BBC crisis escalates as players, stars rally behind Lineker

BBC's Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker outside his home in London, Saturday March 11, 2023. The BBC faced an escalating crisis Saturday over its suspension of former soccer star and sportscaster Gary Lineker for comments criticizing the British government's new asylum policy. As a growing number of athletes and presenters rallied to Lineker’s support, Britain’s national broadcaster faced allegations of political bias and suppressing free speech, as well as praise from some Conservative politicians. (James Manning/PA via AP)