This recent issue regarding Ched Evans being released from prison has got a lot of people talking about his theoretical return to football.... should he be allowed to play pro football again etc.
Well first up lets address the reality of the situation; No club is going to offer him a contract so in his particular case, its a pointless debate.
From my personal point of view, it would be completely inappropriate for him to play football because of the role-model element to the job of being a professional footballer. Also, fans are expected to support their team. I don't know about you, but I couldn't celebrate a goal scored by a rapist.
BUT..... in a broader context....
Criminals come out of prison all the time, some of them convinced of very unpleasant crimes. What is the solution? A drug addict and burglar, for example, if not allowed to work, will clearly be at a much higher risk of doing more burglaries. All ex offenders, if they have a legal income and stable accommodation, are less likely to re-offend.
Also, do you want them to be self sustaining and paying tax, or living off benefits paid for by you?
it seems to me that the best solution, as uncomfortable as it seems, is to help them to find a job and somewhere to live and let them live their lives. Not for their benefit, but for everybody's.