Jermaine Jenas update as U-turn on lifeline ‘could be made’ following BBC sacking
TNT Sports could alter their stance on giving Jermaine Jenas a TV lifeline if any further revelations of inappropriate behaviour by the 41-year-old at the BBC emerge, according to reports.
The former footballer was ruthlessly axed last week, with the ex-Newcastle, Tottenham and England midfielder then admitting to sending unsolicited text messages to two female members of staff.
Jenas had previously been seen as the natural heir to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
In addition to losing work on that programme, the presenter was also sacked from The One Show – having regularly appeared alongside Alex Jones.
Earlier this week, it emerged that TNT Sports were considering giving Jenas a lifeline in TV.
A return date is set to be discussed amid an expectency that he will resume work with the broadcaster after the October international break.
But the Telegraph say that, while TNT are open to giving Jenas a chance, their stance may yet be ‘altered’ if more allegations of inappropriate behaviour at the BBC emerge.
TNT ‘have not seen the evidence which led to him being hired by the BBC’.
Jenas is employed as a freelancer and the report also says he’s likely to be given punditry work by talkSPORT.
The former football star was live on that channel when news of his dismissal from the BBC broke last week.
They did say at the time that there were no immediate plans to use Jenas again.
However, they have ‘not ruled out booking him again’ with producers left impressed by his professionalism last week and how he handled the difficult situation.
READ MORE: BBC chiefs ‘disgusted and disappointed’ with Jermaine Jenas as ‘good luck’ message sent
Jenas’ booking fees are likely to be ‘significantly reduced’ given how he ‘no longer enjoys golden boy status’ at the BBC.
And what the future holds for the ex-England international remains to be seen.
Speaking to The Sun last week, Jenas apologised for his actions and revealed the BBC blocked him from saying sorry to the two members of staff he messaged.
“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,” he said.
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“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.”
Jenas also said he considers his actions to be ‘cheating’, with wife Ellie Penfold ‘raging’.
“I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said,” he 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. And I fell below those standards. I must take the responsibility.”