Unfortunately, we are going through a period of time where "celebrity" simply means appearing on TV, in whatever capacity. Thereafter, these "celebrities" are presented as role models purely on the basis of their "celebrity" and not for the fact that their achievements are actually worthy of that status. Footballers have therefore become role models by default but only in this modern sense. A true role model is a figure who encourages aspirational thought and behaviour and is also someone who can be cited for setting great examples, usually in persistence, talent, dedication, honour or a combination of all of them. It is therefore not surprising that many footballers over the years have rightly earned the status of role model as their occupation lends itself to demonstrating these qualities regularly and publicly. That still does not mean that you are a role model just because you are a footballer. Just as this elevation to role model status simply because of your job is wrong, the suggestion that you should somehow be punished further because of your job is equally wrong. The justice system (regardless of your personal opinion of it) is there for a reason and governs all of us. If I had committed infractions like some of those mentioned in the OP, I would expect a similar punishment. I would not expect to be precluded from continuing my career and neither would you so why should it be different for a footballer? In the real world, any criminal convictions I had would be likely to sway the opinion of any prospective employer. It is likely that if I was good enough at what I did that I would eventually find an employer willing to overlook my checkered past and give me a chance. The same is almost certainly true in football. Whilst the likes of Barton, King and Hughes are all still playing, there is no doubt in my mind that most clubs would probably not want them as they would not want to be associated with them. I think SFC fall into this category. The only recent example I can think of where a club has taken a moral stand whilst the issue is with a current squad member is Chelsea with Mutu. The opposite is true of how Liverpool treated Gerard when what he did was actually caught on camera! Opinion will be divided on whether the value of the player to the club outweighs any bad taste they may bring with them but I for one could certainly live without a neanderthal like King playing in Red and White.....
true....to a certain extent, however I know that any criminal meisdemeanor would render me very unlikely to work again in current position, they ay be young and impressionable, but does that excuse basic morals?? It bugs me that the game as a whole has less and less morals the higher up the pyramid you go. Just when it seems we are progressing with getting a settled group of players with a good work ethic (minus punch) the morally inept of the big spending clubs come blundering in waving their cheque books and temting these kids with the almighty buck........ the FA is spineless at best when it comes to issues like this, and until they realise feathering the nests of the big boys will not progress the game as a whole...clubs like ours are left to suffer..
