Jermaine Jenas admits sending 'inappropriate messages' as he breaks silence on BBC sacking
Jenas has released a lengthy statement on the matter.
Featured Image Credit: The Sun
Topics: Football, Match Of The Day
Ryan Smart
Topics: Football, Match Of The Day
Jermaine Jenas has admitted sending inappropriate messages in a lengthy statement following the termination of his BBC contract.
The corporation confirmed on Thursday that the 41-year-old would no longer be part of their presenting line-up, with BBC News reporting that his contract had been terminated due to 'alleged issues relating to workplace behaviour'.
Shortly after The Sun reported his BBC exit, Jenas - who presented The One Show and appeared on Match of the Day as a pundit - hosted talkSPORT's 'Drive' programme alongside Darren Bent.
He then participated in a short interview with the radio station after his programme had ended, stating that there are 'two sides to every story' and that he was consulting with his lawyers.
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Now, the former Tottenham midfielder has taken part in a lengthy interview with The Sun in which he addresses the allegations against him in full.
Jenas confirms he sent 'inappropriate messages' to two BBC colleagues, but says he did 'nothing illegal' and did not send any sexual pictures or videos.
He says that he is 'ashamed and deeply sorry'.
He added: "I owe everyone an apology - especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.
"I am sorry for what I have put them through.
"I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self-sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.
"Before any of this became public, I saw my private doctor and, after a long discussion, booked in for therapy to try and address these issues, where they stem from, and why I have been doing this and hurting the people I love."
He continued: "I'm not proud of what I wrote and what I said. And I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened.
"This is all on me and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you're a member of the BBC."
Jenas says that the women he was texting were 'consenting adults', and also revealed details of the video call with the BBC that ended with the termination of his contract.
He explained: "It was just a grim situation. You're having to sit there and listen to what you've said. I'm not proud of anything.
"It's embarrassing, and obviously there's four people there on a Zoom call, basically, just listening to all of this, and reading out my messages.
"I think I was in shock at the time, there was a lot to process.
"But I'm the married one, I'm at fault, and I was sort of playing this blame game in my head.
"Some people have suggested I'm the scapegoat here. But I have only myself to blame - I have let everyone around me down and I have disappointed a lot of people.
"I just want to apologise to everyone I have hurt through my actions. I am sorry."
Jenas also works for TNT Sports on their football and Formula E coverage.
He was not scheduled for any of this weekend's Premier League games before the announcement of his BBC exit, with the Daily Mirror reporting that TNT are yet to make any decision on his future.
Meanwhile, talkSPORT confirmed in a statement to SPORTbible: "There are no plans for Jermaine to broadcast as a presenter on talkSPORT in the immediate future."