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Cape Town - Former Australian Test batsman Greg Ritchie has issued a public apology over the racism drama sparked by his comments at a luncheon during the Gabba Test last week.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald website, Ritchie used the derogatory term "kaffir" in an anecdote involving former South African batsman Kepler Wessels when they played together for Queensland against the menacing West Indies in 1980.
Having originally stood by his comments, Ritchie on Wednesday apologised in a statement.
"I have spoken at sporting functions for nearly 30 years. I have never intended offending anyone in those speeches, nor have I knowingly offended anyone," Ritchie said.
"If I offended anyone in my speeches at the Brisbane Convention Centre last week, or at my two speeches at the Gabba and the two subsequent very short phone calls with journalists, I am extremely sorry."
Cricket Australia admonished Ritchie once informed of the comments and indicated he would not be welcome as a guest speaker at any cricket venue for the rest of the summer.
The Gabba Test between Australia and South Africa ended in a draw. The second Test at the Adelaide Oval starts on November 22.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald website, Ritchie used the derogatory term "kaffir" in an anecdote involving former South African batsman Kepler Wessels when they played together for Queensland against the menacing West Indies in 1980.
Having originally stood by his comments, Ritchie on Wednesday apologised in a statement.
"I have spoken at sporting functions for nearly 30 years. I have never intended offending anyone in those speeches, nor have I knowingly offended anyone," Ritchie said.
"If I offended anyone in my speeches at the Brisbane Convention Centre last week, or at my two speeches at the Gabba and the two subsequent very short phone calls with journalists, I am extremely sorry."
Cricket Australia admonished Ritchie once informed of the comments and indicated he would not be welcome as a guest speaker at any cricket venue for the rest of the summer.
The Gabba Test between Australia and South Africa ended in a draw. The second Test at the Adelaide Oval starts on November 22.
