The terrorist has got another wicket

Sultan

Gentleness adorns everything
Joined
Sep 1, 2004
Messages
48,569
Location
Redcafe
Chloe Saltau
August 9, 2006

WHEN Dean Jones uttered the words "the terrorist has got another wicket" from the back of a Colombo commentary box, he did not know his wisecrack about the South African cricketer and Muslim Hashim Amla would go live to air on South African TV.

Nor did the former Australian batsman take into account that his employer, the Dubai-based production company Ten Sports, is owned by a United Arab Emirates conglomerate, Bukhatir Investments Limited, whose chairman, Abdul Rahman Bukhatir, is a powerful player in the Islamic market and passionate cricket fan.

Yesterday, within hours of Jones's faux pas during what he thought was an ad break, it emerged he would not be working again for the world's biggest TV producer of cricket.

"We've terminated Dean Jones's freelance contract with immediate effect," said Ray Reed, the director of communications for Taj TV, whose channel Ten Sports is beamed into 50 million households. "He won't be employed by us again. We're a company that's owned by a United Arab Emirates citizen, we've got a diverse cross-section of nationalities and religions working for us, so as a company we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding such comments.

"We've condemned the statement in the strongest possible terms. It's an unfortunate situation … He made the comment when he felt it wasn't going out on air. It was during an ad break [in Sri Lanka and elsewhere on the subcontinent] but it was carried on the South African channel … Even off-air those comments aren't acceptable within our company and unfortunately he can't work for us any more."

However, Jones is still expecting to be allowed back into the commentary box for the Champions Trophy tournament in India in October, despite being sent home from Sri Lanka in disgrace.

The former Australian batsman was standing at the back of the commentary box and as Amla took a catch to dismiss the Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara in Colombo, he remarked: "The terrorist has got another wicket."

Jones arrived at Melbourne airport last night, saying his gaffe was a "stupid, ridiculous off-the-wall comment" that wasn't meant to go to air. "I got hold of Hashim Amla and … gave him my sincerest apologies, and he was gracious enough to accept it."

And not all is lost. Jones will still keep one job. The 3AW program director, Clark Forbes, said: "We wouldn't be changing our contractual arrangements on that basis."

Link
 
pic16A.jpg


pic16.jpg
 
By Bibi Ayesha Wadvalla**
Jan. 18, 2006




In a world where fame is all-pervading, it is heartening to come across a young man who cares not for fame, a young man grounded in his principles, a young man unassuming enough to just be himself. Meet Hashim Amla, a young South African man who made headlines last year when he was selected to play for the Proteas, the national cricket team.

Having his face splashed across the front page of every newspaper did nothing to dent the wholesome modesty this young man possesses.

Born in a small town north of Durban, Natal, Amla grew up playing outdoors under the South African sun "and getting sunburnt," he laughs.

Sport played a huge role in these outdoor games. It was when he moved to DHS — a school renowned for its sporting and academic heritage — that Amla flourished. Sport was no longer just a childhood game — it was evolving into a career. Amla was chosen for the provincial team, Nashua Dolphins; captained the U-19 South African team; and was finally selected for the Proteas at the tender age of 21 — a position lauded by the press as well deserved.

But alas, after playing in only two test matches, he was dropped from the squad. Cries of racism resounded through the country. Amla, mature for his years and firm in his faith, succinctly says, "Although it was disappointing for me not to do as well as I wanted to, it was taqdeer. I had worked hard to get there, but Allah knows best. This belief helped me overcome the disappointment."

It is this quality which makes Hashim Amla an inspiration. Most people in his situation would lap up the fame, and blame other factors for their performance. He continues to work hard at his game and seeks assistance from Allah with patience and salah. Amla is grateful to also have the guidance of the Ulema-e-Haq, of whom he says, "This association with learned and elderly people keeps me grounded."

For Amla, success comes from balancing worldy activities with deen.

Today, many Muslim youth are apologetic about their faith. Not Hashim Amla. Together with his fellow Muslim Dolphin teammates, brother Ahmed Amla, and Imraan Khan, they offer their salah on the field. Despite the rigorous heat, they fasted in Ramadan even when playing. This has gained them great respect from both Muslims and non-Muslims. When Amla was selected for the SA squad, he asked that he be excused from wearing the logo of an alcoholic beverage sponsor. "Al-hamdu lillah," smiles Amla, "this request was met with consideration for my beliefs."

Questions about Islam and its practises were raised and thus, on and off the field, Amla has had excellent opportunities for da`wah work. Over the years, he has met with many curious enquiries, specifically from his teammates. Of them, Amla remarks, "My teammates have begun to understand what Islam is, what Muslims do and how we lead our lives."



Is Amla, then, both a role model for Islam and youth? Humbly, he replies, "I don't have wings, so I'm no angel. But if people see me as a role model, I am grateful, al-hamdu lillah." He is especially thankful for the support and encouragement from young fans. "I see the boy I once was in them," he says. "I see the dreams I once cherished, and am now realising. I would love to see more Muslim youth involved in professional sport, provided it doesn't interfere with them practising the beautiful teachings of Islam. A conservative attitude that sport is not a stable career exists. If you have faith, you cannot go wrong."

Amla adds that in a country ravaged by apartheid, youngsters should avail themselves of the opportunities denied to their elders. His good nature is exemplified when he comments, "And it is always pleasing in the heart to see a fellow Muslim do well."

On friends and family, Amla urges youth to connect with their parents. "I have learned so much from my parents by merely observing their qualities, let alone the lessons and advice they have given me. Undoubtedly, righteous friends are imperative. They play a huge role in molding us — be it positive or negative."

In his spare time, Amla pursues knowledge by reading Islamic literature and sporting biographies. Spending time alone with his thoughts and mentally visualising his game, are integral in helping him maintain a winning streak. He reiterates that for success, youth should work hard, and use the golden key — salah and du`aa'.

Where does Amla see the future leading him? "I leave my fate up to the Almighty," he says with true conviction. But he prays for a cricket history which will place him in the record books. The conversation takes a personal turn. At 22, Hashim Amla says that marriage is in the plans for the future, but he's not sure how soon. The girl whom he chooses will be blessed to have him as a husband.

Hashim Amla epitomises a rare breed in today's times — a young man with excellent character. May Allah bless him in all that he strives for.
 
Dean jones is a nutter, I have to admit to hating his guts whenever he knocked us all over the place (as a NZ fan) :(, and he seemed alright once he'd retired...:angel: Clearly had a bit of a brain explosion that day...
 
What a fecking stupid thing to say even if he was joking.

It is going to cost him. he has already been canned from his commentating job.
 
Dean Jones is an idiot, but there is a background to his comments. Everyone knows that cricketers have nicknames apparantly Muslim Hashim Amla is terrorist which his team-mates regularily call him.
However Dead Jones still shouldn't of said it in the commentry box and is a complete moron anyway. His said stupid things in the past just wait he'll put his foot in his mouth again within a year.
 
Amla saddened by Jones' comment

Amla has forgiven Jones
South Africa batsman Hashim Amla has spoken of the hurt caused by Dean Jones jokingly calling him "the terrorist" on air in the second Test in Sri Lanka.
Former Australia batsman Jones lost his job as a commentator after a deluge of complaints from South African viewers.

Amla has since accepted Jones' apology, saying he wants to "forgive and forget" but remains saddened by the episode.

"I am a human being as well and it deeply hurt me when I heard that," Amla said on his return to South Africa.

The 23-year-old was left out of the one-day squad for the triangular series also involving India.

And he now wants to draw a line under the affair.

"What's taken place has happened and we just have to be big enough to get on with life," Amla added.

"I've got a bright future in cricket and that's what I want to concentrate on. I don't want to get involved in controversies."

BBC
 
Sensitive times we are living. It could have been a harmless joke. Everyone knows people like this, who can make such comments in pub when watching football, e.g. refer to a german player in some third reich term, but who aren't racist or anti-german in any manner.
 
Buddenbrook said:
Sensitive times we are living. It could have been a harmless joke. Everyone knows people like this, who can make such comments in pub when watching football, e.g. refer to a german player in some third reich term, but who aren't racist or anti-german in any manner.
Click to expand...

Well, joke or not - it's racist.
 
Sultan said:
Well, joke or not - it's racist.
Click to expand...

We used to be able to tell jokes about racial/ethnic/religious/gender stereotypes. In an era before political correctness. Also jewish jokes about penny pinching. Often in bad taste, but not necessarily racist. Of course they are not ment to be aired on live TV.

I can understand how from "he is terrorising the opposition" as in "Ruud terrorised the Villa defence" someone can off the record say "terrorist" and the other guy while laughing says "you shouldn't really say that"... it works because there are traits people attach to these terms. Such as long beard, or a certain religious background. If you take a statistical sample from pubs around UK, it's likely such is not ment seriously.

We are awafully cautious about these things, and perhaps for a good reason, but to conclude from that one word that Dean Jones would be a racist or a nutter is mad.

I agree he deserved to be fired for the controversy caused.
 
Buddenbrook said:
We used to be able to tell jokes about racial/ethnic/religious/gender stereotypes. In an era before political correctness. Also jewish jokes about penny pinching. Often in bad taste, but not necessarily racist. Of course they are not ment to be aired on live TV.

I can understand how from "he is terrorising the opposition" as in "Ruud terrorised the Villa defence" someone can off the record say "terrorist" and the other guy while laughing says "you shouldn't really say that"... it works because there are traits people attach to these terms. Such as long beard, or a certain religious background. If you take a statistical sample from pubs around UK, it's likely such is not ment seriously.

We are awafully cautious about these things, and perhaps for a good reason, but to conclude from that one word that Dean Jones would be a racist or a nutter is mad.

I agree he deserved to be fired for the controversy caused.
Click to expand...

Just as you readily call anyone trying to understand the causes of terrorism a "terrorist sympathiser" I maintain the analogy is the same.

A racist sympathiser.
 
Sultan said:
Just as you readily call anyone trying to understand the causes of terrorism a "terrorist sympathiser"
Click to expand...

Liar. Quote me on that. I repeated a valid question, that was posed by the scholars in the film Obsession. Is it more out of fear or out of sympathy (and I'd add denial to that list) that the moderate muslims won't confront the extremist elements in their own families, their own societies? Why do the extremists rule most of the islamic societies, if the populace are moderates?

I maintain the analogy is the same.

A racist sympathiser.
Click to expand...

First you should establish that Dean Jones is a racist. Second, I don't sympathise with him. Wrong on both accounts. I said he deserved to be fired. But the word "racist" is thrown around way too easily. You can't conclude from that one word that Dean Jones would be a racist. Such jokes, that are in bad taste, are heard in every pub in Europe. Most of the people telling these jokes are not racist, and e.g. loath the BNP.

There is a centuries long tradition in jokes that play with ethnic/religious/gender stereotypes and these used to be considered totally acceptable. Everyone has heard them in their lives, and most people have told them... and the reaction usually isn't that "wow, he must be a fascist to tell this joke".

It's mad to conclude from that one word that Dean Jones would be a racist or a nutter.
 
I used to like Dean Jones as a commentator but he should be punished for this sort of comment.
 
It's a highly offensive comment, has no place in cricket, sport and society as a whole, such comments add to the tensions already faced by the World. I have zero tolerance policy for any expression of racial stereotyping and prejudice and I condemn this behaviour strongly - I have no tolerance for those excusing these forms of behaviour.

Bigot
 
Who is the bigot? I haven't called you any names. You call me names constantly, some of them rather offensive like "racist". Quite odd from someone preaching tolerance.

To quote Wafa Sultan: What allows you to call other people by names that they did not choose for themselves?

I'm not a racist, nor a bigot and I'd rather you refrain from refering to me by these slurs.

I merely think, and I maintain this is very rational that you cannot conclude from that one word that a person would be a racist. To do so would be mad, because many people who are not racists sometimes tell jokes that are not in good taste. This is only rational, and true.
 
Buddenbrook said:
Who is the bigot? I haven't called you any names. You call me names constantly, some of them rather offensive like "racist". Quite odd from someone preaching tolerance.

To quote Wafa Sultan: What allows you to call other people by names that they did not choose for themselves?

I'm not a racist, nor a bigot and I'd rather you refrain from refering to me by these slurs.

I merely think, and I maintain this is very rational that you cannot conclude from that one word that a person would be a racist. To do so would be mad, because many people who are not racists sometimes tell jokes that are not in good taste. This is only rational, and true.
Click to expand...

I agree 100%, the term racist is used far too liberally, often with little justification, but usually in answer to some event or argument that goes against the ofended.

here's a classic piece of British comedy from over 20 years ago. tell me if you think it's racist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFlNyqeeifA
 
Buddenbrook said:
We used to be able to tell jokes about racial/ethnic/religious/gender stereotypes. In an era before political correctness. Also jewish jokes about penny pinching. Often in bad taste, but not necessarily racist. Of course they are not ment to be aired on live TV.

I can understand how from "he is terrorising the opposition" as in "Ruud terrorised the Villa defence" someone can off the record say "terrorist" and the other guy while laughing says "you shouldn't really say that"... it works because there are traits people attach to these terms. Such as long beard, or a certain religious background. If you take a statistical sample from pubs around UK, it's likely such is not ment seriously.

We are awafully cautious about these things, and perhaps for a good reason, but to conclude from that one word that Dean Jones would be a racist or a nutter is mad.

I agree he deserved to be fired for the controversy caused.
Click to expand...

You speak of PC as if it's a bad thing. I prefer to think of it as an improvement in the human race.

You need to admit that it was wrong to say that and go on with your life instaed of posting paragraphs and paragraphs about it and how you miss the racist old times.
 
roonaldo78 said:
I used to like Dean Jones as a commentator but he should be punished for this sort of comment.
Click to expand...
His just stupid not a racist, either that or his racist against his own family. His sister married a muslim.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.