Should Sheffield United Re-Employ This Footballer?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-28769026

Should this professional footballer who has been released from jail after only serving half of his 5 year sentence, now be all allowed to continue to follow his profession?

[factor-fiction]

He has served his sentence (the half his sentence bit doesn't seem relevant to me).
Lee Hughes was jailed for 6 years after being convicted of death by dangerous driving after killing a woman, but he played again for many years.
I think he'll get a lot of stick from opposition fans but some players thrive on that

[douglas9401]

The 'only' in your question is superfluous. It's well known that release after serving half of the given sentence, given good behaviour, will happen.

To answer your question I'd say yes, he should return to football. It's his job.

[factor-fiction]

There have been quite a few players (eg Joey Barton)who have played after spending time in prison. I'm not sure how it should be decided as to which crimes are serious enough not to let someone play again. It's up to each club. I know I wouldn't want Evans playing for my club.

[Svejk]

should people who go to prison never work again?

[youngmafbog]

I guess the big problem for many is the vast rewards and the fact he will still be in a position to re offend.

I saw an interview with his girlfriend who has apparently stood by him (or more likely his wallet) who said "If he wasn't a footballer we would not be having this conversation". No we damned well wouldn't because most employers would shun someone like him. If I did that I would fail the security check and not be allowed to work.

No doubt the sponsors will have the final say. Personally if my product was across the chest of someone like that I would not be happy. I expect there are clauses in the contract to enable them to pull out if their name is bought into disrepute.

[royfromaus]

should people who go to prison never work again?



Most convicted rapists are not known to prospective employers and so get jobs.
Would you employ someone that you know was a convicted rapist?
I wouldn't!

[ToraToraTora]

Well I suppose it's up to them if they want to employ criminal scum. Being the honourless pit that is football, I'd imagine they'll have no qualms.

[anotheoldgit]

/// should people who go to prison never work again? ///

Of corse they should but as youngmafbog has said "I guess the big problem for many is the vast rewards and the fact he will still be in a position to re offend".

What if he had been a doctor for example? It is dependant on what their job is, should a coach driver who has killed a number of passengers dues to some illegal act while driving ie drugs or drink, be allowed to drive a coach again?

A highly paid footballer is in the position to attract females into his hotel bedroom as this one did, now whether or not the one that was raped was wise to go into his room in the first place is yet another matter.

[Gromit]

We have done Ched Evans to death on previously on AB this year...

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1346443.html

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1339061.html

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/News/Question1128861.html

[sp1814]

Thanks Gromit.

I *thought* this thread rang bells.

Should Sheffield United re-employ this footballer is a different question as to whether he should be allowed to continue in his career.

I think out of respect, Sheffield United should say, "Look...your actions whilst working for our club have tainted you. We will release you from any further obligations, and you should seek another club".

However, if he *does* get taken on by another club! I don't see his conviction as posing a specific threat.

Yes...he will be in a position to attract young women, but young women will also be aware of who he is and what his history is.

[ludwig]

Of course he's got to work again, but I don't think it should be at Sheffield.

I'm pretty sure my employer wouldn't re-employ me after a 3 year stint inside for rape. They take a dim view of that kind of thing.

[sandyRoe]

You still have that high grade job with the Church Commissioners?

[sp1814]

If he were (metaphorically) 'wearing the club kit' when the crime occurred, then there is a very strong argument, that his conviction brought the club into disrepute.

Under those circumstances, I think it would be very reasonable to release him from his contract.

[ludwig]

// You still have that high grade job with the Church Commissioners? //

Obviously not sandy, there wouldn't be a problem if I did. The church is pretty relaxed about those things. I'd just have to say a couple of prayers and promise not rape anyone else.

[agchristie]

Sheffield United fans should think carefully about this.The club fell agonisingly short of promotion when they lost out to their near neighbours in a thrilling finish to the season.Evans' goal rate was exceptional as they narrowly lost out.Despite being one of the favourites for promotion this season Evans could be the one who gets the team over the line.

In answer to the original question it is a big decision for the board to take in the face of mass opposition.Football seems to be different,are we saying that depending on the crime should determine the type of response? How many current footballers have convictions for assault,etc.Rape is a very serious offence of course but there is much hypocrisy in this sport...

[Zacs-Master]

60,000 people have signed a petition against him returning.

[agchristie]

Yes ZM 'mass opposition' - that could be the clincher.Wonder how many fans would boycott their season tickets if he signed?

[jno]

apparently he's still claiming to be innocent, which is what upsets many people.

[Zacs-Master]

Presumably they didn't vote.

[in a mo]

He is still waiting for his appeal to be heard ,it was strange he was convicted and his pal was not ,I feel we should wait until the final word has been said by the courts ,there is more to this I am sure ! .Just Saying.