Former Australian fast bowler Mitch Johnson quits the ABC commentary team because of ‘conflict of interest’

Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson has quit his commentary role with the ABC just days out from a home ODI series because they wouldn’t allow him to work simultaneously for a gambling company. The former paceman and The Sunday Times columnist’s work with new Australian-based gambling group Bet Nation meant he was forced to abandon his work with the national broadcaster. Johnson was scheduled for special comments on the ABC’s cricket coverage from this weekend when Australia begin a Queensland-based ODI series against Zimbabwe. The adopted West Australian is reportedly considering an offer on the table from Triple M to join their coverage this summer. AFL expert and former St Kilda player Brendan Goddard has also left the ABC over the clause because he hosts a podcast sponsored by a gambling company. Johnson said the rule left him confused, because the Federal Government raises revenue from taxes on gambling as well as supporting the ABC. “There seems to be a lot of hypocrisy that goes with this rule,” he told The Australian. “I don’t understand and you start to wonder about what you can and can’t say if you are calling for them.” “It’s blown me away a little bit: do we have to make sure we have to align with the ABC’s moral compass? There’s nothing I can do about it ... that’s the rule and I guess I’m not going to work for them.” The 2015 World Cup winner’s contract with Bet Nation expires in November, in time for him to work on the Test summer, which begins against the West Indies in Perth on November 30, but has reportedly refused that offer because he was so disappointed at being barred from the ODI series. Johnson’s move follows the retirement of former Australian captain and commentary box stalwart Ian Chappell, who spent the final summers of his broadcasting career behind the microphone for the ABC. The national broadcaster confirmed the move, saying Johnson held “conflicts of interest”.