New start for King
Wigan Today
LATICS chairman Dave Whelan says he has forgiven disgraced former striker Marlon King.
The tycoon spoke out as the 30-year-old was released from jail after serving time for sexually assaulting a woman in a London club.
Previously Mr Whelan had said that King should never play football professionally again. But while his tone was more conciliatory today, he nonetheless said there was no way back to the DW Stadium for his former charge.
King received an 18-month sentence at Southwark Crown Court last October after a jury heard he groped and punched a 20-year-old woman while out celebrating his wife’s latest pregnancy at the Soho Revue Bar. His victim, who jurors heard had “repeatedly cold-shouldered” the footballer, was left with a broken nose.
King, who was on loan from Wigan to Hull City at the time, was found guilty of sexual assault and causing actual bodily harm.
His agent Tony Finnigan has vowed to find him a new club. But it won’t be in Wigan.
Mr Whelan said: “He’s served his sentence, I’m sure he’s learned a lot and I forgive him.
“I was very upset at the time because we had paid £3m for him and my complaint was I think all players should have a passport of their health, their injuries and also if they’s got a criminal record.
“But I really think you’ve got to forgive people because we all make mistakes and if he can get back into the game, good luck to him. But there is no chance of him coming back to Wigan.”
Mr Whelan admitted the fact that a chance for King to restart his footballing career reflects badly on the sport as a whole.
He said: “It doesn’t say a lot for football in general, especially professional football. If he gets a club to sign him I would say good luck to him and good luck to the club but we would never entertain signing Marlon again.”