Sky Sports News is known to rope in the best as well as leading presenters for its television programs. It absolutely was
no surprise when in 1998, Jim White joined Sky Sports News after having spent 19 years at STV in Scotland. Jim White is known as one of Scottish footballs most reputed and respected names. Apart from becoming a regular presenter on Sky Sports news, Jim White also presents the live coverage of Tennents Scottish Cup together with the Scotland Home Internationals.
Jim White began his career with the Scottish and Universal Newspaper in the year 1974 after completing a journalism course from Napier College in Edinburgh. From 1979 to 1988 he worked as sports and news reporter for Scotland Today, a nightly Scottish television news program. However, Jim White became the popular name that he is today after he started hosting Scotsport on STV in the year 1989. He worked for ten years then went on to join Sky Sports News.
Despite being very popular as a presenter Jim White like every other has also received a considerable amount of flack during his career. Silver fox is one of the many names that have been assigned to him.
Alcohol has been a source of considerable trouble in Jim Whites life. From losing his license to his wife, alcohol has wrecked havoc within his life. It was in 2004 when White was initially arrested in Glasgow on charges of drunk driving. He received a one year ban from driving and also had to pay a fine. This story also made headlines because Jim White had initially refused for taking a breath analyzer test.
His reasoning left the police and the court baffled as he stated that the police could not arrest him as he was going to interview Jose Mourinho the very next day. His indignance in not providing a specimen even though he was taken up to the police station didn’t go in his favor. Jim Whites lawyer later stated that though White had certain reasons behind his reservation towards a breath test, he had seen that these failed to add up to an acceptable excuse in the eyes of the law.
Despite the fact that Jim Whites plea of not guilty to driving while unfit through drink or drugs as well as his failure to provide a roadside breath test were accepted by the Crown, he did face the 1 year ban on driving. After this incident Jim White did express his remorse over his actions and over his involvement with the police.
Jim Whites first marriage to wife Fiona ended in the year 1995, 10 years after they ended up married. He then married Avril in February 2001. Whites excessive drinking ended up being a constant source of problems and ultimately during the summer of 2003, Jim White split from his second wife as well. Avril had, it seemed relocated to a rented apartment after being unable to handle his drinking. She then proceeded to hire a private detective and found that White was cheating on her with a much married woman.
However, Jim White remains Sky Sports News favorite. Aside from football he lists his interests with cricket along with anything associated with sports.