Ched Evans, who faces a retrial over rape allegations in October, has joined League One side Chesterfield on a one-year deal. Former Wales striker Evans was jailed in 2012 for raping a 19-year-old woman, but had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal in April. The 27-year-old, who has always denied the charges against him, was released from jail in October 2014 after serving half of a five-year sentence. His last professional game was in 2012. 'Great deal of thought' to signing Chesterfield have requested that Evans be given space to concentrate on pre-season training with the club. "We are delighted to have secured the services of an outstanding footballer, who is now keen to get back to work and score goals," Chesterfield chairman Dave Allen said. "(Manager) Danny Wilson knows Ched very well, having previously managed him at Sheffield United. Chris Morgan, our first-team coach, also speaks highly of him from their time together at Bramall Lane. "Chesterfield Football Club have given a great deal of thought to this signing and following the court's decision, we are in no doubt that Ched Evans should be welcomed back into his profession as a professional footballer." Evans added: "I am very excited and privileged to be resuming my career at Chesterfield and I hope to make a valuable contribution both on and off the pitch for the football club, the fans and the community."
It'll come unstuck if he's found guilty again. I think he'll get a hot reception wherever he plays...
Tin hat time.... If society believes in rehabilitation, why wouldn't any prisoner - having served their time - return to the trade they plied prior to their conviction?
As you correctly point out - that example - and others no doubt would be the obvious exception - specifically where the terms of licence or release would negate a return to the previous trade. Accepting that Ched Evans was neither a convicted *****phile nor school teacher prior to his prison sentence; should he not return to his chosen profession?
There's no law stopping it is there? He works in an entertainment industry and the audience decides who they like to see. It's consumer choice.
There's endless examples really of professions. In a footballers case there's the issue that they are seen as a role model to young fans and there is also the issue of access and influence over teenage girls Adam Johnson style, then there's sponsor issues, fan protests etc. In Evans case I thought it was crazy he was comvicted anyway, can't see him getting convicted on retrial which is what the club are banking on!
A very good question and others have already raised obvious examples. The issue is of trust. Once trust has been betrayed, whether you are a doctor or dustman, it takes a very long time for that trust to be restored and, in some people's eyes, it never will be. I do agree with you but the ramifications are complex. Would you hire a plumber whom you knew deliberately used shoddy kit to increase profit? Trust a doctor who'd been struck off for dishonestly prescribing drugs that would increase his shares in a company or an airline pilot who been barred for being drunk on duty!! I do believe in rehabilitation but maybe some folks need to be rehabilitated into a job where they can earn trust safely before going back to whatever they were doing (if the law permits).
