Commentary Career
After retiring as a player, Gray became a football commentator, pundit, and analyst on Sky Sports, serving as a highly recognisable facet of its Premier League coverage since its inception in 1992, most notably alongside studio anchor Richard Keys and lead match commentator Martin Tyler. In addition, he reported for Sky from Euro 2004 in Portugal, although Sky did not have broadcast rights for the games. He commentated for BBC Radio 5 Live in the 2002 World Cup and for ESPN in Euro 2008. Gray also provides betting tips for Betfair, and also provided commentary for EA Sports' FIFA series of video games until being replaced in the 2012 edition of the game series by Sky Sports pundit Alan Smith.
In January 2011, Gray was forced to apologise for comments he made about a female assistant referee, Sian Massey, in a Premier League match. Believing that his microphone was switched off, Gray commented to co-host Richard Keys, "Can you believe that? A female linesman. Women don’t know the offside rule." Keys replied "Course they don't." The comments were criticised by Sky Sports and the Football Association. On 24 January it was announced that both Gray and Keys would be banned for one game. On 25 January 2011, it was announced his contract was being terminated for unacceptable behaviour. Barney Francis, Sky Sports' managing director, said Gray was dismissed "in response to new evidence of unacceptable and offensive behaviour in an off-air incident that took place in December 2010". The Daily Telegraph suggested that the Sky statement refers directly to a clip of Gray and Charlotte Jackson in rehearsals for the Sky Sports Christmas Special. While Jackson is attaching a microphone pack, Gray lifts his belt and says: "Charlotte, can you tuck this down here for me?"
In late 2011 Keys and Gray appeared in Smash It!, a show designed for the corporate hospitality circuit. The title of the show came from sexual remarks that Keys had made to Jamie Redknapp. An earlier theatre tour in 2011 had to be cancelled due to poor ticket sales. He is now presenting on Talk Sport mid morning show as sidekick to Richard Keys.
Gray's former team mate at Everton, Peter Reid, has suggested that Gray's dismissal may be connected to a legal battle between Gray and News of the World (both it and Sky are owned by News Corporation) over phone-tapping.
Read more about this topic: Andy Gray (footballer Born 1955)
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