Quote: Mugwump "Wilkin's argument is that Bailey has been doing this kind of thing for years. He initially kept quiet. He then made the point in the media. Nothing changed (either Leeds have no problem with Bailey's antics or they do but they can't control him). So he's stressed the point more forcefully. Wilkin introduced the youngsters into his argument but I don't think there's any place for gloating over [iany age[/i. League players have always shared a strong camaraderie and players who attempt to rub noses in poop get a bad name.
I don't have any issue with Wilkin's appraisal of Bailey. Indeed, I'd say it's tame in comparison to my own (and most other fans outside of Leeds). The guy is a thug who was rightly jailed for barbaric violence. Since he's returned he's often been involved in ugly incidents.
Do Wilkin's actions harm England's chances? I don't think so. Wilkin's a good pro and will go about his business without issue. From what I've seen over the years players generally lock the real world away in a box when they enter the pitch and "issues" rarely come into it.
As stated, a player should feel no pressure to self-censor - provided he is prepared to stand or fall by what he says. We've killed off most of the characters on the pitch and it seems like we are determined to silence all criticism off it.'"
Reading back through the thread, not allowing Jon Wilkin a 24-hour hotline to The Sun would be an "anti-intellectual" prohibition on "expressive and thoughtful discussion".
It's not about self-censorship, it's about sense. Stirring up discord publicly is just unnecessary. I suppose if having the wit to address things, if they're so vital, through channels other than a red-top newspaper is self-censorship then I'm in favour of it. It does not reduce your "character".
And these characters on the pitch we've killed off? The likes of Roy Haggerty, Chris Arkwright, Paul Round (from my generation), and plenty even more "characterful" before then? If you're so fond of them, and their on-field faults, then I don't see how you can so easily call Bailey, a man from a very bad background who was jailed at 18 but has been a disciplined and successful professional sportsman since then, a thug.
I hope you're right about the lack of effect on the England camp, by the way. It's not so much on-the-pitch that I'm worried about, it's feelings in camp. But hopefully everyone can self-censor their feelings and rise above it.
