Sacked BBC presenter Jermaine Jenas’ reported return to UK broadcasting with talkSPORT this weekend has caused concern among some staff members, the PA news agency understands.
The former England midfielder was removed from the BBC presenting team at Match Of The Day and The One Show in August following complaints about workplace conduct. He later apologised to his former female colleagues for sending “inappropriate messages” but insisted they were “between two consenting adults” and that his behaviour was not illegal.
PA understands talkSPORT’s apparent decision to bring back Jenas as part of its coverage of the FA Cup fourth-round tie between Aston Villa and his former side Tottenham has led to some staff refusing to work with the pundit.
PA has contacted talkSPORT’s parent company, News UK, for comment.
At the time, the BBC did not offer details over why Jenas’ contract was terminated.
In an interview with The Sun On Sunday shortly after his sacking, Jenas said: “When it was all unfolding and I knew I was losing my job, I asked HR if I could contact the two women directly and apologise to both of them.
“But because of the legal process, I wasn’t allowed.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to say sorry to them at that particular point when I really wanted to apologise.
“I really want to apologise from the bottom of my heart in terms of what I’ve put them through.”
Addressing the women directly, he added: “I’m genuinely sorry for what I’ve done to you. I always thought it was consensual and a two-way thing.”
“We’re human beings, it is what it is, you’ll learn from it. Become a better person. I think those are the things that are important in life.”
Jenas’ reported return has also raised alarm bells at Women in Football.
The organisation said in a statement to PA: “Research by Women in Football has found that almost one in five members of the game’s female workforce have experienced sexual harassment while doing their jobs.
“Given the conduct of Jermaine Jenas in his previous role with the BBC, it comes as no surprise that employees at talkSPORT are reportedly uneasy at the prospect of working alongside him.
“There is no suggestion here that Jenas should never work again, even with talkSPORT. Rehabilitation is possible and when he was removed from the BBC Jenas expressed regret and an intention to improve his behaviour.
“Our concern is that talkSPORT appears neither to have ascertained whether Jenas has honoured this commitment nor to have consulted the women working in their offices and studios. This is a mistake.”
