📝 And we waited all day for this? [Jevani Brown signs]

[KCNotts]

I can't help but feel that one or two of us have completely lost our heads and are acting really spoilt. Brown has spent the last few seasons at this level or above and by all accounts did extremely well at Exeter in particular. He is here on loan to add depth to an already talented squad. I'm not really sure what you are expecting? We aren't Wrexham, we aren't quite ready to be poaching the best players in league one and two. We look for value and players who may be a gamble but who we think can do more.

I think he will be great, but if not, we can send him back in Jan and find someone else. We are in a really good place as a club and we are building a really strong reputation in football. Just enjoy it!

[CheltenhamPie]

I can't help but feel that one or two of us have completely lost our heads and are acting really spoilt. Brown has spent the last few seasons at this level or above and by all accounts did extremely well at Exeter in particular. He is here on loan to add depth to an already talented squad. I'm not really sure what you are expecting? We aren't Wrexham, we aren't quite ready to be poaching the best players in league one and two. We look for value and players who may be a gamble but who we think can do more.

I think he will be great, but if not, we can send him back in Jan and find someone else. We are in a really good place as a club and we are building a really strong reputation in football. Just enjoy it!

Very wise words, and also good advice.

[the_anticlough]

I was disappointed with the signing, still am. I wish the football market place worked in a different way.
We have a clear identity on the pitch (Mark Kennedy gave the best short description of this in his pre-match), I'd like us to be working on building a clear identity off it, which would include zero tolerance for violence against women. To signal encouragement to a female fan base and staff, Jane Jackson and all other women employed and prospective employees.

It's similar to my reaction to news whenever a MP transgresses. When it comes to 'chances' my first thoughts are never with the transgressors, but always with that person next in line who's been waiting for the opportunity to take one of the 650 slots in a nation of 68million. Why deny the innocent person next in line the chance, in favour of the person who had a chance and blew it? Same with professional football, there are x number of slots in the professional game, one could go to a promising NL striker or a youngster breaking through.
You're not asking clubs to be saints, it's be more a case of looking at their self-interest, their image and brand and what they want to stand for and be associated with. If all were in line, no club would be in the market for players convicted of certain crimes. I'm all for second chances, but I don't see why that second chance shouldn't start on the bottom rung. Especially in a competitive, desirable profession where so many others are still working on their first chances.

[1955pie]

I was disappointed with the signing, still am. I wish the football market place worked in a different way.
We have a clear identity on the pitch (Mark Kennedy gave the best short description of this in his pre-match), I'd like us to be working on building a clear identity off it, which would include zero tolerance for violence against women. To signal encouragement to a female fan base and staff, Jane Jackson and all other women employed and prospective employees.

It's similar to my reaction to news whenever a MP transgresses. When it comes to 'chances' my first thoughts are never with the transgressors, but always with that person next in line who's been waiting for the opportunity to take one of the 650 slots in a nation of 68million. Why deny the innocent person next in line the chance, in favour of the person who had a chance and blew it? Same with professional football, there are x number of slots in the professional game, one could go to a promising NL striker or a youngster breaking through.
You're not asking clubs to be saints, it's be more a case of looking at their self-interest, their image and brand and what they want to stand for and be associated with. If all were in line, no club would be in the market for players convicted of certain crimes. I'm all for second chances, but I don't see why that second chance shouldn't start on the bottom rung. Especially in a competitive, desirable profession where so many others are still working on their first chances.

Surely we should be including zero tolerance against all violence - full stop.

[jackal2]

I think those fans who were dead against signing Lee Hughes, and remained of the opinion that Lee Hughes should leave even when he was scoring goals for fun, have a right to protest against Jevani Brown - at least they can claim their disgust is consistent and genuine.

If you're one of many - me included - who opposed the signing of Lee Hughes but were gradually won over by his goalscoring exploits and general talismanic ability, then you should be equally open-minded about Jevani Brown. It would appear that Brown got drunk and hit a woman on a night out, which is deplorable, but Hughes of course got drunk and killed a man through his recklessness, a far worse crime reflected by the relatively severity of the punishments.

I don't like the fact that we've signed a guy with a conviction for hitting a woman, but I'm not one for cancelling people out of existence on the basis of one mistake in life, albeit a very significant one. If anything, condemning someone for all eternity makes them more likely to re-offend. If Jevani Brown provides good value on the pitch, and shows through impeccable behavior that he's learnt a lesson off the pitch, then I'm inclined to focus on the player and man he is now rather than went on before. He can't take back what happened in the past, but he can control his future.

[HeroPie1862]

I don't believe I should hold anyone accountable for behaviour which they can change, and if they show that they can change then I will accept that.

Imagine making a mistake and having it held against you your whole life, while going out of your way to change and do better.

People who have the attitude that folks can't change are the reason why others give up trying and it's disgusting.

It never means what he did was okay, which is why he has to show it wasn't and from what I've briefly read he's tried to.

[lunaspie]

Great result - I waited all day for this !

[magpie_mania]

I think those fans who were dead against signing Lee Hughes, and remained of the opinion that Lee Hughes should leave even when he was scoring goals for fun, have a right to protest against Jevani Brown - at least they can claim their disgust is consistent and genuine.

If you're one of many - me included - who opposed the signing of Lee Hughes but were gradually won over by his goalscoring exploits and general talismanic ability, then you should be equally open-minded about Jevani Brown. It would appear that Brown got drunk and hit a woman on a night out, which is deplorable, but Hughes of course got drunk and killed a man through his recklessness, a far worse crime reflected by the relatively severity of the punishments.

I don't like the fact that we've signed a guy with a conviction for hitting a woman, but I'm not one for cancelling people out of existence on the basis of one mistake in life, albeit a very significant one. If anything, condemning someone for all eternity makes them more likely to re-offend. If Jevani Brown provides good value on the pitch, and shows through impeccable behavior that he's learnt a lesson off the pitch, then I'm inclined to focus on the player and man he is now rather than went on before. He can't take back what happened in the past, but he can control his future.

Very sensible post.

I agree with it all.

Hughsie won me over, although I didn't like the 'dance' and thought the masks went too far.

The fact that he was found guilty of assaulting a woman while at the team hotel in 2012 seems to have been forgotten.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-englan...shire-18211423

[BigFatPie]

I think those fans who were dead against signing Lee Hughes, and remained of the opinion that Lee Hughes should leave even when he was scoring goals for fun, have a right to protest against Jevani Brown - at least they can claim their disgust is consistent and genuine.

If you're one of many - me included - who opposed the signing of Lee Hughes but were gradually won over by his goalscoring exploits and general talismanic ability, then you should be equally open-minded about Jevani Brown. It would appear that Brown got drunk and hit a woman on a night out, which is deplorable, but Hughes of course got drunk and killed a man through his recklessness, a far worse crime reflected by the relatively severity of the punishments.

I don't like the fact that we've signed a guy with a conviction for hitting a woman, but I'm not one for cancelling people out of existence on the basis of one mistake in life, albeit a very significant one. If anything, condemning someone for all eternity makes them more likely to re-offend. If Jevani Brown provides good value on the pitch, and shows through impeccable behavior that he's learnt a lesson off the pitch, then I'm inclined to focus on the player and man he is now rather than went on before. He can't take back what happened in the past, but he can control his future.

If we all agree that many of us were at best uneasy about signing Lee Hughes, but actually became a lot less uneasy when we realised what a good striker he still was, what does that say about us as human beings, given the gravity of what he did? Especially as (and I had forgotten about this) his assault on a woman when he was with us?

I get the stuff about second (and third) chances and rehabilitation but as people pointed out at the time, was it fair to the family of those involved in that accident that someone like Lee Hughes got to be rehabilitated in front of thousands of adoring fans with kids wearing a photo of his face as a mask?

What Jevani Brown did was obviously a lot less serious, and few would question his right to carry on his career, but pretty much regardless of what he’s done, we’ll all judge him most on his ability as a player. We leave our morals at the turnstile which I guess most of us wouldn’t do in any other part of our lives.

[noelfindorv2]

Bristol Rovers player Jevani Brown speaks out after admitting to slapping and spitting at a woman, blaming alcohol for his actions.

The 28 year old footballer has been fined £5,000 for an assault on one woman and using threatening behaviour to another in what was a drunken incident outside a nightclub in Exeter.

He got himself involved in an argument with the two women outside Vaults in Gandy Street, a court heard, but has since said sorry for his drunken actions.


Exeter Magistrates’ Court heard how he spat at and struck one woman twice and caused the second to fear violence would be used against her.

Brown, who hadn’t previously met the women, appeared in the dock on Friday (7th June) to be sentenced for the two offences.

He has been fined, told to pay compensation and costs totalling £7,485, before telling the court he was sorry and blamed alcohol for his behaviour.

He was described as a caring and devoted family man who was getting help from the PFA (Professional Footballers’ Association) for his use of alcohol.

The court watched CCTV footage of the incident which took place at the beginning of February this year. B

He was out with two friends and a verbal argument with doorman at Vaults nightclub let to a dispute with the first victim, who he thought may have been friends with the doormen.

CCTV, which lasted about a minute, then shows a group heading away from the club still arguing.

Brown said he spat at the woman, she then pulled his dreadlocks and he slapped her twice to the face.

Police made their way to the scene when a second woman called police crying.

Brown, who was a striker for Exeter City, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by beating and one charge of using threatening behaviour.

Court heard a letter by Brown, read out by Mr Torell Hector, defending, saying the player was ‘truly sorry’ to the victim and the offence was out of character.

“If I had not been under the influence of alcohol the outcome would have been different and I have taken steps since to address my behaviour.”

Alcohol had been a ‘huge factor’ in his life during the past six months and he wants to seek help and move on.

Brown, of Primrose Close, Luton, hasn’t had any other convictions to his name but does have a caution for being drunk and disorderly.

He is now getting support and counselling from the PFA’s Sporting Chance clinic, the court heard.

Brown’s partner says he is usually ‘very calm, gentle and quiet’ who has never raised his voice or showed signs of violence within the relationship.

Mr Hector adds it would be tough for Brown to do community work as he plays professional football, including games away from home and there is the training schedule.

He said the defendant already gave his time helping to coach young people and engaging in community activity.

District Judge Stuart Smith said: “This incident is clearly out of character as you are usually kind, gentle and laid-back. No doubt alcohol played a significant part contributing to your behaviour on this day.”

Brown’s reaction to the argument was deemed excessive and his violence left the woman with red marks across the side of her face.

“This will be a blemish on your previous good character,” he added. “As a professional footballer you are a role model to many thousands of young people with a great influence on their decisions and lives.

“Perhaps more than most you have a responsibility to set good standards and be that role model. Your behaviour can clearly have far reaching consequences many believing this behaviour is acceptable.”

Brown has been made to pay £250 compensation to the victim of the assault and £100 to the victim of the threatening behaviour.

JEVANI BROWN’S STATEMENT:
“Today marks the conclusion of the events that have greatly affected both my personal and professional life since February.

“I would firstly like to again share my genuine apologies towards those involved and hope that the conclusion of today’s hearing can bring about closure for all parties.

“I am an individual who has always been proud of my heritage. Coming from a strong Jamaican household, led by my Mum and having two daughters of my own, respect for others, is hugely important to me.

“However, it hasn’t been easy and we have had to face a continual battle against racism.

“This occurrence was largely fuelled by the racial and physical abuse I received. There are many examples where racism causes individuals to act in ways that are wholly out of character and this is another example of how deeply words can affect individuals. Although I know that doesn’t validate my actions, I hope it goes some way to show why I responded in the manner I did.

“I hope that these events can act as a learning curve for all involved and where I will continue to work towards managing my reactions, I trust others involved will use this as an opportunity for personal reflection in the same way.

“I now look forward to putting these events behind me and continuing to be a positive role model through my ongoing community work.”