A story that has been doing the rounds heavily in recent weeks is the Ched Evans situation. Evans is a professional footballer – yet convicted rapist. He was released from prison in October 2014, after serving half of his sentence for rape. Since then, Evans has had an offer retracted from Sheffield United (his former club) to train with them, after widespread negativity towards them, including many patrons of the club, such as Jessica Ennis-Hill – Olympic gold medallist. Despite the fierce opposition to Evans playing again – it is believed that Oldham Athletic F.C. are set to offer him a playing contract. Since the latest development broke – there again has been a furore over the situation – which opens up a debate about whether or not Evans should be allowed to play professional football again.
There are two sides to this argument – one to say that Evans can play again, one to say that he can’t, and shouldn’t ever play again.
FOR: CHED EVANS SHOULD BE ABLE TO PLAY AGAIN
The main argument here is that Evans has served his time for his crime – end of. Evans had to serve two and a half years – whether or not this was enough to merit his crime, that is a different debate, but the fact is that he did serve his time and some would suggest he deserves a second chance. Furthermore, Evans has always maintained his innocence – there is no proof that the act of rape did indeed occur – something that is important to be remembered. It is also apparent that the girls in question was heavily drunk – although that doesn’t excuse what allegedly happened next.
There have been similar instances – Lee Hughes was guilty of causing death by dangerous driving – yet after serving his time – he was able to play professional football again – coincidentally Oldham were the club to offer him the chance. While Hughes was guilty of killing someone, it can also be argued that Evans didn’t kill anyone – and although the rape is likely to have ruined the girls’ life, at least she still has one. If Hughes was allowed to return, then why not Evans? This wasn’t the only time – with Luke McCormick another player to have caused death – this time two deaths – an 8 year old and 10 year old were both killed. Yet McCormick served his time and is still playing to this day.
Finally, it can also be argued that if the Oldham board of directors want to sign Evans – it is their choice. The Chairman of the club has gone on record to suggest that criminals do deserve a “second chance.” Someone in the Oldham Athletic set-up have done well to get themselves’ into the position where they own the club and call the shots – arguably they can now do what they want. As a final closing point to this argument – if Ched Evans wasn’t allowed to return, it would question how the British Justince system works – the purpose of prison is to reform convicts – getting them ready for their return. What does it suggest if Evans isn’t allowed to re-join society as normal and return to football?
AGAINST: CHED EVANS SHOULDN’T BE ALLOWED TO PLAY AGAIN
On the other side of the coin – the fierce opposition to Ched Evans tells some of the story. The fact that 160,000 people signed a petition to stop Sheffield United from re-signing Evans goes to show how strongly many feel about it. The act of rape is a heinous one – it ruins so many lives. It is because of this that so many have responded to the situation.
Returning to the British Justice system – it also questions how much the system works. If Evans serves his time, yet then returns to his normal life – has he really been rehabilitated? It makes it look as if anyone can rape someone – serve a two and a half year prison sentence, then get on with their life straight away afterwards.
It is also apparent that footballers are all supposed to be role models. Ask 90% of young boys what they want to be when they are older – footballer. Evans has been privileged enough to be given the gift of being a professional footballer – yet he has ruined this opportunity with his act. If he is allowed to continue playing football – it will send out the wrong message to the young boys watching the game. It will also be difficult for them, and their parents, to support a team which has Evans playing for them.
OVERALL
In conclusion, this is a very sticky situation for all involved. The two arguments have caused a lot of debating with those involved. Many suggest that Evans should be allowed to play again – while others believe the opposite. It will be interesting to see if Oldham do sign him. As a prediction – I would imagine that the fierce opposition will result in Evans not being offered a contract – though I think in the long-term, Evans will find a new club. Should he be allowed to play again? It is very much open to debate.
/MF/
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Millicent Faith 