Big Bash League club Sydney Thunder plan to stick with Alex Hales despite a photo of the English batsman with his face painted black and claims he called his pet dog 'Kevin' as part of a racially derogatory joke.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The picture emerged last week in the wake of former Yorkshire player Azeem Rafiq's revelations of the career-ending racism he suffered that sent shockwaves through English cricket.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Cricket NSW chief executive Lee Germon, who oversees the Thunder, stressed that there was no room for racism or any form of discrimination in the sport.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But he added in a statement late Monday that the Australian Twenty20 side should also "accept people who have made mistakes".<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"One of the hallmarks of Thunder's success is the team embraces diversity and is a club for all," he said. "If we really believe that we also must accept people who have made mistakes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I've spoken to Alex, I've watched his apology and have no doubt he is remorseful for the photograph and the other errors of judgement he made as a young man."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hales has said the blackface photo, taken at a New Year's Eve party in 2009, was simply a tribute to his favourite rap artist, Tupac Shakur. But he admitted it was "disrespectful" and that he "deplored" racism.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
It followed Rafiq telling a British parliamentary committee that Hales, now 32, named his black dog 'Kevin' due to cricketer Gary Ballance's use of the name as a derogatory term. That accusation prompted a "categorical" denial from Hales.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Germon said he sought the opinion of Hales' teammates and Thunder staff before giving the opener the green light to return for the new season, which starts in December.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I've been told... he's been a tremendous teammate and ambassador for Thunder's ideals and aspirations," said Germon.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"He understands Thunder wants to provide people -- including those who are newcomers to Australia -- with a sporting team they can identify with regardless of their background.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We want everyone who comes to a Sydney Thunder match to know it is a safe place, one of mutual respect for them and their families."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hales was the leading run-scorer of the 2020-21 BBL season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n