The rational, logical answer is that the precedent has been set by the WPBSA's actions when Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon qualified via the Asian Q-School last year - a match-fixing case against him from 2013 had never been concluded, but he was charged with, and admitted, fixing matches, and the offer of a tour card was rescinded as a result (alongside a suspension being issued of course). WST and the WPBSA clearly reserve the right to refuse 'entry' as it were...in the wake of the Chinese fixing scandal this year, the PR there wouldn't be fantastic if they welcomed Stephen back - added to the fact that he still owes them tens of thousands in unpaid costs and fines, and that another precedent has now been set by the lifetime bans of Liang and Li. If anything, the WPBSA should have the 12-year ban reviewed, and explore whether Lee too can be banned for life. If you say Lee should be allowed to return - you say the same for Li and Liang. Now, speaking of precedents...that would be a dangerous one indeed.
As far as I’m concerned he will have paid his debt(as it were) and like anyone convicted of any wrongdoing when the debt is paid life should be allowed to return to normal and if he owes money to the governing body of the sport that is nobody’s business but his and the governing body .. I personally would love to see him return… he was and hopefully still is a fantastic player
I was lucky enough to play Stephen a couple of times in the early 90s. Very Very talented youngster along with Andy Hicks. I for one would love to see him return.
From what I've read on Google his return does not look promising so wouldn't get too excited. He may return but it doesn't look good let's put it that way and remember he'll be 50 years old.
As for a lot of sports, some of us will always forgive, just for the sake of art. Im jewish, and I could listen to Richard Wagner despite the fact he was obsessed with jews and antisemitism. It is not advocating the wrong actions of a person. Its just the comprehension that some of the geniuses are merely fvcked up, yet provide and produce tons of singularity moment of pure art. Hence, forgiveness is needed.
@@jamescooke6032 how can you compare talking about gabbling and failing to report an approach to someone who cheated and fixed matches at least 7 times?
I wish Lee is back and goes and wins a few tournaments. He is a great player.
STEPHEN LEE has thoroughly enjoyed his 12 year stint on the professional eating contest circuit!
He is the current World Champion BURGER KING
Hope so, he’s possibly got as much raw talent as Ronnie
I hope he returns
The rational, logical answer is that the precedent has been set by the WPBSA's actions when Thanawat Thirapongpaiboon qualified via the Asian Q-School last year - a match-fixing case against him from 2013 had never been concluded, but he was charged with, and admitted, fixing matches, and the offer of a tour card was rescinded as a result (alongside a suspension being issued of course). WST and the WPBSA clearly reserve the right to refuse 'entry' as it were...in the wake of the Chinese fixing scandal this year, the PR there wouldn't be fantastic if they welcomed Stephen back - added to the fact that he still owes them tens of thousands in unpaid costs and fines, and that another precedent has now been set by the lifetime bans of Liang and Li. If anything, the WPBSA should have the 12-year ban reviewed, and explore whether Lee too can be banned for life. If you say Lee should be allowed to return - you say the same for Li and Liang. Now, speaking of precedents...that would be a dangerous one indeed.
As far as I’m concerned he will have paid his debt(as it were) and like anyone convicted of any wrongdoing when the debt is paid life should be allowed to return to normal and if he owes money to the governing body of the sport that is nobody’s business but his and the governing body .. I personally would love to see him return… he was and hopefully still is a fantastic player
I was lucky enough to play Stephen a couple of times in the early 90s. Very Very talented youngster along with Andy Hicks. I for one would love to see him return.
(All that is on the assumption he qualifies through Q-School in the first place, which is...unlikely, to put it mildly...)
I think he will return. Wow.
From what I've read on Google his return does not look promising so wouldn't get too excited. He may return but it doesn't look good let's put it that way and remember he'll be 50 years old.
He won’t return as he owes over £100,000. Also the flack Higgins got compared to Lee who was much worse is a disgrace.
No it was worse as he got a light sentence... actually got a way with it. If lee gets 12, higgins should get 3 years. No if no buts
You get a good honest talented professional in Paul Hunter whom sadly dies yet this cheat possibly gets a second bite of the cherry.
Fair my arse 😢
As for a lot of sports, some of us will always forgive, just for the sake of art.
Im jewish, and I could listen to Richard Wagner despite the fact he was obsessed with jews and antisemitism.
It is not advocating the wrong actions of a person.
Its just the comprehension that some of the geniuses are merely fvcked up, yet provide and produce tons of singularity moment of pure art.
Hence, forgiveness is needed.
He's not comin back.
His wife and 2 of his mates have already put 30 grand on it.
I hope not. Snooker is better off without him and the others that drove it into disrepute.
Talent must take second place to integrity.
Hope not, once a cheat…
Hopefully not. It should’ve been a lifetime ban.
Higgins is still playing....
@@jamescooke6032 how can you compare talking about gabbling and failing to report an approach to someone who cheated and fixed matches at least 7 times?
@@TheLastCrumb. I mean Higgins fixed matches.. We all know that.
@@TheLastCrumb. he was caught on camera by the news of the world talking about hiding 270k 🙄
And we all know how honest "The news of the world" was@@andyboardman7428
Hopefully Insha Allah. I think fans want to see him.