Michael Vaughan and Azeem Rafiq
Reflexes
- Michael Vaughan distances himself from BBC cricket coverage
- Split from BBC two weeks after being accused of racial discrimination
- BBC announces continuation of contract with Vaughan accused of apartheid
Accused of racial discrimination, former England captain Michael Vaughan has stepped down from the role of BBC cricket pundit. He decided to distance himself from the BBC two weeks after being indicted by the English Cricket Board (ECB) in the Yorkshire apartheid scandal. Vaughan announced his decision in a statement on Twitter.
Vaughn, accused of racism scandal, separates from the BBC
Vaughan said in his statement: “On several occasions, I have expressed my views on the subject related to the YCCC. It’s a shame when things off the field dominate events on the field. In view of what is happening on the current issue, I have decided to take a leave of absence from my job at the BBC for a few days. I have made this decision for the safety and happiness of my family. It’s also good for the sport to isolate myself for the time being and I think it will also ease my teammates’ problems at work.”
BBC continues Vaughan’s contract
Meanwhile, the BBC reported that the organization’s contract with former English cricketer Vaughan would continue. The BBC said: “After speaking with Michael Vaughan, we have accepted his decision to withdraw from cricket coverage. We respect this decision. Michael will remain under contract with us.”
Although the broadcaster dropped Vaughan from the panel following allegations of racial discrimination, the BCC retained him on a special show during the England vs New Zealand Test series.
Azim Rafiq accused Vaughan of making racist comments
Yorkshire’s Azim Rafiq claimed that in 2009 Vaughan told non-white players that “a crowd of people like you has gathered, we have to do something about it”. Vaughan has always denied the allegation. The 47-year-old former English cricketer is among seven former Yorkshire players who have been charged by the ECB following an investigation into the racial profiling incident at Headingley. Matthew Hoggard, Tim Bresnan and Gary Balance have also been accused of racial comments.