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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think Paddy Jackson does not deserve to wear a London Irish rugby jersey

71 replies

BumblingAlongNow · 10/05/2019 15:05

After the massive protests that rightly surrounded the infamous Ulster Rugby Rape trial, only one year ago, he was dismissed from both Ulster and Ireland rugby teams. Yet now London Irish has signed him.

www.london-irish.com/news/irish-flyhalf-signs-for-london-irish/bp2166/

www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/may/10/paddy-jackson-revived-career-backward-step-feminism

OP posts:
BoneyBackJefferson · 10/05/2019 16:42

What tosh. It's a marketplace and he's a good enough player to be in demand. It's no more 'a privilege' than any other job done by someone who's bloody good at it.

Its very easy to see why so many people get away with so much.

Many of these clubs have school and community outreach programs, if this club even tries to send him to a school, community centre or some such group people should be protesting about him being allowed to come and be a role model.

Original poster
BumblingAlongNow · 10/05/2019 17:00

London Irish do loads for the community, including lots of camps etc for kids, often with the opportunity to meet a player - here’s an excerpt from one of the listed events:
“Q&A with a London Irish Player*

Who is saying the players aren’t role models?

To think Paddy Jackson does not deserve to wear a London Irish rugby jersey
OP posts:
saoirse31 · 10/05/2019 17:11

He was found not guilty of rape. So you're trying to deny him the right to carry on his trade because you dont like his what's app comments etc which you've only seen in the course of a trial at which he was found not guilty. Tbh I think that's massively unfair. So, in my opinion, yabvu.

billy1966 · 10/05/2019 17:32

I sincerely hope London Irish get a lot of bad publicity for this.
Shame on London Irish.

MrsFrTedCrilly · 10/05/2019 18:07

Shocked at London Irish decision, will be writing to all their sponsors. He’s no role model.
Odious scumbag

birdsdestiny · 10/05/2019 18:13

It's a good look defending a man who left a woman bleeding for 24 hours. Classy.

PersonaNonGarter · 10/05/2019 18:16

There is the standard of proof required to convict someone of rape - it is not the same standard of proof to demonstrate that someone is a complete arsehole who should not act as a community role model.

He’s young, he can retrain. And he should. No more sports platform for you, Fucker.

Everytimeref · 10/05/2019 18:27

Really glad he hasn't been signed by the team I support. Just wouldn't feel the same about the team and certainly would feel uncomfortable cheering for him.

VikingVolva · 10/05/2019 18:32

He was found not guilty.

Bu we learned during his trial about his sexual conduct. And I do not think he is an appropriate candidate for the role for that reason.

Because a club that wants to be family-friendly has to suspend a lot of disbelief to appoint someone whose conduct does not support that ethos

JaneJeffer · 10/05/2019 18:36

I can't believe anyone would defend him. He is not a good man regardless of the not guilty outcome.

SnipSnipMrBurgess · 10/05/2019 18:40

They can sue me for what ever they want.

He is an odious little shit and yet another example of how little the judicial system thinks of women.

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 10/05/2019 19:17

He can sue me too, I don't give two fucks. Just like he doesn't give two fucks about his own abhorrent, vile and misogynistic attitude and behaviour towards women.

Unfortunately a lot of society hold the same views about women as he does and this is why he is at liberty. It disgusts me that he is still seen as an asset to any company or industry - instead of it being a source of shame to be associated with him, as it should.

EmeraldShamrock · 10/05/2019 19:22

I agree, they were sacked based on they disgusting watsapp messages. Unfortunately the trial was not guilty, the quickest deliberation.
The taxi drivers evidence was by passed, although when the psni (police) wanted to see him for enquiries, the taxi driver said he knew immediately what the psni wanted.
People wonder why rapes are not reported, the girl was ripped apart, every text message, her underwear passed around. FFS. Obviously her identity is apparently secret, she is well educated young lady from an affluent area.

EmeraldShamrock · 10/05/2019 19:25

So I heard. Wink

Lulabelle14 · 10/05/2019 19:52

He's a disgusting cretin and I hope he rots in hell. I was a London Irish supporter but not anymore. How can you be when as a club they show so little respect for their female supporters let alone the victim of his behaviour. I've never been moved to contact a club for anything but for this I did. I hope they realise the 'deal' they got signing him cost them a lot more.

oneforthepain · 10/05/2019 19:59

He's officially an innocent man.

Criminal trials only determine whether there are legal grounds to impose criminal sanctions such as deprivation of liberty in prison. They're not fact or truth finding exercises.

In the legal context of determining whether there are grounds to incarcerate someone, yes, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty by that system. But that's the extent of their presumed innocence.

QueenOfTheTofuTree · 10/05/2019 20:03

He may have been found not guilty and he may legally be innocent but the messages he sent shows he has a disgusting attitude towards women.

Let's face it, if he had sent transphobic, homophobic or racist messages then I guarantee that hardly anyone would be defending him. But because he 'only' sent sexist messages that is somehow okay Hmm.

QueenOfTheTofuTree · 10/05/2019 20:06

And I honestly don't care if he did or did not rape that woman. Even if he didn't do it then he has still shown his true colours when it comes to how he views women. And for that reason alone he doesn't deserve any of this and he is certainly not someone young boys should be looking up to.

EmeraldShamrock · 10/05/2019 20:10

I am glad NI have changed their law on open court. People were travelling to see the case. Sad

PinkieTuscadero · 10/05/2019 20:14

He's a scumbag and London Irish can go fuck themselves.

We know what you are, Paddy. And you, Stuart Olding. And you, Blane McIlroy. And you, Rory Harrison.

AngeloMysterioso · 11/05/2019 00:00

I’ve been an Exiles fan since childhood, but I’m absolutely disgusted by this. I won’t be supporting them anymore and I’ll do my damnedest to make sure nobody I know does, either.

HelloMonday · 11/05/2019 06:43

Can someone who has complained already, post the details of who/where we should direct our complaints, and I'll send one too. To the club and sponsors.
This is sometime we can all contribute to. And actly impact.

sarahqueenofp · 11/05/2019 06:57

London Irish is based in my home town. I don’t want him there. I’m repulsed by this. And by those making excuses for him. He called her a Belfast slut and other revolting comments. He should not be in a position of privilege and one where people including kids go to watch him play. It is apparent that juries don’t want to convict young men of rape and the system is broken. I wouldn’t feel able to report. Being found innocent doesn’t mean you didn’t do anything wrong. I believe her.

PristineCondition · 11/05/2019 07:03

My home team too, I take the kids to matches allthe time
shit decision by London Irish

MrsOnions · 11/05/2019 07:13

Let's face it, if he had sent transphobic, homophobic or racist messages then I guarantee that hardly anyone would be defending him. But because he 'only' sent sexist messages that is somehow okay

Absolutely this!