TNT Sports make Jermaine Jenas decision over weekend return to TV after BBC axe
Jermaine Jenas will be absent from TNT Sports' coverage this weekend.
Mirror Football reports that the broadcaster has not made any conclusive decisions about his future in the long term.
The former Premier League midfielder was let go by the BBC in August amidst claims of misconduct. Jenas, 41, was a familiar face on The One Show and had several broadcasting roles with the BBC, including football punditry.
His work with TNT has been varied, featuring hosting spots for Formula E events and delivering Premier League commentary. He was present to commentate on the season opener between Ipswich Town and Liverpool for TNT but hasn't been seen since then.
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Ally McCoist was called upon for the co-commentary role during Brighton vs Manchester United and again for Arsenal vs Brighton just before the international fixtures.
Jenas is set to miss further action as TNT prepares for Southampton vs Manchester United, which is their Saturday lunchtime fixture.
While TNT Sports remains tight-lipped about Jenas' long-term prospects with them, there's a possibility he might make a return. Separately, talkSPORT dropped Jenas around the time news of his BBC departure emerged, reports the Mirror.
Jermaine's one-off presenting stint on talkSPORT Drive coincided with the breaking news of his BBC exit. In response, a talkSPORT spokesperson said: "We were made aware of a breaking news story involving Jermaine Jenas as he went on air for a one-off presenting slot on talkSPORT Drive," and added, "We made a decision - with Jermaine - that he should continue to present the show.
"Given the array of serious allegations being reported as the story continues to evolve, it's for Jermaine as a private individual to address them in the way he chooses. There are no plans for Jermaine to broadcast as a presenter on talkSPORT in the immediate future."
Jenas told The Sun he had been struggling to sleep since being let go by the BBC. "I haven't slept properly since they told me, to be honest," he said. "I mean, the anxiety that builds up in your body over these types of things."
He expressed feelings of shame and disappointment, saying: "I feel ashamed. I feel I've let everybody down. Friends, family, colleagues. I'm pretty much as low as I've ever been."
Jenas also spoke about his sacking, telling the publication: "The handling of the situation wasn't great. It was quick - and hell."
He claimed there was a lack of planning in announcing his departure, saying: "I don't think there was a game plan for when they were going to announce they'd fired me. I think different departments were being told different things. I think it's shocking."