http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30681333 Ched Evans: Oldham Athletic sponsors told deal is done A deal has been agreed for convicted rapist Ched Evans to play for Oldham Athletic, the club's sponsors say. They have been told to prepare for an announcement confirming the signing of striker Evans on Thursday or Friday, the BBC has learned. One sponsor, Verlin Rainwater Solutions, has now ended its association with the club as a result. Director Craig Verling said the "imminent signing" of Evans, 26, had prompted the decision. He added: "We would like to take this opportunity to make clear that we feel that Mr Evans should be able to lead a life without further punishment after serving his sentence, although our feelings remain the same that this should not be within the public domain where his previous behaviour may influence the next generation. "We sincerely wish the club a very successful future and have no regrets about being associated with Oldham Athletic over the past few seasons, but feel our continued support would be sending out the wrong message." A second sponsor, ZenOffice, said it will also end its association with the club if Evans signs. Ched Evans: Oldham face difficult decision - Lee Johnson Managing director Les Kerr said Oldham's "current path" did not "espouse" the company's values of "family and community". Oldham, who are 14th in League One, said there would be no statement on Wednesday but hope to make a statement on Thursday. Wales international Evans was expected to join the Latics on a long-term deal and train with the club on Monday. But the move met with widespread opposition, stalling the deal. His representatives have since been in talks with the club and the Professional Footballers' Association. More than 60,000 people have signed a petition calling for Oldham not to sign the Wales international, while sponsors, campaigners and politicians voiced opposition to the move. On Wednesday the Bishop of Manchester, David Walker, added to those calls, telling BBC Radio Manchester Evans was not a suitable role model. A counter-petition calling for Evans to be given a second chance has attracted more than 2,000 signatures, while some sponsors have also said he should be given a second chance.
Not right in my eyes. I've always had a soft spot for Oldham because I saw Scholes deny that he supported United as a kid and said he supported Oldham, seemed to go away from the trend of every ****er supporting Liverpool, United or Arsenal as a kid. That soft spot is gone. The bloke hasn't even served his sentence yet, he's shown no remorse. I think it's a reprehensible decision.
I'll just be glad when I no longer have to hear any more about him, there is a media obsession with this. I do have concerns about the whole 'role model' issue with younger fans and it setting a bad example but then I also wonder what society wants. What should Ched Evans be allowed to do with his life now? I look on the BBC and see three of the main stories are all about Evans.
Mike Ashley's move now, surely he's got to pull Sports Direct away from Oldham, or was it his idea? "There is no such thing as bad publicity".
Aye agreed mate....the fact that his sentence hasn't been served yet, means he still has all his liberties. What is worse though, is that because his sentence hasn't been served fully, that poor lass has to endure the constant press about him. She is being reminded of the terrible experience time and time again !
He has served the sentence given to him by a court of law, so I don't think that he should be punished further due to the media and social network witch hunt that is now taking place.
The lad thinks he's innocent and I do believe there's an inquiry into his conviction, either way it was probably two or three pist up people having fun and regretting it. I might be wrong but tbh, we all have thoughts.. What we are great at in this Country is making headlines and missing the real ****..
When you hear stories that have come out today about an Islamic man who has been spared jail for having sex with a 13 year old because he said he didn't know it was illegal, you wonder what is happening with our so-called justice system..
I honestly don't think we have a justice system anymore. Everything just seems to be decaying with the tail wagging the dog. Jump into a car mind and all eyes are on you, everything is about a column with profit and loss, who ticks the boxes best and who gets the suits their money.. Like I said, one ****ed up country..
For me... Not as a professional footballer but this has never been a legal matter barring the Maltese club. It's strictly an ethical decision and as such is opinions as to whether he should have been hired or not. That said, he hasn't served his time. He's served half his time. Should Pistorious be allowed to compete as soon as he gets out of jail after 11 months or whatever... Not for me.
The simple answer is yes..It is meant to act as a time when you can hopefully gain work and prove that you can fit back into society..
Yet convicted rapists can't work in a hell of a lot of industries. Football for me should be one of them.
Then where do you draw the line? And what happened to the principal of the law dealing with convicted criminals rather than social media..
I've got no interest in social media to be honest mate but it certainly shouldn't be used a some kind of kangaroo court to dictate what is and isn't allowed. I've got no problems with people who've been rehabilitated (which he hasn't yet) entering society and becoming a useful part of it but the idea of putting them in a position where they're idolised is hugely irresponsible especially when they make it clear they actually don't know what constitutes rape. There's other work he could find quite easily, as we all know life goes on beyond football. I don't think he deserves the opportunity to play professional football, he had one and threw it away.
Yep ! He was found guilty, by 12 of his peers, and has served half of his sentence, the other half being released on remand in anticipation of his good behaviour, and re-hab. Isn't he refusing re-hab pending an appeal he's submitted ?.....This is why folk are wanting him to sit back and use respect, common sense, and dignity to remain quiet until the result of this appeal. Then it is humble pie for many people, or a very big queue to throw a shed load of bricks, and an end to his career in the world of football.
From what I've seen of this case I believe he has every chance of having it overturned to be honest. I would certainly question his morals, but to classify this drunken sex session as rape, even when the girl in question can't recall whether she consented or not, makes me feel that the rape conviction was harsh to say the least..
