Daren Sammy reveals "conversation" with an accused teammate after racial jibe

Sammy had revealed he had been subject to racism while playing for SRH in the IPL.

By Kashish Chadha - 12 Jun, 2020

Former West Indies captain, Daren Sammy, on Thursday (June 11) revealed he had an "interesting conversation" with "one of the guys" he accused of using a racially derogative remark for him while playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Sammy said he has been "reassured" that this teammate "operated from a place of love" when he called him 'Kalu', a Hindi word used for a black man. 

Read Also: Daren Sammy says it's not okay after Twitter user tries to defend racist slur

The 36-year-old added that they've both decided to educate others about the need to eradicate racism from our society rather than focusing on the negatives. 

"I'm pleased to say that I've had a really interesting conversation with one of the guys and we are looking at ways to educate rather than focusing on the negatives. My brother reassured me that he operated from a place of love and I believe him (sic)," Sammy wrote on Twitter. 

In an Instagram video post, Sammy had said he, as well as Sri Lankan overseas recruit, Thisara Perera, were subject to racism in the SRH dressing room. 

"I will be messaging those people, you guys know who you are. I must admit at that time when I was being called that, I didn't know what it meant, I thought the word meant strong stallion or whatever it is, and I saw no problems because I was ignorant about what it meant," he can be heard saying. 

 
 
 
 
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So recently I discovered a word that I was being called was not what it actually meant I need some answers. So before I start calling out names I need these individuals to reach out and please tell me there’s another meaning to that word and when I was being called it,it was all in love. #blackandproud #blackandconfident #clarasboy #saynotoracism #stopracism #cricketer #stlucia

A post shared by daren (@darensammy88) on

"But every time I and Thisara Perera was called with that word, there was laughter at that moment. Me being a team man, I thought teammates are happy, so it must be something funny."

The killing of an Afro-American, George Floyd, after being kneeled on his neck while in the custody of a white policeman on May 25 has led to worldwide protest against racism. 

Taking strength from how everyone has stood up in the fight to end the social malaise, many, including those from the cricketing fraternity, are coming out with their stories of facing racial discrimination during their lives and careers. 

By Kashish Chadha - 12 Jun, 2020

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