By Howard Feldman, Synthesis
Although I am no sportsman, the one thing I know for certain is that in every sport, timing is critical. Which makes the statement issued by Cricket South Africa particularly disturbing.
“Cricket South Africa (CSA) is honoured to have been named by the International Cricket Council (ICC) as hosts of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup which commences on 19 January. This decision was only taken in November last year after the original hosts, Sri Lanka, were suspended by the ICC, leaving us with little time to make all the necessary preparations.
As is the case with all such events, CSA has been receiving regular security and risk updates regarding the World Cup. We have been advised that protests related to the war in Gaza can be anticipated at the venues for the tournament.
We have also been advised that they are likely to focus on the position of the SA Under-19 captain, David Teeger, and that there is a risk that they could result in conflict or even violence, including between rival groups of protestors.
CSA has a primary duty to safeguard the interests and safety of all those involved in the World Cup and must accordingly respect the expert advice of those responsible for the safety of participants and spectators.
In all the circumstances, CSA has decided that David should be relieved of the captaincy for the tournament. This is in the best interests of all the players, the SA U19 team and David himself.
David will remain an important and active member of the squad and we wish him and the team every success in the tournament. The newly appointed captain will be announced in due course.”
The statement was released at the very moment that saw Israel defending itself against a charge of genocide, initiated and lead by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. It essentially acknowledges that despite the enquiry and the finding issued in December, Cricket South Africa had been threatened, and capitulated to the threat by sacrificing Teeger.
Not impressive.
This came after Judge Wim Trengrove submitted a 44-page report to CSA’s board, in which he found that Teeger hadn’t contravened clause 1.5.2 of CSA’s Rules and Code of Conduct that governs “unbecoming or detrimental conduct which could bring them, CSA or the game of cricket into disrepute”.
“Teeger expressed views which are very offensive to some. But they are also views shared by others,” Trengove wrote.
Trengove also determined that Teeger’s comments were not detrimental to the game as per clauses 1.6.1, 1.6.2, and 1.6.3 of CSA’s Rules and Codes of Conduct, saying that the comments weren’t made at a cricketing event.
“He dedicated ‘this award’, that is, the award bestowed upon him by the Jewish community, to the state of Israel and its soldiers.
“He was a young Jewish man speaking to his fellow Jews. It was clear from his comments that he did not purport to speak for cricket, cricketers generally, or indeed anybody else.” (News24)
The case had been heard, adjudicated and should have been closed.
But it wasn’t.
There is an interesting comparison to the events surrounding the removal of an Israeli product from the shelves of Woolworths. Whereas it was only one item, Woolworths claimed to have made the decision based on “credible” threats it had received; and that the safety of their customers and staff was their first priority.
Whereas both Cricket SA and Woolworths might be correct in terms of this aspect of the approach, they are wrong in others. By giving in to a threat of violence (in the name of human rights), they both reinforced the notion that violence works and is the answer to anyone wishing to achieve an outcome.
For Cricket SA, this even goes a step further as it not only buckled in the face of the threat, but also sends the message that alternative thoughts will not be tolerated. In essence there is a message that a “Jew with a view” will not be tolerated.
So, while South Africa away from home stands on the soap box of the world, holding others to a high standard, back home there is another lived reality.
The Teeger story is about more than cricket. It transcends sport and has the potential to drag South Africa and its youth into an intolerant, dictatorial and dangerous society that shuns free speech and caves to violence. Cricket South Africa needs to stand by its finding, stand by its captain and, pardon the expression, have some balls.
Because this just isn’t cricket.