MAILBOX: Watson fans to the fore
Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:06
The reaction to Luke Watson much-famed speech continue to pour in. Some of them are unprintable (for legal reasons), but we publish as many as we can - including the Watson supporters. And as always you still have the Write of Reply!
"I would like to say that Puke, i mean Luke, is a adequate loose forward in a country with a number of the worlds best loose forwards. He was player of the year in 2006
and probably diserved this accolade - however i still feel Jake White was correct in ommitting him from the national team as no matter how good an individual
is if he is a disruptive force in the team. also in an article in sports illustrated a couple of years ago luke tell SASI that he decided not to go to a under 21 springbok training
camp after being invited by Jake White. lukes reason for not going was that he felt he wouldnt make the team anyway so there was no point. If i was
a coach and a player rejected my traiining camp he would never make any future teams of mine. So this disruptive force is naturally someone who will always choose to rub against the grain much like his oldman (which brings into question whether mr cheeky motives were honourable back in the day or whether he was just going against the grain of the time) and therefore he wont be a good influence in the team. on the vommiting saga - i think if he feels that terrible about an emblem that all of his teamates would probably die for then maybe he shouldnt have to play for the springboks and then everyone wins!!!! Also all that puking before a game cant be good for performances (hang on - maybe that is why he never played well in the green and gold)."
- Den Jackson
"SA Rugby, another storie,another joke. I agree with an email asking the public to be objective and judge based on evidence from both parties. I come from a rugby playing family in the so
called black community. My dad represented Kwaru and played alongside Cheeky Watson. May I take you back to South Africa vs. All Blacks Newlands 2008. Has the All Blacks ever had so much support at an away test match at the home of SA Rugby.What makes a man from Athlone parade an All Black jersey in his own country. People let me tell you this, he will say 'I will never support a white mans team'. Is the racial divide still evident. Is quota player systems still alive, what is transformation, taking a black kid and turning him into a star. Is that transformation. Can a rugby playing nation be transformed because 8 black players are in a team. Is that transformation? Am I chosen to play for South Africa because of transformation or my ability to play rugby. Watson made a comment that stated that Danie Craven made a statement that a black player will never play for the Springboks. Does that not make you sick to your stomach. Does that sentiment not make you cry as a black man in this
country.Has world cup victories united a nation or is it euphoria? My friends and fellow rugby supporters, as a white man will not take his family to watch soccer in this country because he fears for his families life. So do black family members not take their kids to rugby because of a white superior mindset that still exist in this country. Luke has merit in alot that he said. I know I watched my dad not being able to represent his country because he aint white.Have you worked for a boss that did not like you and did not recognise you and did not want you there but was forced to keep you there because of BEE status he would not obtain contracts based on it. My friends and ignorant supporters of rugby. Transformation cannot happen if the minds of men are not changed. Whether the springboks has 15 black men in the starting line up, is that transformation. Pieter De Villiers was boldly stated as being the second choice but because of transformation he got the job. Was he now
selected on merit or because he can choose more black players than what Heineke Meyer would have done. My heart lies with the boks but it makes me sad the racial tension and divide that still exist. The same people who cried for Luke's inclusion now call for his blood. Has certain portions of his speech been taken out and sensationalised by the media. The other facts seen through the eyes of black men in this country as very true has been kept quiet. Is it that far fetched to believe that he would be isolated from the team as he was selected by administrators and not the coach. I don't think so. Your perception on this matter is based on how you read his speech or what race you are. That is sad but true. If I was voted 2006 Super 14 player of the year and not good enough for the Springboks, then what competition status is higher than super 14 in Sanzar. If merit is bases for selection surely certain players wont be there. I will refuse to play for any team if my inclusion is not on
merit. I have to much pride to be judged on skin colour. Im a south African see me as that and judge me on the field of play. Read the article with a sober mind and ask yourself the question is their merit in his comments. I can see them. Or is it because im black!"
- Givon Van Eyck
"Guys, let's see this report for what it is: a piece of sensationalistic drivel more suited to the back pages of a glamour magazine than a respected sports journalism website. It is irresponsible, voyeuristic reporting at it's absolute worst. Mr de Koning should have taken his article to Die Son, it is far more suited to that backyard rags' reporting style. The report is so clearly inaccurate, the words so clearly out of context…Besides being an illegal recording!!! Whole sections of these so-called original transcripts with statements attributed to Luke have already been rubbished as the author's high fantastical imaginations. Shame on you Mr de Koning!! Sensational, irresponsible, voyeuristic journalism such as this should not be protected under the Freedom of Speech laws. Mr de Koning, your ill-researched, lazy journalism has potentially destroyed the rugby-playing career of one of the most gifted, hardworking and dedicated players to have picked up a rugby ball in this country. Thanks to you, a host of true rugby fans out there, people who support Luke Watson as a player; might now never get to see him play in local colours ever again. I hope you are happy, sir.
"To all those deluded fools who believe that Luke does not deserve his place in the side…go and read up on newspaper reports of his performances over the last 3 years. He has been one of the standout flankers in this country at every level he has played, including his very good performances off the bench during this year's Tri-nations.
"After what Jake White did to him (No disrespect to Jake here, I love that he brought the Webb Ellis trophy back home), I too would feel nauseated at the thought of wearing the jersey, of being a 'token black', a quota filler, the Super 14 player of the season no less…The Super 14 player of the season in any other country would walk the national side, but in SA we use the excuse of him being 'too small' and 'lightweight' (at over 6 ft and 100 kg's…some idiot made a joke about him being confused for a second scrumhalf…shame) to cover the fact that he is being punished for his family's thumbing their nose at the racist setup if the past. He had to bear the ignominy of wearing the tag of being a 'token black' in the team. If I was Luke I would have been on the plane to England now, earning serious currency while playing the game in more accepting conditions. Instead he has chosen to stick it out over here, take the criticism from people who will never in their lifetimes be good enough to carry a strand of a Bok jersey and let his playing do the talking.
"If my dad had
been refused a Bok jersey because he chose to be a part of a non-racist movement, I too would not have aspired to that damn jersey…Stick to your guns Luke, you are a refreshing alternative…"
- Marvin Bhana
"I'm back again. This time, having read the transcripts from his speech. I copied this speech onto MS Word and it made up no less than 3 pages. Strange that of all the points made on a three page speech someone could only pick out 'Vomit on Springbok Jersey', and make a big Hooha about it. Transformation, Transformation, Transformation, that was the point of his speech in case no one seems to be able to make it out. It does not matter whether an individual grew up with a golden spoon in his mouth, if he stands up and makes an effort for what is right, he is honorable.
"Again I will speak of my experiences as a rugby player. For a 'player of color' to make the starting line up, he has to be exceptional. If he is just as good as a white player or slightly better, he hardly gets a lookup.
"There is a real transformation issue that must be addressed. Yes there are players of color making their way but there is an even greater number being suppressed along the way. Or in the case of back line players of color, being converted to wings."
- Michael
"Ja, wel ek moet met baie van die lesers saamstem. LUKE WATSON moet maar op ‘n ander plek gaan kots, want hy verdien GEENSINS die GROEN en GEEL SPRINGBOK RUGBYTRUI nie!!!! Nie eers om dit oor sy kop te trek nie, wat nog daarin te speel.
"Hy mag miskien ‘n goeie speler wees, maar glo my NIEMAND is onvervangbaar nie, nie eers hy met al sy sodanige kontakte en vaderlike invloede nie!!! Miskien maar Engeland toe gaan en gaan sokker speel, en rugby aan die vele goeie spelers oorlaat wat met TROTS en INBORS Suid-Afrika WIL verteenwoordig.
"Wat die SPRINGBOK EMBLEEM betref. Vat aan die SPRINGBOK en daar word aan die HELE Suid-Afrika gevat. Swart, Wit, Pienk of Blou…. Ras en kleur is geensins ter sprake nie. Sport, en rugby spesifiek, is al wat hierdie land van ons vir 80 minute saamsmelt/verenig. Nou wil die politici selfs dit van ons ontneem. Ek wens die politiek is sport wil ‘n dooie dood sterf.
"TROTS SUID-AFRIKAANS!!!! BOKKE BO!!!!!!"
- Madelaine
"For people like me who have played the game at club level and made provincial trials, and have strived to be the best but haven't made it, the story about Luke Watson is heartbreaking. Not because its Luke Watson, but because its people like me who have suffered neck injuries, 3 broken noses, dislocated my shoulder on numerous occasions, torn ligements in my knee, but finished off the game in agony, all because our goal is to one day, even if just for a short brief moment, to pull over that Green and Gold, with that beautifull Springbok emblem on our chest, and stand in front of a crowd of thousands, and millions watching at home, and then go into a epic battle to once again put our bodies and lives on the line with our brothers next to us, for a sport and country that we love!!! The reason I vomited was in complete disgust at to what Luke Watson thinks about his Springbok jersey, thus his team mates, and then his country, and people like me!!! Luke Watson is nothing in my mind, and has been written off by everyone who ever thought that he was possibly even trying to help the Springbok cause.
"Thanks Luke Watson for nothing, Good luck over seas, cause you not wanted here."
- Steve
"Let me first say that the Springboks need someone to get the ball in the rucks and malls. Watson seems to be good at it and I would have liked to see him in a Springbok jersey more frequently. I was one of the Stormers supporters that welcomed Watson at Newlands and I still think he plays a mean game. Unfortunately I cannot agree with his comments about supposed Dutchman which I suggest do not refer to Afrikaners per se but rather to the mentality of those that refuses to truly transform. I understand his frustration that there is still many among us that talk the language of transformation, but do not live it. Again I understand the frustration, but I totally disagree with his comments. I have to suggest to Luke (and I really like him, named my dog after him and believe me that is more important than any statue) that if he made those comments, he must seriously re-evaluate his attitude, because it condemns all that his brave father (and he himself) fought for.
"I strongly disagree with Luke about the Springbok emblem. I love my rugby and have to admit that I may be a bit of a fanatic about it. There is no words to describe my pride when I see my Bokke playing and I still cry when the anthem is sung or my Boks score a much needed try. Those men with the Green and Gold and the Bok-emblem to me, personifies the new South Africa. I don't see the ugly past when I look at the Bokke – I see my country's future. A future that many paid for in blood, heartbreak and tears. I recently attended a commemoration for Forgotten Heroes (players) at a local rural rugby club. One of the players that were commemorated received his Springbok colours post apartheid. As I listened to the pride of the players that fought so that Springbok colours will never need to be allocated afterwards, I felt so proud and thankful. You are now elected as a Springbok on merit. (OK everyone except Luke) It was a long way, but we are there. By displaying pride in the Springbok emblem I honour those that fought for the right for all to wear a Bok emblem without prejudice. That is why I cry at the anthem and when I look at my Bok-team. Because I am proud of the nation we have become. I am not saying that all is well – it certainly is not. But by wearing the Springbok colours and taking pride in it, we will work together to transform those that are still only uttering the words of transformation, without living it. I understand where Watson came from when he made the comments, but I still think he was wrong and that he must be more careful in interpreting every non-Luke incident as racism. If not even Habana, Nokwe, Bobo or others would sit with him the possibility is there that he may not be an easy person to get along with. I'm not saying there isn't still racism within the Bok team – I'm saying that not all of his team mates are racists and that Percy Montgomery certainly is not.
"Truth be told I think that our dear Luke has a bit of a chip on his shoulder about being the much admired Cheeky Watson's son and the strength of his own righteous beliefs. I admire Luke Watson for all that he stands for, but I truly think that he must take a hard look at himself. Even when you have the right on your side, you may not be 100% right. Especially in this country where our every action must be aimed at building bridges where there was once and still remains divides.
"I think Luke should rethink the situation and apologise for the hurt and rifts it may have caused. He do not need to apologise for his views – but I think he needs to re-evaluate the way in which he approach those the Dutchman and those that respect the Springbok emblem. Loving and respecting the Springbok emblem doesn't make you a racist; neither does it make you a racist if you don't pick Luke in a team. Rugby is a team sport, and it seems that Luke don't play well his Bok teammates."
- Bok supporter
"Watson clearly forgot what his forefathers (the british) did to the (as he said) 'Dutchman' in the 1900 war where they murdered and raped white Afrikaner woman and children. So it is better that he keeps his mouth shut and vomit on himself for being such a 'daddy's little boy',
because he is clearly speaking out of his father's mouth and can not think or speak for himself."
- Stan Grochowina
"I am confused, was it a speech or in private conversation Luke put his foot in his mouth? Both are mentioned in the same column. Who is Cheeky going to sue if it was in a speech, who is lying? Luke needs to fire Cheeky, his making matters worse!"
- Thea De Filette
"I Blame Organ Hoskins for this Debacle, If you had thought further than your nose you would logically realize what you were doing to this individual by over riding the coaches decision to include him in the Squad. Now the poor guy is clinging on for dear life to be recognized and you have turned him into the most hated person in South Africa.
"I am by no means a Watson Fan but the poor guy has been destroyed, WELL DONE HOSKINS YOU DID IT AGAIN, and as for you Watson if the Administration was actually
run by “DUTCHMEN” you would not be in this mess in the firstplace. Dry your eyes child and grow up!"
- Stephan Spohr
"Ship the idiot to someplace where they cannot play good rugby. That's where he belongs anyway."
- Mike
"I'm writting as a black person who loves rugby. Luke Watson messed up by speaking about controversial things in a public forum. For that he will most probably be disciplined by his employers.
"Luke does however raise important issues about transformation in S.A rugby. Like it or not we have a long way to go until the day when black people are fully accepted by the average white rugby supporter. It is still uncomfortable for me to go watch a test match at Newlands and I would never dream of going to one at Loftus. I played 1rst team at school level and attended Craven week but I stopped playing rugby soon after arriving at university. I never felt welcomed by the
university structures and felt uncomfortable about being the only black face in the team each and every weekend. Personally I support the Springboks but my parents and younger brother still shout for the All Blacks.
"My experiences are by no means unique. I love rugby and I love South Africa. The fact is that South African rugby as it is remains deeply divided and something somewhere needs to change.
"Thank you Luke for having the courage to talk about difficult things."
- Qhama
"After reading the transcript of what Luke Watson - mostly - said (there are a few blanks in the transcript) it is apparent that one is not likely to get to the bottom of this rant - ever. On the one hand, one can be excused for thinking you are reading the ramblings of a mad man who read a philosophy book backwards and concocted his own convoluted worldview. For example, Luke holds the (flawed) view that truth is relative when he
says:
'Let me talk about truth, we can decide our own truth,…' Relativism claims that there is no absolute truth i.e., we each make up our own. But relativism's claim that there is no absolute truth must itself be true!; relativism is self defeating. So, Luke would have us believe there are many truths but that his truth is the one for all of his audience…
"On the other hand, Luke reveals great sensitivity to social injustice clearly rooted in the battlefield of his youth (to use his own analogy). I don't know what personal valleys and mountains he traversed of apartheid style injustices. Off hand, though, as a white person he has a credibility issue in claiming martyrdom of this kind, especially since he has played at all levels in the game now. Moreover, he had the opportunity to show that it is all a matter of principle when he was forced on Jake White as a political selection. Yet, he chose to check the box, take the green jersey and put Luke (not The Cause) first. The same goes for Cheeky: If it has always been about principle why capitulate when your son get the chance to pull the green and gold over his head? You could both have happily puked on it and taken the high road out of there.
"The more the Watsons reveal of their inner man, the more it smells like misguided self-righteous hypocrisy rooted in a past for political expedience regardless of the damage to current transformation progress.
"Finally, political animals always strive for a measure of time. Which brings one to the question of a trigger – what was the tipping point that triggered this rant? Is Luke done with playing and this was political expediency? Was he told he will not be going on the end of year tour? Or was it the slap in the face of the rookie Koster being invited to the Barbarians game? Who knows. One thing is for sure, Springbok rugby better prepare itself for many more decades of Watsonian rankle, gall and abuse."
- Anton van der Merwe
"So is Luke now considered a full quota player????? After his damning outburst i think he should now be considered as a quota player, White or not. Hell isn't it just a South African thing, we win the WC and then everyone wants to nail the sport again, what with Luke's outburst and that idiot who wants the Bok emblem replaced... Jealousy is the word that comes to mind, because where all other sports are failing to win a World Cup, rugby has proved over and over that IT IS a champion sport and although we have some iffie adminstrators we do perform on the field, so Luke's outburst comes at a very bad time for the country in a time where the State President was replaced and the World economy slipping.
"Let soccer and other sports learn from the best share information to achieve success, go to SA Rugby for help, not critisize it. If Luke is also considered as a quota player then the following team has more quota players
starting for SA than White players:
Jantjes
Nokwe
Jacobs
De Villiers
Habana
James
Januari
Spies
Burger
Watson
Matfield
Bekker
Mujati
Smit
Mtawariwa
That team will please both the ANC and the Watson's"
- Johan Gerber
"Such a shame, the whole thing, I came to SA and rugby too late to have first hand knowledge of what the Watsons stood up for. From what I can gather they were men of honour, who saw injustice, and stood up to be counted. Their actions spoke volumes, not just of principle, but bravery. Now, it seems it's just a post dated cheque to be cashed in by Watson Junior. How to sully a memory, and cheapen such ideals. Cheeky is a good father who stands by his son, I just wonder how embarrassed he feels now. The boy appears to have become a self indulgent brat. He left the Sharks under a cloud, shades of things to come? How long must we suffer this spoilt underachieving child because of what his dad used to be, before he also took full advantage of his own sacrifice?
"Can you imagine if anyone had made comments in a so called private conversation, and said something bad about black people?
"Make him BEE Springbok, he will never make it on merit, his best is behind him, we have far too many talented loosies for him to make it.
"Please don't call me a racist, I am not, I am a simply a snob, I don't like anyone, nothing to do with colour.
"Great web site, keep it up"
- Jeff Andrews
"Apart from talking an astounding load of incoherent rubbish regarding 'the struggle'his father's ‘heroic' role, those who 'gave their lives' - but miraculously are still alive! etc, I almost marvel that Luke Watson is bitter over his team-mates' reluctance to greet him or acknowledge his presence.
"After his speech at UCT, a speech that revealed much about Luke and team-mates' coolness toward him, who would want to play alongside him? Why would Rassie Erasmus, one of the 'Dutchmen' he evidently despises, wish to have him in the team he coaches? Who would want to see him again in a Springbok jersey?
"Conceitedly regard yourself the sole social visionary, in the process make yourself thorough obnoxious, and this is the natural consequence. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work that much out! Ironically, many years ago I admired Cheeky Watson for his stand against apartheid and the Nat establishment, but evidently his mindset, passed on to sour-faced and sour Luke, is that 'the struggle' (a term I've come to detest!) did not produce enough and I suspect that in the Watson's view it never will until Afrikaners are either banished from rugby or banished from the country.
"An unforgiving spirit produces gall that benefits nobody."
- Rob Porter
