Legendary broadcaster Jim White has opened up about his struggles with alcohol and its impact on his career with Sky Sports. Having spent a remarkable 23 years at the network, Jim became synonymous with live TV moments, particularly on Deadline Day. However, what many fans didn’t know was that behind the scenes, he was battling alcohol issues which he felt were letting viewers down.
Joining Sky in 1998, Jim’s career took a turn when in 2016 he transitioned to radio, working with talkSPORT. Despite a successful professional life, Jim admits he was enjoying the drink a bit too much. “Recovering from a hangover became harder,” Jim shared during a candid podcast chat. “I realised I was spending too much time in bars thinking I was more important than I really was.”
One significant moment came when his longtime friend, football legend Graeme Souness, approached him about his drinking. It was an eye-opener, although at first, Jim brushed it off. The realisation that he was showing up on TV looking rough, and not performing at his best, led him to make a change. “I was disappointing the viewers, my family, and most importantly, myself,” he confessed.
Jim has found a brighter path, staying sober since 2011 and focusing on giving his best self both personally and professionally. His story is a reminder of the power of change and the support needed to make it happen. Now in a good state of mind, he encourages anyone facing similar struggles to consider the impact and make a positive change.
Here’s to second chances and coming out stronger on the other side! 🌟