Michael Vaughan sensationally LET his BBC expert role after being accused by the ECB over Yorkshire racism scandal … as former English cricket captain reveals ‘concern for his family’s well-being’ and Beeb ‘respects and understands’ decision.
- Michael Vaughan has announced that he has made the decision for the well-being of his family
- The former English cricket captain has been charged by the ECB with racism scandal
- In a statement, he confirmed that he would resign “for the time being”
- The BBC has demanded that the 47-year-old remain under contract with the company
Michael Vaughan stepped down from his BBC expert role for almost two weeks after being charged by the ECB over the Yorkshire racism scandal.
In a statement, Vaughan said: ‘I have on many occasions put my views on the issues concerning the YCCC on record.
‘It’s always unfortunate when comments on matters from the field take away the focus from what’s happening on the field.
‘In the light of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have decided to retire from my work with the BBC for the time being.
‘The key driver for this is my concern for the well-being of my family members and my desire to protect their family life. Retiring temporarily is also in the interest of the game and I hope it will reduce any problems for my work colleagues. ‘
However, the BBC has revealed that he is still under contract with the organization.
Michael Vaughan has stepped down from his BBC expert role after being charged by the ECB
“After talks with Michael Vaughan, we have accepted his decision to walk away from our cricket coverage,” the BBC said in a statement. “It’s a decision we respect and understand. Michael remains under contract with the BBC. ‘
sportpos previously revealed that Vaughan’s role was being reviewed after the broadcaster’s diversity groups branded the decision to stand by the 47-year-old furiously as ‘completely inexcusable’ and ’embarrassed’.
Vaughan was dropped after the allegations surfaced, although the BBC allowed him to contribute to Special Test matches during England’s last Test against New Zealand.
In a letter, BBC Sport’s BAME Group and the 5 Live Diversity Group stated in a powerful letter that although Vaughan is innocent until proven guilty, it must be acknowledged ‘how harmful, embarrassing and disturbing’ the situation is for their colleagues .
The former English captain said he made the decision out of concern for his family’s well-being
The former cricketer was not part of the BBC’s coverage of the Ashes after Azeem Rafiq claimed that Vaughan told a group of non-white players in 2009 that ‘there are too many of you, we need to do something about it’ .
Vaughan goes on to vehemently deny the allegation.
An hour before the test started on Thursday, the head of BBC Sport, Barbara Slater, told staff via email that she would stand by him. It was also learned that the charge will not be discussed during the cover.
The disciplinary hearings will take place in September.
Azeem Rafiq claims Vaughan told a group of Muslim players there are ‘too many of you’
Vaughan is one of seven former Yorkshire crickets charged by the EBC following an investigation into allegations of historic racism at Headingley.
Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan and Gary Ballance, all former English players, are also part of the group, as is former Yorkshire coach Andrew Gale.
An independent investigation conducted last year held up to seven of the 43 complaints made by Rafiq, although the club chose not to do anything.