UK 
United States
Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC is the latest high-profile example of how social media can end a career, even when the individual involved apologises and takes responsibility.
His most recent post, which included a rat emoji in a comment about Zionism, clearly overstepped the mark. He has since admitted as much, apologised, and said he would “never consciously repost anything antisemitic.” That should have been the end of the matter. But it wasn’t.
Instead, the BBC confirmed Lineker would leave his role at the end of the season, saying his position had become “untenable.” While the latest controversy lit the match, it’s clear the fire had been smouldering for a while. Lineker’s political posts have long tested the BBC’s impartiality guidelines, and it’s hard to escape the impression that this incident was simply the final straw. His track record, not just this one moment, appears to have been the problem.
And that’s exactly what should concern HR leaders everywhere.
