Grand Slam Observe, Michael Johnson’s failed athletics enterprise, has denied an allegation that the previous Olympian paid himself half one million {dollars} earlier than the mission collapsed
Olympic legend Michael Johnson will not work for the BBC this yr because the American continues to wade via the controversy surrounding his disastrous Grand Slam Observe mission. Johnson, 58, has been a staple of the BBC’s athletics protection since 2001, predominately working as an analyst.
However the four-time Olympic aim medallist will not be a part of their group in 2026, having been accused in a US authorized submitting of paying himself $500,000 (£376,000) simply eight days earlier than Grand Slam Observe collapsed. GST responded by branding the allegation ‘unfounded and false’. It claims that the ‘reimbursement’ from GST was for bills which the 58-year-old personally financed.
When Johnson was lacking from the BBC’s protection of the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, his spokesperson commented: “He has different commitments sadly however is wanting ahead to working with the BBC sooner or later.”
Now, The Unbiased report that the BBC aren’t planning to work with Johnson on its athletics protection this yr. His spokesperson mentioned in a press release printed by the newspaper: “Michael needs to make clear that it was his choice to not proceed with the BBC after the Paris 2024 Video games.
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“Along with his contract up for renewal after the Olympics, and Grand Slam Observe launching quickly after, he selected to focus totally on the mission. The BBC understood his choice, and he stays grateful for his or her help and his longstanding relationship with the broadcaster.”
Johnson due to this fact is not anticipated to work on this summer time’s Commonwealth Video games in Glasgow, the place for the primary time the BBC will not be its lead broadcaster. Having misplaced the rights to TNT Sports activities, the BBC will solely present a portion of the Video games.
When launching GST final yr, Johnson pledged to ‘carry fantasy to life’ by pitting observe’s largest stars in opposition to each other. Staggering quantities of prize cash was supposedly up for grabs, however low ticket gross sales and poor broadcast revenues noticed one main investor pull out.
The occasion’s fourth and last meet in Los Angeles was cancelled and GST filed for chapter in December. Regardless of athletes nonetheless being owed tens of millions of {dollars} in prize cash and look charges, it is alleged that Johnson secretly transferred himself the equal of £372,000 when he knew the mission was doomed.
“Mr Johnson initiated a cost of $500,000 purportedly on account of an unsecured be aware,” attorneys for an official committee of unsecured collectors mentioned. “Shockingly, Mr Johnson elected to secretly want himself over the athletes and different, non-insider collectors, whereas on the similar time feigning to the general public that he was selflessly trying to advance the pursuits of the athletes.
“Furthermore, on the similar time, the debtor knew it was in precarious monetary straits with out ample money to finish its contemplated season.”
A spokesperson for GST responded by saying: “We’re conscious of the UCC’s latest allegation that GST secretly paid $500,000 to Mr Johnson as a substitute of paying athletes and distributors. This declare is unfounded and false.
“As was beforehand defined to the UCC, Mr Johnson superior tens of millions of {dollars} for GST’s working bills, together with athlete journey, lodging and prices, solely a portion which was repaid via the reimbursement. It’s unlucky that the UCC selected to disregard information and is as a substitute making an attempt to discredit the corporate and Mr Johnson via false statements.”