The veteran broadcaster submitted his resignation on Thursday after serving for several years as the BBC's leading voice in sport.

"He tendered his resignation and it was accepted,'' was the only comment from ZBM News director Jim McKey yesterday when questioned regarding the matter.

Meanwhile, Sharpe was similarly `mum' on the issue, initially telling a Royal Gazette reporter that there was "no story'' to tell when reached at home.

However, when pressured he relented a bit, saying that his move was not an abrupt one and that "there are some other things that I want to get into.'' Not mentioned was the believed rift that had been simmering for some time between Sharpe and general manager Rick Richardson.

The relationship is said to have been irrevocably shattered when Sharpe did not get the promotion to sports director from sports editor as he had apparently been promised.

Sharpe had previously been at VSB and a return there has been mentioned as a possibility, although neither party would confirm this.

VSB news director Chris Lodge said that he knew nothing of the recent developments at the rival station, but spoke glowingly of Sharpe, who has in the past worked with Lodge at VSB before returning to ZBM, and added "we're always evaluating and looking to improve our product''.

"I was not aware that he had resigned from ZBM,'' said Lodge. "Mike and I go back a long way and we have talked a bit in the past few months.

"Mike is a very talented person and it is always interesting speaking with him.'' In the absence of Sharpe, who has been on vacation, Steve Burgess and Lisa Calhoun have each had turns reading the sports segment.