Marlon King's return to football after spending nearly a year in prison for sexual assault is just another example of how morally bankrupt football has become.

And while some may think it is just a problem for football on a national level, it's not. The dilemma is widespread as for all those clubs willing to take a stand against improper behaviour, there is always another club willing to turn a blind eye to players' misconduct just because of their talent.

In most other professions it just wouldn't happen. Criminal records when applying for a job as an accountant, policeman, or council worker, to name just three, isn’t looked upon too kindly by all employers.

Yet in Coventry AFC’s wisdom they feel it is ok to employ King despite his lengthy 'rap sheet'.

The argument is of course that players serve their punishment and as a rehabilitated person deserve a second chance.

And I agree with that 'everybody deserves a second chance' motto, but a third, fourth and fifth?

It was only last Saturday watching Football Focus that a heard Joey Barton say he had learnt from his off-the-field mistakes at Manchester City.

Those off-the-field mistakes that included stubbing a cigarette butt in a team-mate’s eye, getting sent to prison for an assault outside McDonald’s in Liverpool and attacking another team-mate, Ousmane Dabo, at training.

I have heard a similar interview before and while it maybe a reformed Barton talking this time, for me it seemed just as hollow as the last.

There are clubs that have taken a stand against misbehaving players. Wigan FC chairman Dave Whelan sacked King on hearing of his assault. He said at the time he was sentenced that he thought it would be very difficult for a club to stick their neck out and sign the player once he had finished his 18 months sentence. How wrong he was.

It was a similar situation when Chelsea sacked Romanian star Adrian Mutu, after he tested positive for cocaine. He then later signed for Juventus and then Fiorentina.

And it is not unknown to happen at a local level. It was only last season when St Austell took a stand against Ben Douglas and Lee Whetter for their involvement in a fight with Newquay supporters, only for them to be welcomed back into the same league once their relatively short bans had expired.

Of course it is none of these players’ fault that they have returned to the game and if they have changed their attitude then it is all for the best. However, for persistent offenders like King and Barton you do feel football would be a better place without them, but until clubs take a united stand against trouble makers, sadly, the talented ones will always be welcomed back.

What are your thoughts? Does King deserve his chance at Coventry or would the game be better off without him? Leave your comments below.