Greg Rutherford threatens to withdraw from BBC 'SPOTY' over Tyson Fury

Update: Greg Rutherford has issued a statement confirming that after talks with the BBC he will remain in the running for this year’s Sports Personality of the Year Award, though he has denounced the “very out-dated and derogatory comments” of a fellow nominee. Read his full statement below.

“In light of seeing reports circulating regarding my involvement with BBC Sports Personality Of The Year, I feel I should clarify the current situation,” he said.

“I have been in discussions with the BBC regarding my involvement with SPOTY after hearing what I believe to be very out-dated and derogatory comments from a fellow SPOTY nominee.

“Everybody has the right to freedom of speech, which is something that we as a society have struggled with and fought for generations to get to where we are now but by the nature of these comments, undermine the struggles that we have been through.

“As such, I wanted to speak with the BBC about sharing a stage with somebody that had views that are so strongly against my own.

“After doing so, I can confirm that reports that I am withdrawing from the ceremony are not true.

“The BBC have been hugely supportive in hearing my own views and I am hugely honored and privileged to be included on the shortlist for such a prestigious event alongside so many remarkable sporting personalities, majority of whom I will proudly say to my son I had the chance to meet.”

As the controversy over Tyson Fury’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year nomination continues to make headlines, it’s been reported that fellow nominee and reigning world champion long jumper Greg Rutherford has threatened to withdraw from the annual public vote in protest at the decision.

According to The Belfast Telegraph, BBC bosses are said to be holding emergency talks after Rutherford – who’s also the reigning Olympic Gold medalist – told them he will consider withdrawing from the process if Fury remains on the nominee list.

Over a hundred thousand people have already signed a Change.org petition calling for Fury’s removal from the award’s shortlist over his previous sexist and homophobic remarks, which have included comparing homosexuality to paedophilia.

The broadcaster is under mounting pressure over Fury’s presence on the shortlist for next Sunday’s star-studded event in Belfast.

The boxer has since called those who’ve signed the petition “50,000 wankers”, and told them they can “suck [his] balls”, while the BBC has repeatedly defended its decision to nominate the recently-crowned heavyweight champion of the world.

A source told the Belfast Telegraph that the BBC fears a domino effect in the wake of Rutherford’s threat, and that if one contender pulls out, others could follow. Other nominees include a string of A-list stars such as recent Davis Cup winner Andy Murray, Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton and world champion heptathlete Jessica Ennis-Hill.

The Belfast Telegraph says that Rutherford’s agent has not yet responded to calls for comment.

Asked about reports of Rutherford’s withdrawal, the BBC said: “We won’t be commenting.”

Rutherford has previous form when it comes to standing up to anti-gay bigotry. Last year, he publicly voiced his dismay after two of his gay friends were denied a room in a house share because of their sexuality – click here to find out more.

Meanwhile, it’s been reprted that a gay BBC reporter has been “threatened with suspension” and is facing disciplinary action after criticising the BBC over Fury’s nomination.

Yesterday the BBC issued a public apology after another of its staff members, BBC News anchor Clive Myrie, referred to Fury as a “dickhead” during a live news broadcast – click here to find out more.

Greg Rutherford threatens to withdraw from BBC ‘SPOTY’ over Tyson Fury

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