Scandal surrounding Griezmann's discoverer: 8 years in prison for sexual abuse!

Scandal surrounding Griezmann's discoverer: 8 years in prison for sexual abuse!

In a sensational trial about sexual offenses against minors, Eric Olhats, who became known as a scout for soccer star Antoine Griezmann, was sentenced to eight years in prison. This reports Footnews. The trial took place in Bayonne, France, where the public prosecutor made serious allegations against Olhats. During his defense, the 45-year-old denied the allegations but expressed regret over possessing child pornography.

Olhats, who managed Real Sociedad's talent factory between 2003 and 2018, discovered the young Griezmann and supported him on his journey until his move to Atlético Madrid in 2017. Meanwhile, the footballer himself spoke out for Olhats and gave him his support during the process. The verdict is expected on Tuesday evening, while Olhats is currently in custody.

A sad chapter

Olhats' case sheds a dark light on the problem of sexual abuse of minors, which is constantly in the headlines. A quality report from DW reports on another shocking case in France. A 74-year-old surgeon is accused of sexually assaulting around 300 patients, many of them minors, over decades. Over 200 alleged victims are being interviewed in this context.

The scope of the topic is obvious. In health care, there is still far too little information about power relationships and sexual assault. Magali Lafourcade, a committed former judge, calls for a broader definition of rape that takes such power dynamics into account. Initiatives should now be started in schools to better educate children about these topics and to strengthen them.

A look at the media

In the world of entertainment, the streaming service Netflix is ​​releasing a new mini-series. The British production “Eric”, directed by Lucy Forbes and starring Benedict Cumberbatch, tells the moving story of a puppeteer dealing with the disappearance of his son in New York in the 1980s. This production, which has already received some positive reviews, could show society in an artistic way the importance of family and interpersonal relationships.

The parallels between an athlete getting into trouble and the dramatic stories on screen show how relevant and complex the issues of our time are. It is time for a change in thinking, both in sport and in other areas of life, to create a safer environment for future generations.