Vaughan withdrew from Ashes coverage last November after being accused by many players of making a racist comment before a match in Yorkshire in 2009. He has repeatedly and categorically denied that he did. It emerged last week that Vaughan had been indicted by the Disciplinary Board of the Cricket Board of England and Wales for defaming the game, in connection with the allegations first leveled by Azeem Rafiq, who claimed that the former England captain he told a group of Muslim players in 2009 there. There were many of you, we need to do something about it. The allegation prompted BBC Sport’s black, Asian and minority ethnic group to send an email to company staff criticizing the “completely unforgivable” decision to employ the 47-year-old. The BBC later acknowledged that staff had “expressed concerns”. “In many cases, I have recorded my views on YCCC issues,” Vaughn said in a statement Tuesday night. “It is always sad when comments about off-field issues take the focus away from what is happening on the pitch. In view of the ongoing dialogue on the subject, I have decided to retire from my job with the BBC for the time being. “The main lever for this is my concern for the well-being of my family members and my desire to protect their family life. “Temporary retreat is also in the interest of the game and I hope it will minimize any difficulties for my colleagues.” Following Vaughn’s announcement, the BBC said in a statement: “After talks with Michael Vaughn, we have accepted his decision to withdraw from our cricket coverage. This is a decision we respect and understand. “Michael remains under contract with the BBC.”
