Ben Cockayne

Quote: vastman "Whats happened to Ben Cockayne is a sad reflection of modern life and our desire to blame, shame and brand anyone and everyone. FWIW this is my opinion.

Ben is now casually branded as a racist in RL circles due to one incident as far as we know. When in reality he is not a racist but someone who behaved in a racist way ONCE. He apologised and payed the price, hence he is as far as we are aware not a serial racist - if he had not apologised and carried on racially abusing people then he would be a racist. Again as far as we are generally aware he didn't do this before the event and has not done it since - hence he isn't a racially motivated individual, if he were he simply couldn't be in the same room as Ali or Paul Aiton I'd have thought.

So the race issue was a red herring IMO, that's not down playing it but just giving it some context. The day I can't find it in my heart to forgive someone for a stupid or offensive remark made in the heat of the moment then I think I will have lost all humanity and an understanding of the varied thing we call human nature.

It's harder to defend the random acts of violence Ben has indulged in in the past - if I had my way he'd have done 18 month for what he did but I don't make the rules and I shouldn't judge as I don't have all the facts - however the law has seen to him so as long as he behaves from now on he warrants another chance. However for Ben this is his last chance or certainly his only chance at Wakefield - that must be made clear to him and i'm sure it has. We certainly shouldn't forget what an utter thug he was just because he's one of ours but no need to throw it in his face so long as he keeps up the good stuff.

So far so good for Ben, but he clearly has issues and always will so I will remain prepared for the worst but hope for the best. in your dreams