Jermaine Jenas has released a statement after being sacked by the BBC.
The former England international recently saw his contract terminated by the broadcaster earlier this week, having previously been touted as a potential host for Match of the Day in the future.
Jenas’ punditry work for the BBC on the programme as well as on The One Show has now come to an abrupt halt, with the broadcaster coming to the decision to sack the 41-year-old following an investigation into complaints of ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
Unsolicited communications with a female member of staff of The One Show over text reportedly sparked the investigation, but Jenas has now hit back at the allegations.
His spokesperson said: “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.”
The BBC’s Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski informed staff of Jenas’ sacking at 3.39pm on Thursday, writing: “I wanted to let you know that Jermaine Jenas is no longer working for the BBC.”
The broadcaster then publicly confirmed the dismissal, with a spokesperson saying: “We can confirm that he is no longer part of our presenting line up.”
The former Tottenham and Newcastle star was live on air with talkSPORT when the news broke of his sacking, somewhat breaking his silence on the matter by opening the Drive Live show.
Jenas last presented The One Show on July 22, when he featured with co-host Alex Jones. His final appearance on Match of the Day came on May 4 when he was part of the punditry panel. Jenas also worked on Euro 2024 for the BBC as a key member of the commentary team.
The ex-QPR star has also split from his long-term agents MC Saatchi after the news of his sacking emerged, and he has already been removed from their website. Jenas has also been removed from a mural outside of the Media City HQ in Manchester, having gradually been taken off air.
TNT Sports are yet to make their position known on whether Jenas will continue to work as part of their punditry team, having previously featured regularly as part of their Premier League and Champions League coverage.