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    Son of boxing great who was arrested on gun charges and robbed by party girls is fighting Jake Paul

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    World champion boxing trainer and Amir Khan’s former opponent found guilty of conspiracy to supply cocaine

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    Ex-Premier League star facing 13 YEARS in prison after being accused of smuggling TWO TONNES of cocaine

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    I was jailed for robbery aged 15 before becoming a drug dealer and rapper – but now I’m an academy scout for Arsenal

    JOSEPH BOL has gone from dealing drugs, getting stabbed by rival gangs and spending three separate stints in prison, to helping Arsenal uncover new talent as an academy scout.Bol, 39, has turned his life around, putting crime in his rear-view mirror and excelling as a football scout.Joseph Bol has turned his life around after three spells in prisonCredit: instagram @joeblackukBol is now an academy scout at ArsenalCredit: instagram @joeblackukBol works as Arsenal’s grassroots academy coordinator for East London, helping the Gunners identify the best talent across U9s to U14s level.It’s far cry from what he was doing at a similar age to the youngsters, with Bol being sent to prison for three years at just 15 years old for robbery.He also found himself wrapped up in dealing Class A drugs and ultimately being convicted for that too.Speaking to The Times, he recalled: “I wanted things my mum didn’t deem necessary, like designer clothes, trainers, and that led me down a slippery slope. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I stopped playing football and I started selling and smoking weed, and then it went on to be more Class A drugs. I was just in a bubble thinking this is going to be my career path.”After being let out of prison for the first time, Bol turned his attention to rap music – amassing millions of YouTube views for his songs about crime.He added: “I came out and got adulation from my peers, it boosts your ego, and I just started rapping about what I was going through. “It was more about selling drugs. We didn’t really have postcode wars at the time.”Most read in FootballBol releases rap music under the name ‘Joe Black’Credit: instagram @joeblackukJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesBol, who recalled taking Maths and English GCSEs in a young offenders’ institute, was still wrapped up in the world of crime for some time.And was even stabbed in the arm and leg while sitting in the front seat of his car by four members of rival gang at one point. But after turning 21 and finisng himself in an adult prison, Bol’s life changed thanks an officer who encouraged him to complete FA Level One and Community Sports Leader coaching courses.He recalled that decision helped him “break the cycle” and he started to volunteer at a local football club when he was released from prison.In 2012 he set up his own grassroots team, AC United, which snowballed into an eight-team club with performances catching the attention of top scouts.Bol continued rapping about his old life at the same time, earning a reputation under his stage name “Joe Black”, and even performed as a support act for hip-hop superstar Rick Ross.Bol turned to football coaching after his release from prisonCredit: instagram @joeblackukUnexpectedly, it was his rap career that helped Bol land his first proper job in football.A standout player at AC United, Clinton Mola, was invited for a trial at Chelsea – with Bol accompanying him to the training ground.Upon his arrival at Cobham, Bol was mobbed by a group of U14 players – including a young Reece James – who recognised him from his music videos.Recognising the sway and impact that Bol had in the local community, Chelsea decided to hire him as a member of their coaching staff.They also signed Mola, who now plays for Bristol Rovers in League One and represented England from U16 to U21 levels.Bol recalled being concerned that Chelsea would turn him away after a DBS check of his criminal history.He said to The Times: “Rightfully so, because there were obviously reservations after what showed up [on the DBS check].“I did a risk assessment and they asked me how I ended up in these situations and what I’d done to change my behaviour to ensure I wouldn’t fall back into those old patterns.”Long story short, I think the years I put in coaching unpaid went a long way to overpower the past. Clinton Mola now plays for Bristol RoversCredit: Rex”They could see I was making a big effort to make a change. I got the role and I was there for just over five years.”From there Bol’s career in football scouting has taken over and he made the switch to Arsenal’s academy in 2020 – where he has been ever since.Working alongside academy manager Per Mertesacker, Bol’s role is to manage a group of scouts and make sure they are always covering all parts of East London.Along his way he has helped unearth and develop some of of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.Zain Silcott-Duberry, who made his Prem debut for Bournemouth this season, is just one of the youngsters he has had a hand in developing.While 14-year-old Trey Faromo, another Bol has helped identify, is thought to be one of the country’s brightest talents and recently made his debut for Chelsea Under-18.Read More on The SunNow Bol is targeting a spot as the head of recruitment at a Premier League club, but still recognises how far he has come.He said: “I feel proud of where I’m going. It’s good to reflect every once in a while to remember how far I’ve come”Zain Silcott-Duberry is a rising star at BournemouthCredit: GettyBol is rising through the ranks at ArsenalCredit: instagram @joeblackuk More

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    Ex-Arsenal starlet jailed over ‘significant role’ in plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into UK from Thailand

    A FORMER Arsenal starlet has been jailed over a plot to smuggle £600,000 worth of drugs in the UK.Jay Emmanuel-Thomas was arrested after border officials seized two suitcases containing cannabis at Stansted Airport.Ex-Arsenal star Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been jailedCredit: GettyHe was involved in a plot to smuggle £600k of cannabis into the UKCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas pleaded guilty to his roleCredit: PAThe drugs, which weighed around 60kg, had arrived via flight from Bangkok in Thailand.It is believed he may have been the intermediary between drug pushers in the UK and suppliers in Thailand and was described as having a “significant role”.Emmanuel-Thomas, 34, has now been jailed for four years after he pleaded guilty to fraudulent evasion of the prohibition on the importation of cannabis.Judge Alexander Mills told him he had a “substantial fall from grace”.Read more newsHe added: “It is through your own actions you will no longer be known as a professional footballer.””You will be known as a criminal. A professional footballer who threw it all away.”Chelmsford Crown Court heard the drugs were brought into the UK by Emmanuel-Thomas’ girlfriend Yasmin Piotrowska.She had flown business class to Stanstead Airport with Rosie Rowland to carry put the plot on September 2.Most read in FootballEmmanuel-Thomas was linked to the discovery by numerous WhatsApp messages, voice notes and pictures.The court was told it was “apparent” he had recruited the women, who were cleared after prosecutors offered no evidence in their case.He used his influenced as a professional footballer to sway the two women – offering them £2,500 plus a free holiday to Thailand.After Piotrowska was stopped by border officials, Emmanuel-Thomas messaged Rowland to tell her to “delete everything from our chat if you can”.The footballer then travelled to Stratford, East London, on September 5 and replaced his mobile.He was sacked by Scottish club Greenock Morton following his arrest last year.Emmanuel-Thomas is a former England under-17 and under-19 international.He began his career at Arsenal before playing for various clubs – including Ipswich Town, Bristol City, QPR, Livingston and Aberdeen.The striker signed a six-month contract with Greenock Morton in July.David Philips, NCA senior investigating officer, said: “Organised crime groups make significant profits by trafficking and selling perceived high-quality cannabis legally grown in the US, Canada and Thailand illegally in the UK.”Organised criminals like Emmanuel-Thomas can be very persuasive and offer payment to couriers. But the risk of getting caught is very high and it simply isn’t worth it.”Emmanuel-Thomas is the latest Brit to be caught smuggling drugs.The Sun revealed how Cameron Bradford, 21, is being detained in Germany for allegedly hiding cannabis in her bags on a flight from Thailand.A British OnlyFans model was also caught allegedly smuggling nearly £200,000 worth of Thai cannabis into Spain.Read More on The SunElsewhere, Brit Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while holidaying in Thailand.However, it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia.The footballer was arrested last SeptemberCredit: InstagramNCA officers found the drugs in two suitcasesCredit: UnpixsEmmanuel-Thomas previously played for AberdeenCredit: PA More

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    Shamed Prem ref David Coote filmed delivering Evri packages after cocaine video & Klopp rant destroyed career

    SACKED Premier League referee David Coote is now delivering packages for Evri — and says: “I’m just ­trying to make an honest living.”A couple were stunned to see the 42-year-old on their Ring doorbell, below, dropping off a parcel.Sacked Premier League referee is now delivering parcels for Evri as he attempts to ‘make an honest living’ after his drugs shame got him banned from footballCoote is currently serving a 16-month UEFA ban, but pals say he could return to the game eventuallyCredit: PABanned ref David Coote was caught snorting cocaine in a video clipCoote is serving a 16-month UEFA ban after video emerged of him savaging former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and a Sun clip showed him taking cocaine.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, Notts, and said: “I want to get on with my life.Have YOU got a story or an amazing picture or video? Email exclusive@the-sun.co.uk and you could even get PAID”I’m trying to move forwards and regain a sense of responsibility and purpose.READ MORE ON DAVID COOTE”The job is keeping me busy and occupied, it’s not a new long-term career.”The Sun told in November how Coote had called Klopp a “German c***” in a leaked video.We then revealed a film of him doing cocaine at last summer’s Euros.The homeowner at the address he delivered to said: “My husband’s a Liverpool fan and what David said didn’t go down well.Most read in Football”My husband had ordered a part for a vehicle he’s working on and recognised David.”He said, ‘He’s delivering packages now’. I was like ‘Oh my gosh, is he really?’”It’s his own downfall, at the end of the day. David got himself into this mess.Scandal-hit Premier League ref David Coote SACKED after videos emerged of anti-Klopp rant and snorting white powder”He lives up the road. I see him around town a lot.”Coote was fired by referee governing body PGMOL in December and is banned by UEFA till next June.He said: “The drugs happened on an entirely ad-hoc basis.”It fills me with a huge sense of shame to sit here and to say that I took that route.”Last month he ran the Rob Burrow Leeds Marathon to raise money for his uncle Mick who has motor neurone disease.Coote said: “I’m doing what I want to do, focusing on what’s important like spending more time with friends and family.”Friends backed him. A source said: “David’s a great lad who lost his career through stupidity, as he fully acknowledges.”There might be a return for him to the game at some point, and football definitely needs experts like him.Read More on The Sun”Until then he obviously has to pay the bills.”Evri did not comment.He works for the courier firm near his home in Newark, NottsCredit: GettyThe former referee is concentrating on ‘spending more time with friends and family’Credit: Louis Wood News Group Newspapers Ltd More

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    ‘I was there to lose’ – Confessions of journeyman boxer who LOST 96 fights but has WON battles with cocaine and booze

    JOURNEYMAN boxer Johnny Greaves battled drugs, booze, depression and abuse throughout his 100-fight pro career.The 46-year-old East Londoner admits he was “no better than useless” as he lost 96 TIMES.Johnny Greaves is one of Britain’s most celebrated journeyman boxersCredit: RexGreaves had 100 fights, winning his finalCredit: GettyHe would take some fights at the last minute, entering the ring on a stomach of lager, while also battling a debilitating cocaine habit and praying he would LOSE to guarantee further pay-days.Fans would SPIT on him as he walked into the ring and Greaves admitted that, at times, he was treated “no better than a dog.”But, no matter how big a beating he took, he never missed a day working as a self-employed painter-decorator to put food on the table for his missus Vicky, daughter Ruby and son Teddy.When Greaves turned pro in 2007, aged 30, he’d already fought 50 unlicensed and 30 amateur bouts.READ MORE IN BOXINGBut after being told he would earn just £800 a fight as a new pro, building up his name and needing to sell tickets, he swapped to the away corner.Knowing he could make almost £2,000 a pop as an opponent for up-and-coming stars, he forfeited his desire to be a champ.Greaves has relived his astonishing career for a new book called Bright Lights and Dark CornersAnd in an exclusive SunSport interview, Greaves revealed: “At the time I was skint. I didn’t have a lot of work on.Most read in Sport“Vicky and I had just moved into a place, Teddy had just been born with severe clubfoot, so he was in and out of hospitals every other day.“I was struggling badly.”However, his decision kick-started one of the most celebrated journeyman boxing careers in Britain, with Greaves fighting up to 20 TIMES a year.Britain’s next Tyson Fury set for world title & Taylor urged to fight on | Split DecisionRecalling his 2008 points loss to Ryan Walsh, Greaves revealed: “I’d just opened my third can of Fosters when my phone rang at 4.30pm on the Saturday.“I took the fight, agreed the money and was in the ring boxing at the Excel Arena at about ten past six.”On another occasion in 2012, Greaves, who also has a coaching licence, was set to act as a cornerman for Jody Meikle at York Hall – only to fight opponent Eren Arif himself.Greaves added: “I remember the promoter running out asking, ‘What do you weigh?’ I replied, ‘10st 6?’“He continued, ‘Do you want a fight?’ I said, ‘F***, what are you paying?’“So we discussed the money, then I phoned the missus to meet me at the station with a bag, my shorts, boots and a gum shield.“She passed the bag over the counter, I rushed back to York Hall and I was fighting about half an hour after that.”Greaves is very honest about the fight game, insisting money came first for him and winning could have affected his chances of earning.It’s not what a lot of people think, how the boxing game works. But let’s have it right – it’s a business, it’s not sport.Johnny Greaves He said: “I don’t wanna make it look like it’s bent, but, look, I boxed nine world champions, I boxed over 20 British champions.“I boxed the best fighters in the world – Anthony Crolla, Jamie Cox, Johan Perez.“Or, you’re boxing against young lads that look, let’s have it right, if you win these fights, you’re gonna lose work for yourself, you then become a risk, so you play the game.“You don’t let your hands go against these kids, you play through, get through nice and safe, get paid, lose on points, hopefully.”And then you fight again the week after.”But while he was boxing, Greaves harboured a secret not even his family knew.He was battling a cocaine addiction so fierce he would even take it on fight nights.He confessed: “I’m disgusted about the way I went through things with the drugs through my career. ‘Things were pretty crazy’“Recreational drugs, nothing performance enhancing. If anything it’s performance debilitating, to be honest.“Getting through packets of cocaine, just just to control my nerves, control my moods. I had a habit and I’m really disgusted about it.”Johnny Greaves in action against Dan Stewart in 2009Credit: PA:Press AssociationJohnny Greaves with a swollen eye against Bradley Skeete in 2011Credit: GettyIn 2009, Greaves fought Oisin Fagan in Dublin on the back of a massive booze bender.Greaves recalled: “I was on my own in a hotel room and up all hours of the night doing what I was doing.“I got in and boxed the top Irish lad the next day. Things were pretty crazy then.”Greaves has now overcome his cocaine habit and has been working painting The Shard at London Bridge Station.He added: “My family were always well provided for. My whole life has been about providing for my kids.“But my release, getting away and forgetting about my life as a loser, would be to go and get smashed and forget about it.”The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse that I was getting.Johnny Greaves He has also beaten his booze demons.But still suffers from depression, still bears the mental scars of fighting against vulgar, hostile crowds.And he said: “I’ve always been weak mentally, suffered a hell of a lot with depression and suicidal thoughts, very low self-esteem.“And look, when you’re in front of crowds of 900 people all screaming and shouting and slagging you off and laughing at your record, it was emotionally tough.“The toughest part of my boxing career was dealing with the abuse I was getting.“Why would I want my son coming to watch me get beaten and suffer dogs’ abuse from the crowd?“I’ve had people spit on me when walking into the ring, it’s a nasty game. I was treated no better than a dog at times.”I had 100 professional fights, I won just four. To anyone who doesn’t understand the game, you’re no better than useless.You’re Not AloneEVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicideIt doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:“People just don’t understand the game and the business model of how boxing actually works.“So dealing with things mentally and emotionally was tough.”Greaves had just one rule when he fought – his friends and family were banned from attending.He explained: “Look, I’m there to lose. I don’t want my wife and kids seeing that.”However, he made an exception for his final fight in 2013 when he BEAT Dan Carr at York Hall to bow out with a victory in front of 500 of his fans.Greaves beamed: “I fought my heart out and trained like a beast. I would have boxed anyone in my last fight and been confident enough to win it.“I would have boxed King Kong that last time and I’m pretty sure I would have at put up a good fight.”Greaves opens up on his astonishing career in his biography, Bright Lights and Dark Corners, which is on sale now.Detailing his boxing life in black and white helped him KO the demons that plagued his years in the ring.Read More on The SunHe said: “This book has been a therapy session for me, it’s about getting a lot off my chest.”Bright Lights & Dark Corners by Johnny Greaves is available to buy now at greavesbook.comYou can buy Johnny’s book, Bright Lights & Dark Corners, now More

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    Top flight star, 26, banned for two years after testing positive for ECSTASY as he’s released by club

    FRENCH top-flight star Ibrahima Niane has landed a two-year ban from football after testing positive for ecstasy.The striker has scored three goals in 27 games this season to help minnows Angers keep their place in Ligue 1.Angers ace Ibrahima Niane landed a two-year ban from football after testing positive for ecstasyAngers banished Niane after he injured a teammate in a training-ground clashBut France’s anti-doping agency AFLD has now banned Niane, 26, until April 2027 after drug tests found he had taken ecstasy and MDMA.Angers had already banished him from their first-team squad after he injured a team-mate in a training-ground clash in early April.He has since become one of seven first-teamers released by the western club, who finished 14th in France’s 18-team top flight.Senegal-born Niane’s contract with the Loire-region club is due to expire this summer.  Read More on FootballHe recently returned to his West African home country to consider his options.The AFLD said Niane may not “participate in any form of professional competition”.That includes “any form of activity, training camps or friendly matches.”Angers announced: “Initially signed on loan from Metz on 31 January 2023, Ibrahima Niane joined Angers SCO on a permanent contract the following summer.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The Senegalese striker scored six goals and supplied three assists in 76 games in all competitions”Former Senegal Under-20 international Niane helped Metz win promotion to Ligue 1 before moving to Angers.Niane amassed a total of six goals and three assists in 76 appearances during his two-year stint at Angers. More