EXCLUSIVE - GEORGE DOBELL: The BBC Sport BAME Advisory Group and 5 Live Diversity Group have labelled the decision to use Vaughan for England's series against New Zealand as"totally inexcusable" and "a shocking miscalculation"
A group of BBC staff have sent a letter of no confidence in the Director General of the organisation and the entire management of the sports department over the decision to use Michael Vaughan as part of the coverage of cricket.
The letter - sent by the BBC Sport BAME Advisory Group and 5 Live Diversity Group - brands the decision to utilise Vaughan as "totally inexcusable" and "damaging, embarrassing and unsettling" to "many colleagues across BBC Sport and the BBC as a whole".
The BBC suspended Vaughan, the former England captain, from their Ashes coverage when it first became clear he had been implicated in allegations of racism at Yorkshire. But he was invited to return to their Test Match Special coverage ahead of the series between England and New Zealand and continued to work for the organisation at the Leeds Test after it emerged he had been charged by the ECB’s Cricket Disciplinary Commission (CDC).
The letter describes that decision as "a shocking miscalculation" which has undermined the progress the BBC has made in building inclusivity over the last couple of years. As a result, the authors say they feel "utter desperation" at a situation which has left them "exhausted… and "feeling that we just aren't being listened to."
The entire letter reads:
"On the 23rd of June 2022, former England cricketer and BBC Sport pundit Michael Vaughan was allowed to resume his punditry duties for Test Match Special, at Headingley - the scene of one of the most devastating racism scandals to rock the sport (so far!) - a racism scandal that Michael is heavily embroiled in.
Michael Vaughan has been involved in the BBC's coverage of England's series against New Zealand [Gareth Copley/Getty Images]
"We know the back story regarding Azeem Rafiq’s gut wrenching and triggering testimony that unearthed the rotting core of racist culture at Yorkshire Cricket Club. We know that Vaughan was asked to stand aside in the run up to our Ashes coverage last year deeming his involvement inappropriate:
"'While he is involved in a significant story in cricket, for editorial reasons we do not believe that it would be appropriate for Michael Vaughan to have a role in our Ashes team or wider coverage of the sport at the moment. We require our contributors to talk about relevant topics and his involvement in the Yorkshire story represents a conflict of interest.'
"But with Michael Vaughan implicated in this scandal and now understood to be charged by the ECB, it feels totally inexcusable that he should continue to appear, as a representative of BBC Sport.
"Unfortunately, that is exactly what seems to have happened.
"We appreciate that there are elements of detail that can’t be shared about Michael Vaughan’s reinstatement and that he is innocent until proven guilty. But surely, on a human level, it must be acknowledged how damaging, embarrassing and unsettling this is to many colleagues across BBC Sport, BBC Radio 5 Live, and the wider BBC as a whole.
"The depth of feeling (both personal and professional) and outpouring of emotion towards this decision is excruciating, overwhelming and unbearable. Colleagues from all backgrounds from across the BBC have been in touch to share their disbelief and dismay, with some moved to tears because of the apparent lack of empathy, understanding and leadership over this. What support is in place for colleagues deeply affected by this, but actually still having to work with Michael Vaughan?
"This really is a shocking miscalculation.
Vaughan was implicated in the allegations of racism at Yorkshire which were brought to light by Azeem Rafiq [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]
"Importantly, we would like to stress our undivided support for Lou Sutton and Steve Lyle who understandably are in a difficult position with this. We totally support them and do not want them to feel isolated or alone in this incredibly difficult situation.
"For us, this is about integrity. It’s about having the integrity to stand up for what is right and to call out the ruthless calculus that prioritizes the one at the expense of the discomfort and trauma of the many.
"We are exhausted. We are tired. We are fed up of having the same discussions and reliving the same trauma. The small steps forward we make to try and build greater inclusivity and understanding are totally undone by decisions like this and that really needs to be acknowledged here.
"If you do want to talk, please get in touch."
Posted by Cricket Lover on 29/06/2022 at 10:06
In any story of concern should.be investigated fully. This whole sorry situation has more than one issue. The investigation has to look at all sides. I think there is a lot that can and should be reported to see what the true charachters really are.
Posted by Kelvin weller on 28/06/2022 at 21:29
What happened to english law...innocent till proved guilty
Posted by Phil Bradshaw on 28/06/2022 at 21:17
What is scandalous is that ECB winner and dined R at lords day before their citings on Yorkshire and individuals? Then do the same at headingley? R is as guilty as them all. Two sides to every story!
Posted by Tom Phillips on 28/06/2022 at 13:56
If I remember it rightly, Michael Vaughan said he had never said a racist word in his life. That is just not believable. I know of no person who has never said a racist word. His reinstatement reeked of all the political sleaze you'd expect of our Prime Minister. The BBC should do better.
Posted by David Wormall on 28/06/2022 at 13:18
This is amazing, what a bunch of virtue signalling hand wringing woke wet wipes inhabit the BBC. I am excruciated but the content of their letter. Rafiq is also an unreliable witness and hypocrite but the virtue signallers jump on everyone who plays the race cards band wagon. Suspend Vaughan and I will stop listening to BBC cricket.
Posted by James Brett on 28/06/2022 at 12:35
Racism is not acceptable in our society under any circumstance but to continually to persecute individuals is my humble opinion totally unnecessary. Vaughan was in an environment that was male dominated at and as such susceptible no doubt to comments that in todays society is not acceptable but was probably common place in the past. I find the we have become to PC and that banter that is now considered unacceptable. It has its place in our society because without it conversation will stale and stereotyped and that too is equally abhorrent in a society that is based on the principles of freedom of speech
Posted by Paul Redpath on 28/06/2022 at 11:49
I totally agree that it was Wrong to allow him space in the commentary, what ever he had said or done some time ago is Now out of place and not day to day banter, but to promote him as a credable pundit b4 the Ecb final answer is in very poor judgement of all management departments and their idea of social reasoning is wrong.
Posted by G Cowley on 28/06/2022 at 08:23
I thought in the UK a man was innocent until proven guilty. The case against Vaughan is tenuous at best and unproven. 16 members of the Yorkshire CC staff sacked after Rafiqs allegations have all won their case for unfair dismissal . Surely it is best to judge people on facts rather than heresay . Vaughan is hugely respected throughout the cricketing world by people from all backgrounds and needs to be judged on that rather than unproven gossip which is what these BBC staff seem to be basing their views on..
Posted by Bede Bruce-Lockhart on 28/06/2022 at 04:50
Once again a tiny minority group within the BBC try to impose their vitriolic woke view of the World onto the BBC as a whole and the wider community of viewers who don’t in my opinion share their view. I think that most viewers believe in ‘innocent until proven guilty’ and think that Vaughan as a former England cricket captain and experienced commentator is an excellent addition to the team.
Posted by Colin on 27/06/2022 at 21:10
Michael Vaughan is was a great cricketer and England captain he should be allowed to carry on to do his job until September to so see what the charge is he is a human being racism shouldn’t stand in form of life but if the powers at be what him to commantator them he should
Posted by Robert Carver on 27/06/2022 at 17:09
Get over yourselves! If michael Vaughn is in racist then I'm Chinese!
Posted by Lanford Andrew Hudson on 27/06/2022 at 14:55
I cannot understand why anyone is surprise at this lack of integrity from many in position of leadership. Just examine the behaviour and philosophy of the current English Prime Minister.
Posted by R Sundaralingham on 27/06/2022 at 14:53
it's all cover up. How was Olli Robinson exonerated.
Posted by Patricia Webb on 27/06/2022 at 14:43
For Gods sake give the man a chance who the hell is totally perfect, what a vile world we’d live in with no forgiveness. Those still bleating on need to look in the mirror and ask if they’ve never done or said anything they wish they hadn’t.
Posted by Irvin Flaherty on 27/06/2022 at 13:07
Shockingly disappointed that the BBC should even consider using Mr Vaughan. He clearly has a charge to answer to. Let him prove his innocence first. And to think he was England captain as well. Just a bit disappointed.
Posted by Peter Harding-Roberts on 27/06/2022 at 12:40
Guilty till proved innocent presumably.
Posted by Slowerball on 27/06/2022 at 12:10
BT Sport made the decision not to employ Vaughan following BT colleagues raised similar views after he appeared on BT's coverage of the last Test against the Windies. BT has acknowledged this error in judgement and has put measures in place in order that this can't happen again, for which they should be applauded albeit in hindsight and retrospect. The ECB's investigation and the outcomes of their subsequent charges are key to how this progresses, but the BBC's decision to use Vaughan seems an odd one given the circumstances and actions of other broadcasters. One feels lessons aren't being learned, yes - innocent until proven guilty - but that only goes so far and given the sensitivities around this issue, it is not a good look and fuel to the fire of those who want to see the demise of the BBC. This is a kick in the teeth for BAME citizens and underlines further, if needed, that there is still a long way to go towards equality and sends out the wrong message. Poor effort from the BBC.
Posted by Oz Horse on 27/06/2022 at 10:57
"The depth of feeling (both personal and professional) and outpouring of emotion towards this decision is excruciating, overwhelming and unbearable." "..share their disbelief and dismay, with some moved to tears because of the apparent lack of empathy.." They do know it was Vladimir and not Michael Vaughan that invaded Ukraine don't they?
Welcome to www.thecricketer.com - the online home of the world’s oldest cricket magazine. Breaking news, interviews, opinion and cricket goodness from every corner of our beautiful sport, from village green to national arena.