JERMAINE Jenas says he’s “not happy” that the BBC sacked him over alleged unsolicited texts sent to a female staff member.
The media personality and ex-footballer, 41, has lost his lucrative roles on The One Show and Match of the Day as a result of the axing.
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The Sun broke the story this afternoon, moments before Jenas began hosting duties on the TalkSPORT Drive show at 4pm.
He stepped in for regular presenter Andy Goldstein, and was joined by fellow former footballers Frank Lampard and Jermaine Pennant.
Following his hosting duties, he was then asked in an interview by the radio broadcaster about the sacking and said: “I can’t really talk about it.
“As you can probably see, I am not happy about it. But currently, as it stands, I’m going to have to let the lawyers deal with it.
“You know, there’s two sides to every story, as we know. So that’s all I can say right now.”
It is understood Jenas has instructed lawyers in an effort to clear his name and is devastated by the turn of events.
Not least the loss of his £190,000- £194,999 annual salary for his work on the FA Cup, Match of the Day, the World Cup and The One Show.
The Sun revealed Jenas was sacked after allegations were made by a female member of staff on The One Show.
She had claimed she received unsolicited communications over text.
The BBC confirmed a probe was launched following “allegations involving digital communications such as texts” received a few weeks ago.
Jermaine Jenas reveals he’s been practicing for Gary Lineker’s MOTD job
Jenas released a statement to The Sun via a spokesperson while live on TalkSPORT saying: “Right now I can’t talk about it.
“I can tell you I’m not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue.”
It comes as the BBC’s Director of Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, sent an email moments after the news broke saying: “Hi all, I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC.”
Former England and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jenas has been quietly removed from the BBC’s official channels.
A giant mural, featuring the 41-year-old alongside BBC Sport colleagues Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Alex Scott, has now been removed from Manchester’s Media City HQ.
Jenas – widely regarded as Lineker’s natural successor for MOTD – covered this summer’s Euros and commentated on Spain’s semi-final victory over France on July 9.
The father of four last presented The One Show alongside Alex Jones on July 22, and appeared on the MOTD panel on May 4.
He was notably absent from Saturday’s first episode of the new season.
Jermaine Jenas’ full statement on BBC sacking
Jermaine Jenas released a statement to The Sun via a spokesperson saying: “Right now I can’t talk about it.
“I can tell you I’m not happy – there are two sides to every story – and I’m going to be speaking with my lawyers on the issue.”
A source said: “This is a categorical nightmare for the BBC.
“Complaints were raised concerning Jermaine’s behaviour.
“After some immediate routine enquiries the decision was taken to take him off air, and terminate his contract.
“The BBC’s new Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has been heavily involved in this whole process, and is adamant that his new house is firmly in order, and there are no skeletons.
“At present, the feeling is he won’t be back on the BBC.”
Jenas, who has only posted three Instagram pictures since May, in stark contrast to the 73 he posted over the course of last year – has also parted ways with his long-term agents, MC Saatchi, in the wake of the crisis.
The ex-Spurs midfielder is understood to have instructed lawyers as he battles to clear his name.
Sources close to Jermaine insist he is “not happy” with the BBC’s decision.
The star still has The One Show and BBC Sport listed on his official Instagram and Twitter handles.
He was last seen on air on Saturday commentating for TNT Sports – formerly BT Sport – on Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich.
And on August 2nd he took to Instagram following the climax of the Formula E season for which he was a lead presenter alongside Nicki Shields.
It is not known whether his paymasters at TNT are aware of the current situation with the BBC.
News of Jermaine’s BBC absence – which pays him between £190,000 and £194,999 according to official figures published last year – will prove a huge blow to BBC execs.
This is the latest crisis to hit the national broadcaster, and comes amid another probe into another national institution – Strictly Come Dancing.
The findings, reportedly two weeks overdue, are yet to be published.
And earlier this month the governing board of the BBC released a statement announcing an independent review into the broadcaster’s workplace culture.
It stated: “We remain concerned about the potential for inappropriate workplace behaviour, particularly in creative and editorial environments.
“Whilst challenges related to power imbalances in the workplace are a challenge for multiple employers, the BBC must hold itself to the highest standards.
“The BBC has clearly articulated Values and a strong Code of Conduct and there has been much progress in recent years.
“That said, the Board will commission an independent review that will make recommendations on practical steps that could strengthen a workplace culture in line with BBC Values.”
A BBC spokesperson said: “We can confirm Jermaine Jenas is no longer part of the presenting line-up.”
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