There’s enough in the current Andy Gray saga to make a new drama series – so much so in fact, I almost wonder if that’s what Sky are up to. Though there are enough conspiracy theories abounding at the moment without me adding to them.
It is right that he was dismissed. His sexist comments may have been made when he felt he wasn’t being broadcast, but they were very much made while on duty. Sexism should not be tolerated; his repeatedly stating that women were unable to understand the rules of football, and asking a female colleague to tuck a microphone down his trousers in front of smirking male colleagues, rate pretty highly as sexism.
Sacking someone as high profile as Andy Gray, the star of Sky’s football coverage, sends a clear message to the rest of the organisation – that sexism at work, by anyone, will not be tolerated. Not only should this encourage more women to believe they can actually progress in a career as a sports official or sports reporter, but should also discourage those with bigoted views from the same path.
That said, the saga does also touch upon whether, even in cases of gross misconduct, it is possible to exit an individual with dignity. Watching Sky News last night I was struck with the official statement from Sky that Andy Gray’s behaviour was “unacceptable and offensive” and they had “no hesitation” in sacking him. No mention, on last night’s 6pm news bulletin from the broadcaster that was his employer for some 20 years, of his past service. Again, what message does this sends to the young, aspirant individuals who aspired to achieve Gray’s success? Is such an unseemly exit the reward for reaching the top and staying loyal to one organisation? It’s hardly a carriage clock. Yes, he needed to go. But surely there was a better way of doing it?