Michael Vaughn has decided to “retire from his job with the BBC” in light of the “ongoing dialogue” over the role of the former England cricket captain in the Test Match Special broadcast for a series of three tests against New Zealand.
Vaughn was expelled from covering the ashes last November after being accused by several players of making racist comments before a match in Yorkshire in 2009. He has repeatedly and categorically denied doing so.
Last week, it became clear that Vaughn had been accused by the disciplinary committee of the England and Wales Cricket Board of damaging the game, in connection with accusations first leveled by Azim Rafik, who claimed that the former England captain was told a group of Muslim players in 2009 there were “too many of you, we need to do something about it”.
The indictment prompted BBC Sport’s black, Asian and minority ethnic group to send an email to the corporation’s employees, criticizing the “completely unforgivable” decision to hire the 47-year-old man. The BBC later admitted that employees had “raised concerns”.
“In many cases, I have written down my views on YCCC issues,” Vaughn said in a statement Tuesday night. “It’s always unfortunate when comments on off-field issues divert the focus from what’s happening on the field. In view of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have decided to withdraw 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. Temporary withdrawal is also in the interest of the game and I hope that it will minimize all the difficulties for my colleagues.
Following Vaughn’s announcement, the BBC said in a statement: “After talks with Michael Vaughan, we accepted his decision to withdraw from our coverage of cricket. This is a decision we respect and understand. Michael remains under contract with the BBC.
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