The problem is though, mud sticks.
He might never have another off-field incident ever again, yet the name Joey Barton will still be used as a stick to beat him with or a by-word for yob.
I'm sure there are players up and down the country, who get into bother many many times, but it gets hushed up, or the press don't want to make mileage on it. Yet as soon as Barton so much as gets a parking ticket, I bet you someone in the media will give it air time or column inches.
Regardless of weather he's a reformed character or not, he's a rich professional sportsman, who deosn't speak with a plumb in his mouth. For some, thats good enough reason to kick him, right there.
On a side note. I thought he'd be quite good in American Football. I've heared his clothes-liners are legendary.
Sorry Joey. Couldn't resist