SOCCERVOICE.COM, 27.11.2009
Crime in football, King not the first player in jail

Marlon King was earlier this year sentenced to 18 months in jail for a sex offence towards a 20 year old female student. But King is not the first player in the English game to be jailed
 

Micky Thomas spend 18 months in jail for making his own money. Thomas had a great fotballing career with a number of clubs including Man Utd, Chelsea and Everton. Thomas also played 51 times for Wales from 1977 to 1986.

Leicester City players Len Glover, Martin Henderson and Graham Cross all spent time in jail for different sentences such as fraud and theft. Cross and Glover were both great players for the club in the 60's and 70's while Henderson spent a few seasons at the club in the late 70's and early 80's.

Joey Barton spent 77 days in jail after being convicted for violence. The former Man City midfielder is now with Newcastle.

Jamie Lawrence came out of jail at the age of 23 after serving a 4 year sentence for violent robbery. Lawrence played proffessional football for Bradford. Leicester and Sunderland. He has also played 42 times for Jamaica.

Duncan Ferguson is to our knowledge the first player and also the last to be jailed for a crime done out on the field. Ferguson head butted Raith Rovers player Jock McStay, and went in jail for 44 days for his famous "Glasgow Kiss".

Jermaine Pennant never went to jail but had to play with an electronic tag during his days with Birmingham City. Pennant had been charged for drunk driving.

Mickey Quinn, Gary Charles, Tony Adams, Lee Hughes and Mark Ward are other former footballers who have spent time behind bars.

In the 60's three Sheffield Wednesday players were convicted after betting on their own team losing. Tony Kay, David Layne and Peter Swan made the dreadfull mistake to make heavy bets on their own team losing. Sheffield Wednesday lost 2-0 and the trio picked up their win and got into heavy trouble and in the end was given a jail sentence.

Swan and Key were England internationals and high profiled players.

Legendary George Best also spent a brief time in prison. Best was sent to jail for 12 weeks back in 1984. He served his time for a drink driving episode and assault to a policeman.

Best even played for the prison team in the local league.

Marlon King is not the first and will sadly not be the last.