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.
He “apologised wholeheartedly” – and said if he’d been sober, the outcome would have been different.https://t.co/8nyMCXH1iC
— BBC West (@BBCBristol) July 7, 2023
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.”
BRISTOL ROVERS STATEMENT
Bristol Rovers Football Club is aware of today’s findings in the court case involving Jevani Brown.
Bristol Rovers does not condone any act of violence, racism or intimidatory behaviour. We will make no further comment at this time.
HER GAME TOOK STATEMENT (June):
“Her Game Too are aware of the signing of Jevani Brown by Bristol Rovers and the initial reaction to this news. As this is a live legal case we are unable to comment on the matter.
“However, we can confirm that in due course, once the case has concluded, we will make a decision on what this means for our partnership with Bristol Rovers FC.
“We will remain in dialogue with the club throughout the process and provide further comment if required in due course. We will also continue to support the great work that goes on with Bristol Rovers Community Trust and Gas Girls.”
— 100Eyes (@jevanibrown) July 7, 2023
Fans reacted as Jevani Brown speaks out after admitting to slapping and spitting at a woman…
@Im_sprouticus: Pathetic. May as well not have said anything. If you want to support the player, support him. If you don’t then get rid. Complete nothing response which ever way you want to look at it, whatever anyone’s opinion on the rights and wrongs
@Oldgschicken: What an absolutely pathetic statement. Just don’t say anything at all if that’s what you’re going to come out with.
@darrell_ben: Time to kick on now as a fanbase. Those that support this club will be at Pompey. UTG
@ChrisPe13881283: Bristol Rovers does not condone any act of violence or intimidatory behaviour, apart from the signing of a player who has committed an act of violence & used intimidatory behaviour. Not my club.
@NeilNotGonnaLie: You clearly do condone it seeing as he’d already pleaded guilty when you signed him.
@kierandelbridge: What do people expect them to do. He is a footballer. He has a job. He has been fined. He goes back to his job. If you don’t wanna go don’t wanna go. Simple
@GavBall1: Bristol Rovers do condone violence as they employ people who get drunk and commit it against women. But as long as they are ‘sorry’ and good at football that’s all that matters. Ps two fingers up to the women’s team.
@bigbirdbrfc: What’s done is done, Let’s move on and play some football. #UTG
@Ali_Bongo101: Everyone makes mistakes. He’s been appropriately punished and now it’s time for him to get back to his career and proving the club and fans it was just a blip.
@Warren35059717: Time to move on, its over. Both were in the wrong he is ensuring he learns from it, time for promotion.
@JoeMorgs29: Let’s all get behind him UTFG 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️
@harrysimp710: Onwards and upwards UTG
@Ben_Goodhind: The board of Bristol Rovers have brought the club into disrepute for failing to act on the multiple acts of aggression and abuse by the manager and in signing a player who has abused women. This isnt a statement, the statement was failing to act multiple times
@lewisjhalford11: This may be one of the worst statements we’ve ever put out, everyone against any form of racism, but being convicted of slapping a girl and putting this out is lousy
@gtGAS14: I think everyone can agree that this is a blemish on a pretty clean record for Jevani, it’s wrong what he did but it is good that he is willing to learn from it. Hope he can turn a new page and begin to build a successful career with rovers. 🔵⚪️🔵⚪️
@si_hartley15: That’s a good statement. Don’t condone it, and the player has explained. Let’s crack on. If some people are unhappy, then that’s fine, they can deal with that in their own way. You cannot please all of the people..
@Eclectic_Blue: “Bristol Rovers does not condone any act of violence, racism or intimidatory behaviour. We will make no further comment at this time.” Weak, weak, weak. You’ve just condoned it.
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