*that* SUFC player and the petition to ban him from the club

[Sable899]

Its all going to come down to the bottom line. They can ignore the public outcry all they want, but when SUFC takes stock of plunging ticket sales and a bank account that is spending more than it is taking in, they'll have to face the facts that its all their own damn fault for letting him back on the kop. I won't be surprised when we hear the announcement that Evans has decided to leave the UK in order to pursue playing opportunities in other countries after the Blades politely declines to give him a position. I'm sure he's not going to go quietly, but eventually the players organization and the Blades management are going to give him a none too polite nudge because in the end all their moralizing about him having served his sentence will be trumped by the all-mighty coins in the coffers.

[Amber]

The club has the perfect excuse to back away from him without looking as though they are backing down given that they have simply let him train with the first team so all they have to say is that, after two plus years away from top flight playing, he wasn't fit enough/not a good fit with the current line-up/they already have enough talented strikers or any variation on that theme.

The ironic thing for me is that had he reacted differently to this and not carried on being the arrogant vermin that the act itself showed him to be, he could have managed this very differently.  Say he came out of prison and immediately put his energies into a campaign of 'I was wrong, rape is wrong, please let me make amends' and gone with that message rather than his ridiculous insistence he did nothing wrong - does he, and his ludicrously deluded girlfriend and sister actually listen when he talks, does any part of what happened really not seem astonishing, disgusting and barbaric behaviour to them? - things might have been very different.  He could have been the poster boy for prisoner rehabilitation; staunchly anti-rape and against violence against women, even against sexism in football, with donations to charities for the victims of rape, damages paid to his victim and the calling off of all the trolls 'supporting' him by attacking her - even if he didn't mean a damned word of it - it might have worked out better than this but he is another leopard who can't change his spots and everything about the attack that showed him for animal he is has snowballed into something that was far bigger than anyone could have imagined and so much of it against him - I am delighted!

[patch]

Rapist Ched Evans 'will not be offered a contract by Sheffield United after club chiefs were shocked by public reaction to "toxic" former striker'

Convicted rapist Ched Evans will reportedly not be offered a contract with Sheffield United - following claims club bosses are shocked at the public reaction to the striker's return to football.

The 25-year-old returned to training with the club this week after he was released from jail last month, having served half his five-year rape sentence.

But after a huge backlash from a series of high-profile supporters, including Jessica Ennis-Hill and presenter Charlie Webster, the Yorkshire club's executives now appear to be distancing themselves from moves to offer the Welsh international a new contract.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2835884/Rapist-Ched-Evans-not-offered-contract-Sheffield-United-club-chiefs-shocked-public-reaction-toxic-former-striker.html

[Sable899]

Club bosses are shocked at the PUBLIC reaction? What kind of neanderthals are these people??? Instead of being shocked, they should have led the outcry in the first place!  These are the sorts of people that pro sports needs to cull. They might as well have simply come right out and said that footballers who rape women are upstanding citizens and we should all get down on our knees and give thanks that he was released!

[patch]

Sheffield United patron Paul Heaton resigns over Ched Evans rape row
Paul Heaton is the fourth club patron to resign over the club's decision

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-30087979



Interesting article by Stuart Gilhooly solicitor to the PFA Ireland.

HANGING CHED – DOUBLE JEOPARDY IN THE COURT OF PUBLIC OPINION

It’s hard to like Ched Evans.  He cheats on his girlfriend. By having sex with a young girl who has just has performed the same act with his mate while he watches.  And other friends peer through the window. In the pantheon of tawdry escapades that young men with too much money engage in, it’s as tacky as it is immoral. Having spent 2 ½ years in prison after being found guilty of rape, he then refuses to apologise and makes a ham-fisted, cringe-inducing video in which his loyal girlfriend is so embarrassed she can’t look at the camera.

So far, so standard.  Another hang-Ched-out-to-dry article.  Never let him play football again.  Anything else but not football.  Because football is the moral guardian of our society.  Are we all clear on that? No bad boys in football anymore or everyone resigns.

 Let’s take a closer look at the facts.  Examine Ched’s alleged crime and maybe make a merit based decision on his life time punishment.
Ched Evans, Sheffield United and Wales striker, and his footballer friend, Clayton McDonald, went on a night out.  On his way home alone, Clayton meets a girl. She had been drinking. She returns to his hotel with him, according to his uncontroverted evidence, at her request. CCTV shows both of them leaving a taxi.  While she is clearly not sober, she is able to walk in high heels and lift a pizza box off the ground.   

In the meantime, McDonald has texted Evans to say he is with a girl and the clear implication is that Evans should join him.  He duly does this and they both have sex with her.  McDonald leaves by the front door and Evans by the fire exit, at different times.  Both were present, however, while the other was having sex. Friends of theirs attempted to watch through the window.

She wakes the next morning and says she remembers nothing.  She is missing her handbag (which she left outside a takeaway) and decides later to report this to the police.  She claims not to recall any sex or even meeting McDonald. By tracing the players through the room booking and CCTV, both McDonald and Evans are interviewed and admit to having sex with her.  There is no DNA evidence and there is no evidence of any force.

After making the admissions of having sex with her, both have effectively ensured a criminal investigation.  Prior to this, an allegation of rape wasn’t even contemplated due to her lack of recall.

Both men were tried and bizarrely, Evans was convicted while McDonald was acquitted.

There is little point in trying to dissect the legal niceties of this very complex issue but suffice to say that Ched Evans has a very arguable case that he is the victim of a miscarriage of justice. If having sex with a drunk woman is rape then thousands of men are guilty of rape every day.  The simple point is that degrees of intoxication are a very difficult concept for young men to grapple with when they themselves have had plenty to drink.

But how can Evans apologise? He is convinced, and has a good argument, that he is not guilty of rape.  If he apologised, then he is admitting a crime he feels he didn’t commit. Who would do that?

We all recall the public opprobrium that greeted the return to football of convicted felons, Lee Hughes and Luke McCormick? Don’t we?

Maybe not. For those who didn’t hear the muted, almost silent response to the rehabilitation of these two killers into football, here’s a reminder. Both Hughes and McCormick were found guilty of dangerous driving causing death.  In the case of the McCormick, he was drunk and killed two children.

When they had served their sentences, they both returned to football at Football League clubs.  McCormick is currently captain of Plymouth Argyle. Hughes played league football until the age of 37 and is still playing in the Conference.

While there may have been some discussion about the return of these players to football, I can recall no serious suggestion that they should not be signed by any club.

From Jessica Ennis-Hill to Charlie Webster and pretty much every media commentator who has waded into this mire, the horses most of these pundits have mounted are so high, they’ll need a parachute to get down. When sanctimony takes over, there is rarely any real room for serious debate.

It now appears that Sheffield United have been swayed by the verdict of the court of public opinion.  Ched Evans is toxic, don’t touch him with a bargepole.

From a media and marketing point of view, that’s probably right. And money always talks. But Ched Evans has served his time, whether he is innocent or guilty. He puts the ball in the net so eventually someone will take a chance on him.

In the meantime, however, he continues to serve his sentence.  Those who know little about his case will continue to vilify him while ignoring the fact that if it was their son, brother, friend or relative in the same position, they would fight tooth and nail to defend his name.

It’s not easy to muster up too much sympathy for Evans but there is surely nothing worse than being accused of a crime which you genuinely believe you didn’t commit.
 

http://www.pfai.ie/news/hanging-ched-%E2%80%93-double-jeopardy-court-public-opinion




Ched Evans rape row: Footballer 'being victimised'

Convicted rapist and former Sheffield United footballer Ched Evans is being victimised, a lawyer has claimed.

Evans, who was jailed in April 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman in a hotel room in 2011, was released last month.

Stuart Gilhooly, a lawyer for the Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland, said other convicted people had later been found to be innocent.

However, a rape victims' support group said the comparison was "ridiculous and insulting to victims".

Mr Gilhooly wrote an article on the association's website referring to Evans' crime as "alleged", despite the fact the footballer was found guilty of raping the woman in the hotel in Rhyl, North Wales, and sentenced to five years.

The article has since been removed from the website.

Stephen McGuinness, general secretary of the PFAI, confirmed that it had been the association's decision to remove the article from the website.

 

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-30093565

[Sable899]

That was then, this is now. People are fed up over the double standard that footballers and many other pro sports athletes have been allowed, almost encouraged, to live according to. How dare this "journalist" refer to cases from times that the public image of athletes didn't mean squat. Gone are the days of tolerating the bad boys of the kop. Common, decent people simply refuse to continue turning a blind eye to the overpaid, pampered, and over-indulged lads. We the people simply won't accept the old "boys will be boys" attitudes of those who manage professional sports. Parents have a difficult enough time educating young minds growing up in an already-toxic atmosphere of constant media attention on the cult of celebrity. They are far too influenced by what they see in the media and eliminating one aspect of bad influence helps in teaching our young men the respect for women that is required in a civilized society.

[Sable899]

And furthermore, how ANY self-respecting woman can stand by such an animal as Ched Evans is beyond human comprehension. That "girlfriend" should have run for the door the minute he was convicted. She's just as disgusting as Ray Rice's wife. Just being associated with someone like that is bad enough, her sticking by him demonstrates that she condones his actions. For what? Money? Well, I wonder how that's working out for her now that the money train has reached the end of the line. Yes, he's being tried by the court of public opinion because he chooses to live in the public eye. If he doesn't want to serve a life sentence in that court, then I suggest he find employment someplace OUT of it.

[Amber]

The interview with her and his sister was astonishing - bizarre, utter and overwhelming denial of what had happened, let alone that that creature had been unfaithful to her in that way.  Mind blowing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4nJ_bAwyXzs

[najinboulder]

She sounds like a bad country western song 'Stand By Your Man'.  It is not that easy to be convicted of rape.  The victim has to go through hell and often backs out because of the shame and unwanted attention.  Then if she does go to trial there is even more bad press and bulling by the media and stupid people who support the rapist.  Statistics may very but only about 25% of rapes are reported and of that only 5% of the rapist ever spend time in jail (according to Wiki for the USA).  If someone ever makes it to trial you can be pretty sure they are guilty and that this is probably not the first time.

[patch]

Alan Partridge would be proud: BBC Radio Norfolk host sparks rape outrage by claiming women should 'keep their knickers on' during debate on footballer Ched Evans

Nick Conrad made comments in live discussion on BBC Radio Norfolk
Said some women should 'keep their knickers on and not get into bed'
Married father-of-one was told off by bosses and has now apologised

WHAT DID NICK CONRAD SAY? 

‘I think women need to be more aware of a man’s sexual desire that when you’re in that position that you are about to engage in sexual activity there’s a huge amount of energy in the male body, there’s a huge amount of will and intent and it’s very difficult for many men to say no when they are whipped up into a bit of a storm.

‘And it’s the old adage about if you yank a dog’s tail don’t be surprised when it bites you.

‘Or you can’t keep snakes in the garden and think they’ll only bite your neighbours.

‘One wonders if women need to be a little bit more mindful of that and the feminists who have hijacked... Hijacked maybe a bit of a strong word...jump on these arguments and appear to be quite anti-men.

‘They neglect that very important part of the argument even though it’s a reduced part of the argument and the onus has to be on the men and the men must be condemned if a woman says no and they persist then that’s absolutely abhorrent.

‘But they then (feminists) in their fury against men and masculinity they actually forget to stop and say if you tease, if you jump into bed naked with a man if you give him all the signals and then he acts upon them then you are partially responsible and of course it is a grey area and there will be cases where you wanted to go certain distance and not go any further and the man is absolutely wrong but if you are... how do I say this?

‘I’ve got to be so careful of what I say because I don’t want this to be explosive, I’m trying, I’m just trying to talk around it...

‘But what I’m trying to say is that women also have to understand that when a man’s given certain signals he’ll wish to act upon them and if you don’t wish to give out the wrong signals it’s best probably to keep your knickers on and not get into bed with him.’
.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2840560/BBC-host-sparks-storm-saying-female-rape-victims-wrong-signals-debate-rapist-footballer-Ched-Evans.html

[Sable899]

This asshole can try to sugar coat it all he wants, but he just has a problem with feminists. I suggest he go and look up the word Feminist and maybe he'll figure out that just because a woman condemns rape and rape culture doesn't mean she's a feminist or anything other than a woman who demands society respect and protect women.  He needs to carry his nasty ass back to the stone age and find a cave to live in.

A woman who gets into bed with one man doesn't expect to wake up being raped by a different man, no matter how drunk she was the night before.

[lasue]

 

[patch]

Statement regarding Ched Evans

Following the statement dated 11th November and after ongoing and extensive deliberation, Sheffield United Football Club has decided to retract the opportunity for its former player, Ched Evans, to use the Club's facilities for training purposes, as was previously intended.


 Members of the Board have consulted dispassionately with the Club's supporters, Vice Presidents, Community Foundation members, executives, staff, sponsors and other relevant stakeholders in order to help it reach this decision. Also, the Club has been diligent in communicating with The Football Association, The Football League, The Professional Footballers' Association (The PFA), The Football Association of Wales and The National Probation Service to take further soundings.


 We recognise that a number of our supporters will be disappointed with this decision, but would ask that they remember the responsibilities we have not only to a fine and proud Club, whose history stretches back over 125 years, but also to the communities in which Sheffield United is active and to the City we represent.

 
The Club initially accepted a request from The PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced.


 As noted in previous statements from the Club, the legal system of this country provides for both the punishment and the rehabilitation of every person who has been found guilty of a crime. Sheffield United will not be used to promote the view that professional footballers should be treated differently, as has been the want of certain sections of the media and various commentators. In addition, we remain disappointed at some of the inaccurate reporting, misinformed views and commentary, as well as the actions of a minority of individuals on social media. Professional footballers must be treated as equals before the law.


 The Club condemns rape and violence of any kind against women in the strongest possible terms. The Club is aware that Ched Evans is pursuing legal recourse via the Criminal Cases Review Commission in the determination he has to clear his name. We trust that he will be afforded a fair hearing.


 During this whole period, we have been served a timely reminder of what we have been throughout our history: Sheffield United is a Family and Community Club that, even in times of adversity, will remain strong and grow from its experiences.

The Club will not be making any further comment on this issue.
 

http://www.sufc.co.uk/news/article/sheffield-united-ched-evans-2094632.aspx

[Amber]

****RESULT****

 

[Sable899]

They dragged their feet just like Goodell did with the Rice case. But, at least they finally figured it out. Who knows, as only time will tell, if you can actually teach Neanderthals new things.

[Amber]

The Club initially accepted a request from The PFA for Ched Evans to be able to train. The reaction to this has been at an intensity that could not have been anticipated when first announced.

This is the bit that slays me; I mean really **REALLY**?  Do these people still live in caves - obviously only one brain cell between them but the one in charge of it the day that was arranged truly couldn't see what the reaction would be?  And it wasn't really a reaction to him training, more the sneaky, back-door way he was being offered a return to the club as that was what that offer was all about.

Also the family club stuff is a nice warm sentiment but as fake as ... the sponsorship money spoke and that was all there was to the decision.

With a bit of luck that is the end of him - his life ruined as his victim's has been.

And I'm very glad Sean didn't have to make a decision either way and that no part of him or his love for his club which is, let's face it, the longest and best relationship he has had in his life (tee hee!) has not been affected in any way by this creature and his actions.

[najinboulder]

Yes Amber, they still live in caves.

[Sable899]

Thanks to his busy shooting schedule, Sean did manage to duck the bullet on this whole controversy. And people wonder why professional sports disgusts me. Pro Sports: centuries of tradition unhampered by progress.  Even high school sports are marred by this primitive attitude and are always scrambling to cover up the antics of their pampered hometown athletes. I'm sure they're all dreaming of the "Good Old Days" when there was no global media so they could turn their heads and claim "Boys will be boys" and girls would be shamed or paid off into staying quiet.

[patch]

Ched Evans: Wales footballer's rape conviction quashed

  Footballer Ched Evans has had his conviction for rape quashed at the Court of Appeal in London, but will face a new trial.

The ex-Wales international was jailed in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old at Premier Inn near Rhyl, Denbighshire.

The former Sheffield United, Manchester City and Norwich player was released from jail in October 2014 after serving half of his five-year term.

Mr Evans, 27, has always denied raping the woman.

His case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which investigates possible miscarriages of justice in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, after new evidence emerged.




Lady Justice Hallett, announcing the court's decision, said the judges heard "fresh evidence" during the appeal hearing on 22 and 23 March.

She said: "In summary, we have concluded that we must allow the appeal and that it is in the interests of justice to order a retrial."

The court quashed Mr Evans's conviction and declared: "The appellant will be retried on the allegation of rape."

He has not been signed by a new club since his release from prison.
 

http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-36099522

Whatever people think of Sean Bean when asked about Ched Evans at the time he simply replied I support #sufc not Ched Evans & ended it there
 

https://twitter.com/CowensSteve/status/723097532235128832