Geoffrey Boycott to retain his punditry role for BBC despite racist remarks

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has taken their stance that Geoffrey Boycott will remain in the punditry role on its Test match special radio show after the legend was heavily criticized for delivering controversial and racial discriminative words. During an event in Edgbaston, while discussing why he has not been given a knighthood yet, Boycott suggested he would have more chance if he “blacked his face.”

Former legend apologizes for his statement

The Yorkshire and England batsman said knighthoods had been given out like “confetti” to West Indies greats, including Sir Garfield Sobers, Sir Curtley Ambrose, and Sir Vivian Richards, implicating on the borderline of racism. Following his remarks, former England cricketer, apologized on Twitter stating, “I was asked a question and I realize my answer was unacceptable. I meant no offense but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologize unreservedly.”

Tweet 1 of 3: Speaking at an informal gathering I was asked a question and I realise my answer was unacceptable…

— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017

Tweet 2/3: I meant no offence but what I said was clearly wrong and I apologise unreservedly..

— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017

Tweet 3/3: I have loved West Indian cricket my whole life and have the utmost respect for its players.

— Geoffrey Boycott (@GeoffreyBoycott) August 22, 2017

Birmingham Community activist Desmond Jaddoo, however, drew comparisons between Boycott’s comment to the ‘dark ages’. They were ill-advised and ill-conceived.

Jaddoo also added, “They were ill-advised and ill-conceived. The West Indian cricketers received knighthoods because they excelled on the cricket field. He should take a long, hard look at why he doesn’t have a knighthood rather than offending those who do have one.”

A BBC spokesman has assured Boycott’s position in the organization is not under threat as he has rightly apologized for the comments.

Boycott was earlier accused of beating his former lover

Geoffrey Boycott was convicted by a French court for beating his former lover, Margaret Moore, in 1998 and has previously suggested that as the reason for him not receiving the knighthood. In 2011, he was criticised after commenting that he had never suffered a similar fate to Michael Yardy, who had just returned home from the World Cup suffering from depression because he was a “better player”.

Boycott, who was appointed OBE in 1980, two years before he retired from international cricket, donned the Lions’ jersey for 108 Test matches. He became a BBC commentator in 2004. Nine British cricketers have been knighted for services to the sport since Sir Francis Eden Lacey in 1926.