Marlon King?

[Crouchy]

It is possible to admire someone for what they do well without thinking that they are amazing in every aspect of their lives. I think Philip Larkin was a fantastic poet. He was also a misoygynistic, racist bastard. The latter facts about him do not detract in any way from his status as a poet or my enjoyment of his poetry.

I agree entirely. Two of my all time Rock heroes are Duff McKagan and Slash - both heroin and coke addled alcoholics. I still love the records they made when they were off their tits.

However, both of them have made significant efforts to turn their lives around and have mostly succeeded. Marlon King has made no such effort.

One of the reasons he's made no such effort is that people's attitudes towards him have told him he doesn't need to. All is always forgiven.

Smashed a girl's face in, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.
Driving a stolen car, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.
Driving when pissed, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.

Fourteen times...................so far.

That's why we shouldn't have signed him. Not because he's flawed - we all are - but because he's clearly an unrepentant Grade One cunt.

 

[sheffielder]

I agree entirely. Two of my all time Rock heroes are Duff McKagan and Slash - both heroin and coke addled alcoholics. I still love the records they made when they were off their tits.

However, both of them have made significant efforts to turn their lives around and have mostly succeeded. Marlon King has made no such effort.

One of the reasons he's made no such effort is that people's attitudes towards him have told him he doesn't need to. All is always forgiven.

Smashed a girl's face in, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.
Driving a stolen car, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.
Driving when pissed, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.

Fourteen times...................so far.

That's why we shouldn't have signed him. Not because he's flawed - we all are - but because he's clearly an unrepentant Grade One cunt.

His last conviction is about 4 years ago, about the same age as his young daughter who he mentioned in his interview. It's a bit hard to say he's made no effort on this basis without knowing the full facts.

 

[Darren]

I agree entirely. Two of my all time Rock heroes are Duff McKagan and Slash - both heroin and coke addled alcoholics. I still love the records they made when they were off their tits.

However, both of them have made significant efforts to turn their lives around and have mostly succeeded. Marlon King has made no such effort.

One of the reasons he's made no such effort is that people's attitudes towards him have told him he doesn't need to. All is always forgiven.

Smashed a girl's face in, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.
Driving a stolen car, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.
Driving when pissed, Marlon? Don't worry about it - here's a contract and lots of money.

Fourteen times...................so far.

That's why we shouldn't have signed him. Not because he's flawed - we all are - but because he's clearly an unrepentant Grade One cunt.

George Orwell wrote an interesting essay called Benefit of Clergy. It's about Dali who, by all accounts as well as being a very talented artist was also a completely amoral "Grade 1 cunt". Dali essentially justified himself by claiming a sort of "benefit of clergy" for immensely talented artists like himnself, such that the ordinary rules of morality did not apply to him.

Orwell was willing to go with that to an extent, but only to an extent, making the point that if Shakespeare returned to earth tomorrow and we discovered his favourite leisiure activity was "raping little girls in railway carriages" we wouldn't let him do it on the off chance that he might write another King Lear.

I thinki Orwell had it right. People who are immensley talented in their field - whether it's football, paiting or poetry, do get away with a lot more than ordinary mortals. That's because people want them to keep exhibiting their talents, no matter how big an arse they might be, As your say, that indulgence tends to have a deleterious effect on theie personal morals, but maybe (as long as they don't go as far as raping little girls in railway carriages or such like), that trade off is a reasonable one.

 

[dublin 10 blade]

Curran only played once against Southend A - on 26/3/83. We lost 1-3 and our goal was a Morris pen, so your memory is playing tricks on you

AGE MATE it catches up with us all . Hawaii this week so its bombing down them fucking hills .

 

[Hartley Hare]

Do not be misled "Bad company corrupts good character" - Corinthians 15.33

 

[Selly]

I thinki Orwell had it right. People who are immensley talented in their field - whether it's football, paiting or poetry, do get away with a lot more than ordinary mortals. That's because people want them to keep exhibiting their talents

I thihnk the problem though (as with a lot of things in football) is the money.

If our Marlon were a Hockey player, he wouldn`t be touched with a 10-foot pole by Hockey clubs. because of the money in football, the moral line moves for some people to a more liberal position...

 

[Junior Soduko]

I agree. He's signed now. Nothing fans say or do is going to change that.
I'm buggered if I'm staying away and I hope he plays well and scores.
If he did, I wouldn't feel too thrilled about being amongst a crowd of Blades singing King's name either.

One way of registering a protest whilst still supporting the team would be to chant the name of whoever provides the assist instead.
That way maybe he'll get to understand the utter disdain the average man in the street/crowd has for him.
Who knows, a full season of being ritually ignored might have more effect on his outlook than fines, community service and prison apparently have.

I personally dont think he will give a rats arse what we think or whatever anybody else thinks of him. All he will care about is that his family and his close friends support him, and to be honest that's all you'll ever need in life whatever you do. People can protest and oppose to this, all it will do is divide Bramall Lane.

It can be a volatile and nasty place at the best of times, i hope that come saturday afternoon, us and supporters can put our feelings towards this to one side and back the team. The last thing we need is infighting amongst ourselves.

 

[Hartley Hare]

I thinki Orwell had it right. People who are immensley talented in their field - whether it's football, paiting or poetry, do get away with a lot more than ordinary mortals. That's because people want them to keep exhibiting their talents, no matter how big an arse they might be, As your say, that indulgence tends to have a deleterious effect on theie personal morals, but maybe (as long as they don't go as far as raping little girls in railway carriages or such like), that trade off is a reasonable one.

Rubbish.

 

[Junior Soduko]

I thihnk the problem though (as with a lot of things in football) is the moeny.

If our Marlon were a Hockey player, he wouldn`t be touched with a 10-foot pole by Hockey clubs. because of teh moeny in football, the moral line moves for some people to a more liberal position...

Couldn't agree more. Although i think it runs a little deeper myself. Does Marlon King ever need to work again? Probably not. Therefore what difference does it make to him wether his past convictions prevent him getting work? It doesn't make any difference to him what so ever. Meanwhile Joe Soap who's unemployed and cant afford his mortgage or rent, it matters a whole lot more too. Two people, same crime, completely different affect on themselves and those around them.

Always thought that those who are in priviledged positions can within reason do what they want, as the effects on them are neglible.

 

[vorpal blade]

But King is not immensely talented in his field.

He is lucky as hell to be in a field, professional football which bar one is populated by desperate teams who pay money they cannot afford to desperadoes like him in desperate hope, (not expectation) that promotion may follow.

You may have more faith in the law than I do. People have owed me money and have dodged having to pay through the unfairness of company law and going bust deliberately, indeed many of the most desperate football clubs have done this, it is unjust and stinks.

You seem to have more faith in the punishments dished out by the law. For me the problem employing ex-cons like Marlon King is, that they do tend to do it again, and again. That is how they let you down.

By the way Caravaggio was by general agreement the most gifted artist ever and he was a murderer and serial sword fighter. He died 'naturally', I wonder if given how he beautifully he could paint (religious themes) whether he would have been slain by the Pope in the name of justice (he was by his end reprieved). Dali was above all a poseur and brilliant self-publicist, his misdemeanors were mostly in his own head.

 

[axel smeets]

Go on then pal, we don't need the half hearted. The rest of us will just try and get us out of the shit.

Yes, because the 17000 in the stands are responsible for the inept performances of the XI cunts on the pitch, aren't they? Get over yourself.

 

[axel smeets]

And that will achieve .......what? Anyone who may happen to see you get up and walk up the gangway will just think that you have got a weak bladder...

Good for them. This is something I have to do for myself. It will achieve nowt except for making me feel like I have taken a stand on the issue. That's it.

 

[axel smeets]

Will you walk back in again if he starts the game and is subbed off at 4:15???

Haha, I hadn't even considered that

 

[sheffielder]

Yes, because the 17000 in the stands are responsible for the inept performances of the XI cunts on the pitch, aren't they? Get over yourself.

Nothing to do with the 17k, about you walking out after 15:01 on Saturday. What stand are you in and I can clap you out?

 

[axel smeets]

Nothing to do with the 17k, about you walking out after 15:01 on Saturday. What stand are you in and I can clap you out?

The point of clapping me out would be what? The amount of people on here defending King and the clubs' signing of him has, quite frankly, disturbed me. I spend my money on a season ticket, and on top of that spend thousands every year following them away. If making out that I am half hearted is the best argument you can make, then go for it. It should brighten up this dreary Thursday afternoon for you.

 

[Kenilworth]

His last conviction was in 2009. I accept he is currently on bail for two other offences, but innocent until proven guilty and all that. Would you deny a man with King's criminal record employment when he has no convictions for four years?

Yes, I would.

Anyone ever had any points on their driving licence?
After 4 years they don't count towards your 12 point ban threshold
After 5 years you can get them off your paper licence

Extrapolating Axel's argument would mean anyone who has been caught doing 34 in a 30 zone and/or being caught by those changing variable speed limits on the motorway (M42 is a bugger for this as it the M25 - where it goes from 60 to 50 and back again after one gantry) a few times over a 20-30 year period should be banned from driving forever. A bit draconian I would have thought. It's the same situation with anyone who has transgressed and been punished once for each isn't it?

 

[Kenilworth]

If Ched comes back and King is still here will we be the first club to have two players on the sex offenders register?

Maybe they can room together then?

 

[Darren]

The point of clapping me out would be what? The amount of people on here defending King and the clubs' signing of him has, quite frankly, disturbed me. I spend my money on a season ticket, and on top of that spend thousands every year following them away. If making out that I am half hearted is the best argument you can make, then go for it. It should brighten up this dreary Thursday afternoon for you.

No-one is defending King. I think it's the universal opinion that the man is a twat. The issue we disagree about is whether he should be allowed to carry on earning his living. I don't see what's disturbing about thiking that he should be allowed to.

 

[axel smeets]

Anyone ever had any points on their driving licence?
After 4 years they don't count towards your 12 point ban threshold
After 5 years you can get them off your paper licence

Extrapolating Axel's argument would mean anyone who has been caught doing 34 in a 30 zone and/or being caught by those changing variable speed limits on the motorway (M42 is a bugger for this as it the M25 - where it goes from 60 to 50 and back again after one gantry) a few times over a 20-30 year period should be banned from driving forever. A bit draconian I would have thought. It's the same situation with anyone who has transgressed and been punished once for each isn't it?

I would suggest that punching a woman in the face, amongst other things, is slightly different to travelling 35 in a 20 zone.

 

[Kenilworth]

People who are immensely talented in their field - whether it's football, painting or poetry, do get away with a lot more than ordinary mortals. That's because people want them to keep exhibiting their talents, no matter how big an arse they might be.

Explains why I never get away with owt then

 

[axel smeets]

No-one is defending King. I think it's the universal opinion that the man is a twat. The issue we disagree about is whether he should be allowed to carry on earning his living. I don't see what's disturbing about thiking that he should be allowed to.

Fine Daz. Let him carry on earning his living. But not here. It is bad enough that the football club is in the position it is, without adding to the fire. There is no guarantee that King is going to be a success. That's the same with every signing, but every signing does not come with this baggage.

 

[SwissBlade]

Fine Daz. Let him carry on earning his living. But not here. It is bad enough that the football club is in the position it is, without adding to the fire. There is no guarantee that King is going to be a success. That's the same with every signing, but every signing does not come with this baggage.

I'm with you on this fella, personally I think we've got desperate and I won't set foot at the lane whilst King is at our club.

I'm sure those at the club will be saying "the fans will change their views when he bangs the goals in" personally I won't.

 

[Kenilworth]

I would suggest that punching a woman in the face, amongst other things, is slightly different to travelling 35 in a 20 zone.

With you there Axel - it's just the logical extension of your argument that people should continue to be punished for something they have already been punished for. The punishment for a driving offence is a fine and potentially a ban. The punishment for something more serious may be a custodial sentence. Our courts and laws dictate what the punishments should be - once served, isn't that it done? If people re-offend then the punishment can raise accordingly - once served, though, isn't that it done?

Again, I am not condoning what he has done. All I can see is that if the punishment for the crime has been dealt with then it's time to move on.

Am I pleased he is now a Blades player? Not really - I would have preferred him not to be but I have about as much say in this as I do on a Saturday night when Twat Factor, Britain's Got Twats, Strictly Come In Your Lycra or Stomping Out is the telly choice on offer.

I believe it will all end in despair and retribution but that's the choice the club has taken - probably based on the shite position they find themselves in. If it works they will be vindicated - if not they will be vilified.

Onwards and downwards


.

 

[Kenilworth]

I'm with you on this fella, personally I think we've got desperate and I won't set foot at the lane whilst King is at our club.

I'm sure those at the club will be saying "the fans will change their views when he bangs the goals in" personally I won't.

Admit it. You hadn't planned a trip back for a while anyway eh, Swiss

 

[SwissBlade]

Admit it. You hadn't planned a trip back for a while anyway eh, Swiss

I'm on a rotation, but I planned my next leave to be back for two blades home games. Still paid for my season ticket, but I won't renew and won't go to the games. I usually stay up and listen on blades player, but I won't do that either.

It's not a great loss to the club I'm sure, but like Axel, I'm doing it for my own reasons

 

[axel smeets]

I'm with you on this fella, personally I think we've got desperate and I won't set foot at the lane whilst King is at our club.

I'm sure those at the club will be saying "the fans will change their views when he bangs the goals in" personally I won't.

Neither will I mate. I won't cheer them, I will remain seated. Hey, at least living so far away you have an excuse not to come every other Saturday. I'll have to watch this twat for 8 months :-(

 

[Kenilworth]

I'm on a rotation, but I planned my next leave to be back for two blades home games. Still paid for my season ticket, but I won't renew and won't go to the games. I usually stay up and listen on blades player, but I won't do that either.
It's not a great loss to the club I'm sure, but like Axel, I'm doing it for my own reasons

That's a shame Swiss. Kinda takes away one of your links to home when so far away.
It's quite sad after all the shit we have put up with over the years that we have the last vestiges of pride stripped away as well. Maybe I will have to take up watching Britain's Got Twats after all

 

[axel smeets]

With you there Axel - it's just the logical extension of your argument that people should continue to be punished for something they have already been punished for. The punishment for a driving offence is a fine and potentially a ban. The punishment for something more serious may be a custodial sentence. Our courts and laws dictate what the punishments should be - once served, isn't that it done? If people re-offend then the punishment can raise accordingly - once served, though, isn't that it done?

Again, I am not condoning what he has done. All I can see is that if the punishment for the crime has been dealt with then it's time to move on.

Am I pleased he is now a Blades player? Not really - I would have preferred him not to be but I have about as much say in this as I do on a Saturday night when Twat Factor, Britain's Got Twats, Strictly Come In Your Lycra or Stomping Out is the telly choice on offer.

I believe it will all end in despair and retribution but that's the choice the club has taken - probably based on the shite position they find themselves in. If it works they will be vindicated - if not they will be vilified.

Onwards and downwards


.

Thinking back to the Beattie return that we had 2 seasons ago, ok it ended badly for all concerned, but Beattie was never really vilified by the fans. If this ends in the same way, what will it be like? Horrendous I think.

 

[SwissBlade]

That's a shame Swiss. Kinda takes away one of your links to home when so far away.
It's quite sad after all the shit we have put up with over the years that we have the last vestiges of pride stripped away as well. Maybe I will have to take up watching Britain's Got Twats after all

For me it's extremely sad. I spend most of my life overseas and always take great pride and pleasure in telling people about the Blades. But now I feel embarrassed to be a Blade, not because we're shit. I'm used to that. But because we have that twat playing for us now.

 

[Fiery Blade]

Not happy with the King signing - listening to his interview last night he doesn't give a sh!t about the fans he said he is here to do a job.
He didn't sound contrite, made no apology for his past behaviour and kept trotting out that he is here to give 110% effort for the shirt!
Not my cup of tea as they say but from a football perspective he is better than the current so called 'strikers' at our disposal
Despite his demeanour Weir is clutching at straws at the moment perhaps King will save his bacon - but why have we sunk so low as to sign garbage like King ?