The BBC has confirmed it has no plans to use Michael Johnson in its athletics coverage this year, as the Olympic legend faces mounting legal troubles. The four-time gold medallist's Global Sport Tour collapsed in December 2025 after just three events in Kingston, Miami, and Philadelphia. The legal fallout continues to intensify.

A Delaware court filing alleges Johnson paid himself $500,000 (£375,000) eight days before the project's collapse, a claim GST calls "unfounded and false." State lawyers accuse Johnson of "secretly preferring himself over athletes and other creditors" while publicly claiming to advance athletes' interests. The filing notes there are no board minutes authorizing this "insider avoidable transfer."

GST defends Johnson, stating he invested $2.25m (£1.8m) into the business and advanced millions for operating expenses including athlete travel and accommodation. The company accuses the unsecured creditors committee of attempting to "discredit the company and Mr Johnson through false statements." With BBC distancing itself and legal battles escalating, Johnson's reputation faces significant challenges as the athletics season approaches.