Shaun Murphy Advocates for Second Chance for Banned Snooker Player Stephen Lee

Former world snooker champion Shaun Murphy has called for Stephen Lee to be given a second chance in the sport, despite Lee’s 12-year ban for match-fixing. Lee, once ranked fifth in the world, was found guilty of manipulating the outcome of seven matches between 2008 and 2009, leading to his suspension from professional snooker in 2013. The ban, which runs until October 2024, effectively ended his career at the highest level, but Murphy believes it’s time to reconsider Lee’s situation.

In a recent interview, Murphy, known for his strong opinions on the sport’s governance and ethics, suggested that while Lee’s actions were unquestionably wrong, people deserve opportunities for redemption. “I’m a big believer in second chances,” Murphy said. “Stephen has served his time, and as a sport, we need to show that rehabilitation is possible. What he did was wrong, and he’s paid a huge price for it. But after a certain point, you have to ask: Is he going to be punished forever?”

Lee’s case remains one of the most significant scandals in snooker history. He was found guilty of fixing matches for financial gain, and the resulting investigation led to a substantial fine and the lengthy suspension. His ban, one of the harshest ever handed out in the sport, reflected the seriousness of his offenses and the determination of snooker’s governing body, the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA), to maintain the sport’s integrity.

Despite the severity of Lee’s crimes, Murphy argues that the sport could benefit from showing leniency once the ban expires. “I’m not suggesting he should be welcomed back with open arms as if nothing happened,” Murphy clarified. “But we have to think about rehabilitation and reintegration. He has knowledge and experience that could still contribute to the game, whether as a player or in another role.”

The idea of a second chance for Lee remains controversial. Many within the snooker community feel that his actions undermined the sport’s credibility, and a return to any form of involvement in professional snooker would send the wrong message. However, Murphy’s comments have sparked debate about the appropriate response to players who commit serious violations of the sport’s rules.

Lee has maintained his innocence, consistently denying the match-fixing allegations. As his ban nears its conclusion in 2024, it remains to be seen whether snooker’s governing bodies or the broader snooker community will be willing to allow him a path back into the sport.