: Wed Apr 08, 2009 5:00 pm
Hull KR's statement
Following a series of discussions over the weekend and today with Ben, his agent David Howes and his legal representatives, the board of directors of Hull Kingston Rovers wish to make the following statement:-
We have carefully considered and reviewed Ben’s position as a full time professional rugby league player of this club in light of his conviction and sentence in the Leeds Crown Court last week, for an offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. We are aware of the detail of the offence and have seen the CCTV video footage. We have given serious consideration to terminating his contract in light of his actions, which are clear for all to see. However, we have decided against that course of action.
We are mindful of the sentencing Judge’s comments in sparing Ben’s imprisonment. He expressed the hope and expectation that Ben would learn from this experience and use it in a positive manner to effect and influence others against repeating the mistakes he has made. In view of this, we believe that dismissing Ben, although an easier option for the Club, would not offer the rehabilitative support that Ben needs at this time. He has issues to deal with which we, as a community centric club and as his employer, feel a responsibility to help him address.
We are very aware of the public reaction to this incident and its potentially very negative effect on the reputation of this Club. We do not in any way condone, justify or excuse Ben’s actions and we are therefore, in these extraordinary circumstances, publishing the sanctions we have imposed on Ben so that everyone is aware that, whilst we will look to support and help Ben return to being an important member of our community, we equally must reflect his actions with appropriate sanctions.
Namely:
1. Ben will be suspended from 1st team selection until he completes his 240 hours’ community service as ordered by the Court or until 1.6.09, whichever is the sooner.
2. Ben will not be paid during this period.
3. Ben will undergo compulsory counselling for (i) Anger Management (ii) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with a treatment provider identified and introduced by the Club.
At this time, neither the Club nor Ben’s advisors consider it appropriate for him to make any public comment at all on this matter. He does, however, wish to repeat his expressions of genuine remorse and disappointment for those he has let down through his actions and is firmly committed to work with the club, as outlined above.
