Jermaine Jenas admits he is 'ashamed' over text scandal but pleads innocence - 'I did nothing illegal'
Jermaine Jenas was axed from his roles on The One Show and Match of the Day on the BBC
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Jermaine Jenas has revealed in a new interview that he feels 'ashamed' over his actions after getting sacked by the BBC.
The BBC axed the former Tottenham and Newcastle star after an internal investigation that saw him alleged of inappropriate behaviour.
However, Jenas has insisted he has done nothing illegal and was between 'consenting adults', one of whom he said 'made it clear she was interested'.
The 41-year-old was accused of sending unsolicited text messages to a female colleague on The One Show after an investigation that took weeks by the BBC.
Jermaine Jenas was axed from his roles on The One Show and Match of the Day on the BBC
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Jenas initially told talkSPORT that he could not talk about the matter without first speaking to his lawyers just hours after it was announced he had been axed on Thursday.
Now the former England international has admitted he has 'let his family down' after revealing he did send inappropriate messages.
"I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry. I have let myself down, my family, friends and colleagues down," he told The Sun.
"I owe everyone an apology — especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.
“I did nothing illegal. These were inappropriate messages between two consenting adults.”
He added: "I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self-sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.
"I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there's a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard."
It emerged on Thursday afternoon that the BBC had axed Jenas, bizarrely as he was speaking live on talkSPORT show Drive alongside former Premier League stars Jermaine Pennant and Aaron Lennon.
As the news broke around him, the issue was skirted around during the broadcast but he did speak to the radio station in an awkward interview.
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Jermaine Jenas has admitted to sending raunchy texts
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His initial reaction was to state that there was 'two sides to every story' saying: "I can't talk about it right now.
"I cant talk about those things [how I feel] right now. Like I said, There's two sides to this whole thing. My lawyers are going to be taking over from now on."
Jenas also added: "I'm not happy about this situation.
"I'm going to be speaking to my lawyers about it, is all I can say right now."
Jermaine Jenas has insisted has done nothing illegal
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Jenas' wife, Ellie Pinfold, has already made a decision on whether or not she will stay with her husband of 13 years.
The couple got hitched in 2011 and have three children together, living together in Hertfordshire.