Heather Knight in the mire after admitting racism charge by the ECB that was way back in 2012.
Heather Knight has got in hot water after being guilty of a racist incident.
The Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) chastised her and fined her £1000 suspended for a 2012 photo in which she was seen wearing blackface. The commission considered to be racist and discriminatory behaviour.
The image, which was taken by a third party during a fancy-dress party with a “sports stars” theme at a cricket club in Kent in 2012, broke ECB directive 3.3, which at the time states “”No such person may conduct himself in a manner or do any act or omission which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the game of cricket or any cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute.”
Knight, who was 21 at the time, immediately acknowledged the accusations against her, expressed regret, and extended her apology. It is acknowledged that Knight did not upload the image to social media sites herself. She has no authority to take down or modify the image once it has been shared (or might be shared in the future).
“I’m truly sorry for the mistake I made in 2012,” Knight said in a statement released via the ECB. “It was wrong, and I have long regretted it. Back then, I was not as educated as to the implications and consequences of my actions as I have become since. There was no ill-intent whatsoever.
“Whilst I can’t change the past, I am passionate and committed to using my platform to promote inclusivity across the game ensuring underrepresented groups are afforded the same opportunities and fulfilment within the game as I have.”
Knight’s £1000 fine, which is for two years pending her behaviour going forward, is unique to this instance. The regulator states it is unlikely to set a precedent. Knight has never before been the subject of disciplinary action. Her volunteer work as an ambassador for diversity and inclusiveness consequently gives her favor.
Dave Lewis, interim director of the Cricket Regulator, said: “Cricket is working to become a more inclusive sport. The Cricket Regulator commits to acting positively and impartially whenever racist behaviour is in question.
“In this case, Ms Knight’s behaviour was discriminatory and offensive. However the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) accepted there was no racist intent in her conduct. I welcome her acknowledgment of the potential impact of her behaviour, and her unreserved apology.”