http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24064975 Read this extremely interesting article on Ilombe Mboye, a current Genk striker, who was scouted whilst in prison and now has obviously proved a success with Belgium caps and playing in Europe. I want to hear what people's thoughts were on it? I understand this could get pretty distasteful so rather than actually talking about the incident maybe we could talk about the actual scheme Bodenghien set up in prisons up and down Belgium, which eventually got pulled due to the M'Boye controversy. I do remember us being linked with him in the summer so not completely off topic, but nevertheless it is an interesting read. I actually sympathise with Bodenghien who is obviously try to help prisoners learn vital skills through football, which could be key for holding down a job post-prison. Teamwork, leadership, communication etc.
Yes, I read the articlea and to me, it seems a shame that the scheme has been stopped and all because one ex prisoner has become successful as a result of the scheme. IMO, not all prisoners are inherently bad people and whilst Mboye was part of a gang that committed a horrendous crime, the fact that he's been able to turn his life around should be used as an example. Here in Norwich, I believe Chapelfield works with the local prisoners in trying to help inmates move on when leaving prison. Slightly off topic - Duncan Bannatyne on Dragon's Den is an ex-con!!!!
fascinating article, thanks for posting yellowlittle i'm a firm believer in a 2nd chance for everyone - its when it gets to 3rd, 4th and 5th chances that it winds me up. i'm glad he's grabbed that opportunity with both hands but if i'm honest, i'm a little relieved we didn't sign him as it really would have caused a lot of controversy which we could do without. i think that viewpoint is fair and valid despite him regaining trust, its not easy, nor should it be. but i think it's important to introduce schemes like this. it brings focus, teamwork, responsibility and desire to a prisoner. it seems a shame its been discontinued.
I was once fined £2 10s 6d in 1962 for riding a bicycle after dark with no lights. That brief flirtation with the criminal underworld kept me on the straight and narrow ever since. (well, more or less) On a serious note, prison is meant for rehabilitation, isn't it? Shame this scheme has been discontinued. Seems objections were based more on the fact he would be allowed to earn a lot of money, rather than the nature of his crime (which we will all agree was despicable).
Great article, thanks for this. It's a funny one. I am wholeheartedly behind the idea of giving someone a second chance. When they are making all the right noises, in the way Mboyo did, showing genuine remorse and a reformed character, that's great. However, knowing that he has "done his time" makes the anger at him getting fame and fortune, on the face of it, seem illogical and excessive punishment. The problem is, though, I can see why you could argue that it's not fair that Mboyo gets to be rich and famous given that he took part in an horrific crime which will almost certainly have severely damaged the victim for the rest of her life. In a sense, she has a "life conviction", whereas he has been able to escape - people can therefore justifiably argue that he should not be allowed to escape completely from his crime. The problem is that there is no satisfactory solution to this dilemma - could he pay her retrospective compensation? This is the only plausible means of redress, but it is riddled with difficulties - how do you assess the amount of the compensation? Which crime victims are eligible for compensation from the criminal if the criminal ends up being wealthy? Would it be a lump sum or a percentage over time? What's the tipping point at which the criminal has to start paying? Is the process fair on victims where the criminals remain poor? I am not convinced, particularly in sex crimes, that the victim would want retrospective compensation anyway, given that they will probably be attempting to get over the trauma.
Has he completed escaped the crime though? Being famous means eveyrone who he comes into contact with know what he was part of and no doubt that will influence the way people are with him. The fact we are even discussing it on this board and I know I would have preffered not to have him at NCFC as it would be controversial shows not all is forgotten. Yes It is a tricky issue but once you have served your time you are a 'free man' to do what you like within the law. Its no different ot him starting his own company after leaving prison and making millions or winning the lottery. If he has truley used this as a method to get out and stay out of trouble then good on him. Even with money and fame other footballers manage to get into plenty of trouble.
