Tim Bresnan has opened up about allegations that he made racist comments to Azeem Rafiq during their time as Yorkshire teammates.
During his testimony in front of DCMS select committee, Rafiq detailed the racist abuse he suffered while at Yorkshire and Bresnan was among those accused.
Rafiq said the former England star had "frequently made racist comments" and stated he was part of a group of "six or seven" players to file a bullying complaint against Bresnan.
The 36-year-old later apologised for "contributing to Azeem Rafiq's experience of feeling bullied at Yorkshire" but categorically denied making racist comments.
Now, following his decision to retire from the sport last month, Bresnan has addressed the allegations in an interview for the first time.
Bresnan apologised for fat shaming but insisted he has never "been racist" and said the allegations left him "disappointed".
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Bresnan said: "There is a good chance that I've walked into a dressing room and said, 'all right ledge, you had a good Christmas,' with a glance at the extra timber when we've come back for New Year's training.
"Something of that nature. We've all done that. But I 100% deny that I've ever been racist. I will never admit to that. And so, I cannot apologise for it.
"To be accused of it disappointed me and being instructed not to say anything by solicitors and clubs who were basically trying to protect themselves, all felt wrong to me."
Bresnan also said he has been in regular contact with former Yorkshire physio Kunwar Basil, who was among the staff members axed back in December in the wake of the scandal.
"Kunwar and I have had some very frank conversations because this has affected us both in different ways," Bresnan said.
"One thing he said to me was that if he gets another position in cricket, people might be questioning whether it's because he's of Indian origin, regardless of whether he is the best person for the job. That's just wrong. Utter madness that he should think that, or people think that about him.
"For me, it was only a small part of my eventual decision but if there were to have been any sort of comments from the crowd, referring to me as a racist, that would've hurt. I'm not going to lie."
