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Rediff.com  » Sports » Indian TV networks grab Jones

Indian TV networks grab Jones

Source: PTI
September 26, 2006 17:12 IST
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Tainted television commentator Dean Jones has been re-employed by two Indian TV networks within weeks of being sacked for referring to a South African Muslim player as a "terrorist", media reports said on Tuesday.

Jones lost his job with Ten Sports last month after microphones picked him up saying "the terrorist's got another wicket" when Hashim Amla took a catch in a Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Jones apologised and flew home in disgrace with his commentating career believed to be apparently over.

However, Jones said he had been re-employed by two Indian television networks.

"I've been asked to come back already for next year," Jones was quoted as saying by the Australian Associated Press.

He said he had even declined an offer to work during the ICC Champions Trophy in India next month because he had other commitments in Australia.

Jones said he would be commentating for India on the World Cup in the Caribbean next year, and had signed a two-year contract for the Southern Cross radio network in Australia this season.

The 45-year-old former Australian cricketer also said he believed he had been forgiven for the remark, which was not intended to go to air.

"It's an unfortunate situation, and I've apologised. I've spoken to Hashim three times already since, and everything's fine. There's a few other ugly things in the world to worry about than worry about that," Jones said.

"If I was what people painted me - a racist - I wouldn't go to India 65 times or Pakistan 29 times or Sri Lanka 18 times. Some of my best mates are Muslim. For [anyone] to actually think that I was a racist in that regard I'd slap them in the face.

"It wasn't a great comment, but it's how you respond.

"In my humble opinion the Muslim cricket community has accepted my apology for what was a silly off-the-cuff remark.

"It was a bit of an ugly time, particularly for my kids. They copped a bit at school, I must admit."

Jones said no one was more disappointed with what happened than himself.

"I wouldn't like to go through that experience again, but I'm trying to hit fours and sixes in the broadcasting box.

"Unfortunately I chased a shocking ball and got out to the worst shot in the world. That's the way it is."

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