Friday in Johannesburg, Springbok rugby player Elton Jantjies denied having an affair with team nutritionist Zeenat Simjee.
Last month’s Rugby Championship match between the All Blacks and the Jantjies was preceded by a highly-publicized liaison in Nelspruit, according to a Monday report.
Jantjies said in a statement, “I do not want to say anything about the newspaper piece other than that it contains numerous untruths and half-truths.”
“For the record, the nutritionist for the Springboks, Zeenat Simjee, was never present at either of the two guesthouses where I stayed. She is merely a good buddy. It is good that her reputation is currently being tarnished.
“I will now focus on getting my life and career back on track in private, therefore this is the only statement I will make on this topic.”
“No team protocols were violated, but the people are returning to South Africa to address to these personal reports and avoid distractions from the team’s preparations for the Test against Argentina,” is the sole statement made by Bok management to date.
Despite disputing the allegations, Jantjies did apologize.
“I am aware that media headlines regarding my recent behavior caused a great deal of disappointment, pain, and anger among a large number of individuals, and I sincerely apologize to everyone I hurt or disappointed, my teammates, the Springbok management team, and SA Rugby.
“I apologize to the administration and team of my Japanese club, NTT Docomo Red Hurricanes.
“As a Springbok rugby player, I am a public figure, a role model, and a hero to many South Africans; therefore, I am expected to uphold a high moral standard. It was always my desire to make myself, my family, and my supporters proud, not just by my performances on the field of play but also by my behavior in public.”
Although he did not acknowledge to any specific wrongdoing, Jantjies expressed regret for his behavior.
“I truly regret my acts, for which I have let myself, my family, and the rugby-loving people of this country down. I did not honor the Springbok jersey, a jersey I have revered since I was a young lad.
“I accept full responsibility for my conduct, and I am committed to making every effort to alter my behavior. I desire to regain the trust of those closest to me and the public at large. I wish to repair the relationships that have been damaged or shattered.
“Thank you to everyone that supported me and my family throughout this difficult time.” I appreciate it.”