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De Kock (left), opening South Africa's innings, with captain Temba Bvuma (right), in the loss by Australia. He missed the win over West Indies.
South Africa's Quinton De Kock apologized for refusing to kneel and said he was "not racist".
Because he didn't want to, the wicketkeeper-batsman was unable to attend the T20 World Cup victory against West Indies.
He said, "I would like for me to begin by saying sorry to my team-mates and the fans back at home."
"If I can take a knee to help educate others and make their lives better, then I'm more than happy to."
However, not all South Africa's players took to the ground before Australia's defeat in their T20 World Cup opener. De Kock scored seven.
Cricket South Africa (CSA), then issued a directive to all players shortly before Tuesday's match against the Windies, stating that they should all take a knee.
De Kock added, "I didn't mean to disrespect anybody by not playing against West Indies. Especially the West Indian team."
"Maybe some people don’t get that we were just hit with this Tuesday morning on our way to a match.
"I deeply regret all the pain, confusion, and anger I have caused."
He said, "I've been called many things as a cricketer." But they didn't hurt. I am deeply hurt by being called a racist for a misunderstanding.
It hurts my family. It's hard for my wife who is pregnant.
"I am not racist. That is what I know in my heart. I believe those who know me will also know this."
De Kock previously refused to kneel and, although he stated that he was "quiet" on the very important topic up until now, he felt the need "to explain myself a bit".
De Kock made a statement to CSA stating that he was from a dual-heritage background and that his stepmother, who is black, was his father.
"Black lives have been important to me since the day I was born. De Kock stated that there was more than an international movement.
"The rights and equality for all people are more important than the individual.
"I was taught that everyone has rights and that they are important.
"I felt like I had been stripped of my rights when I was told what to do in the manner that they told me.
"It would have been better for all parties if this was done before the tournament began."
"Then, we could have concentrated on our job, which was to win cricket matches for the country.
"Everything seems to be a drama whenever we go to World Cups. It's not fair."
Lawson Naidoo, chairman of the CSA board, defended telling South Africa's football players to kneel.
"Unfortunately, it's not possible to choose when we must deal with these issues. Naidoo said that the situation is as it is.
"We felt that even though we were in the middle of tournament, it was right to do it and it was right for the team."
South Africa's next match is against Sri Lanka on September 30th. De Kock said he would love to play again for his country if Temba Bavuma (who he described as an "amazing leader" and the team "will have him".
