to be the least affected by these 'racist' type verbals being thrown around and it is easy to understand why.... most players, staff and coaches are black.
Its a pity that this whole CSA debacle was not looked at by some 'level' heads before tearing off to charge Smith and Bouchie but the 'law' of the land basically dictated they had to pursue it and that in itself leaves a nasty taste in the mouth (almost like racism in reverse). I am sure there was a certain amount of racism shown but to have singled out these two for special treatment was only because of the positions they now held which others wanted or something pretty close to that and as said 'this is not going away anytime soon'. Thanks for the article and the insight. Graham Riley / The AGA Program
South African cricket has produced many brilliant, world class players of all races over the years. CSA should focus on finding and developing new talent, and supporting the game and its players. Race based witch hunts are hugely divisive and damaging, and should be thrown out the back door onto the old Apartheid junk heap.