By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
Jermaine Jenas has expressed deep regret and shame after being dismissed as a BBC presenter, telling The Sun newspaper that he feels he has "let everybody down." Jenas, a former host of Match of the Day and The One Show, acknowledged sending "inappropriate messages" to two female colleagues. However, he insisted that while his actions were wrong, they were not illegal and were exchanged with "two consenting adults."
The BBC terminated his contract after allegations surfaced regarding these messages, though the broadcaster has provided no additional details. Jenas described the messages as a "huge error of judgement" and expressed his sincere apologies, denying any inappropriate physical behavior or being a "sex pest." He also emphasized that he is undergoing therapy and recognizes that he failed to meet the BBC's professional standards.
Jenas, a married father of four, revealed that the news of his dismissal came during a video call while he was on a family holiday. The allegations were initially brought to the BBC’s attention weeks before his dismissal, which was confirmed last Thursday.
In an emotional interview with The Sun, Jenas admitted that while nothing physical occurred, he still considers his actions to be a form of "cheating." He lamented the damage done to his reputation and expressed his feelings of being publicly judged, while also apologizing directly to the women involved. He also made it clear that no explicit pictures or videos were shared.
Jenas’s dismissal was publicly revealed while he was hosting on talkSport Drive, but he declined to comment on air, stating that he was in discussions with his lawyers. In the wake of the allegations, his profile was removed from his agent's website, and talkSport announced that there were no immediate plans for him to return as a presenter. Jenas also faces uncertainty regarding his future with TNT Sports, where he works as a pundit and co commentator, as well as on Formula E coverage.
Jenas's media career followed a successful footballing tenure, including stints with Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur, and 21 appearances for England. However, his future in broadcasting remains unclear following the scandal.
