Talksport staff feel ‘unsafe’ working alongside Jermaine Jenas, it has been alleged, as the sacked BBC presenter prepares for his return to broadcasting.
Jenas, who will co-commentate on Aston Villa’s FA Cup tie with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, lost his job on Match of the Day and The One Show last year after claims that he sent explicit texts to female colleagues. His return to British airwaves is said to have seriously dismayed some staff at the radio station, which has Premier League rights.
Yvonne Harrison, chief executive of Women in Football, claimed some Talksport staff feel ‘morally compromised’ working alongside Jenas and criticised his apology ahead of his return. Jenas admitted “wildly inappropriate” behaviour but said that he will return to football punditry “a better person”.
“We have heard from staff and freelancers alike who would feel either unsafe or morally compromised to take a shift alongside Jermaine Jenas,” Harrison said. “This isn’t ‘cancel culture’: this is about talented and dedicated people denied work because their employer has failed in its duty of care.
“Jenas’s apology seems to have fallen short of what is required. His regret for the impacts of his past behaviour appears to be centred less on the women he was working with than on himself, his family and his own career.”
Jenas was interviewed by Shebahn Aherne on Talksport and said: “The last six, nearly seven months, have been extremely tough for myself and my family, but it’s also been a really good opportunity to take stock, have a good look at why you find yourself in these kinds of situations, and start to have some honest conversations with yourself.”
Carrie Brown, an experienced football presenter for beIN Sports, who has also worked for Eurosport and ITN, said of Jenas’s remarks on X:
“The Jermaine Jenas apology once again missing the whole point. How can anyone agree to do the interview without insisting they discuss if he appreciates the impact on those he worked with. Or was it edited out? A key reason there has been such upset for those asked to work with him this week. It’s so sad. It’s not just about Jermaine and his family. A missed opportunity.”
Role model? The Jermaine Jenas apology once again missing the whole point.
How can anyone agree to do the interview without insisting they discus if he appreciates the impact on those he worked with. Beyond me. Or was it edited out?
A key reason there has been such upset for…
— Carrie Brown ???? (@CarrieBrownTV) February 7, 2025
Harrison added: “The wider problem here is one of workplace culture throughout the football industry. Women should not have to choose between tolerating inappropriate behaviour and losing income.
“The change needed is at senior management level, where there is a reluctance to hold people to account, and to listen to staff (of all genders) who often feel ignored.
“Employers are required by the recent Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act to take proactive steps to prevent sexual harassment. We call on leaders throughout football to ensure that their policies build a workplace culture where everyone can feel safe and succeed.”
Jenas, who is married and has four children, earned between £190,000 and £194,999 at the BBC, the corporation said. Talksport were approached for comment.
