Media Monster

Soccer Commentator Richard Keys Resigns Over Sexist Remarks

Former Sky Sports soccer commentator Andy Gray was recently fired over making sexist comments, but he was merely the first to face the consequences for those remarks. Gray’s on-air partner, Richard Keys, who was also suspended after disparaging comments the two made about a female referee, today resigned.

Keys made the media rounds apologizing for the incident. One such apology happened on camera:

And another – one that surely garnered more attention – took place on the radio. You can listen to it here and read a transcript here, but here’s a primer: Keys allowed that his actions were wrong, but also spoke of “dark forces at work” preventing him from telling the world at large that he properly apologized and all involved parties agreed it was best to simply move on. He also said that “of course” he was “seriously considering resigning.”

Well now, the consideration is done. Mirror Football said that Keys “conceded his position had become untenable,” which would have surprised no one listening to his radio interview, during which he said things like:

PRES: We should say that Andy Gray, who has been fired – is there any reason why you should not go too?

RICHARD: None I suppose, but again that is for others to make a decision on Andy. Obviously with someone who I have grown enormously fond of over the years. An enormously influential character in our business. Someone who re-wrote the rulebook when it came to analysis and the job he did.

I have got to ask myself do I want to carry on without him? And that is something I have been doing. Obviously.

[...]

Presenter: Are you seriously considering resigning?

RK : Of course I have to. Of course I have to. And I have been doing so. You know, my mate’s been sacked. The view of the majority, but you know what is the majority. The view of the majority is that he should have been.

Clearly not a guy resolute on continuing, which might be for the best. Keys will probably resurface somewhere eventually, but for now, removing himself from the spotlight is likely the smartest thing for him to do. He’s done what he can, but he can’t take back his appropriate remarks…so he might as well wait until he has a better chance of being forgiven for them.