Whilst I agree with the last bit. He has not served his time. He has served half in prison and is currently serving the rest in the community. For me, I think the issue is that Football today is such a privileged job for those that are able to compete at a high level. The rewards are immense and those of us doing an ordinary job can not even comprehend how much they earn. Whether people like it or not, players are role models and most probably live an a world where they believe they can do no wrong (probably through hangers on and agents etc) - though that is speculation on my part. I think it is very hard for many people who have committed a crime to restart their lives, his case is not helped by what he does for a living. That being said, I am saddened by the way some people also use the free speech and mob mentality to defend him and further ruin the life of the victim and she is a victim. He himself has shown no remorse despite being convicted and an appeal turned down.
You make valid points, but to me the issue of how much they earn shouldnt be relevant and nor should the fact that he has served half his sentence. According to the law of the land he's free to be out of prison and free to work, as anyone would be from a bloke who flips burgers in McDonalds to an offshore worker or a City Banker, the last to potentially earning more money than he will be in league 1.
It seems people are looking to football to punish him because they dont feel that the law has punished him as much as it should. That isnt football's job and people should direct their anger elsewhere. It is not up to football to be the moral beacon for the world. That way lies madness because generally footballers, like a lot of rich young people, get up to all kinds of unsavory stuff. Dads still take their kids to cheer on racists, homophobes and blokes who shag prostitues and or do drugs.
The people berating and bothering the victim are disgusting human beings, but that is not his fault. And in terms of an apology he evidently believes he is not guilty and is pursuing an appeal - one which seemingly has legs given that is being fast tracked by the relevant review commision. He cannot therefore make any comment or otherwise when those proceedings are ongoing.
He's in a lose/lose position - don't apologise and be accused of showing no remorse, apologise and still pursue his appeal he's accused of not being sorry anyway.
Perhaps its best for everyone if he waits until the outcome of the appeal is known. That may be the best way to go, and it looks like that's what will happen anyway.