Zach Jesse

Idk much about it but I was wondering what y'all thought about it?

Basically Jesse (a multiple GP Top 8er) got a 35 year DCI ban for what he has done in his past. That's not related to mtg. 12 years ago at a frat party he raped a girl and pleaded guilty and served his time.

Idk everything about the case but off the few facts I know it seems weird that the DCI would ban a player for non mtg things that occurred 12 years ago even though he served his punishment

I think the fact his potential opponent tweeted that info was super unprofessional when they were headed for the top8. I feel that guy should receive some backlash for his actions.

No way am I saying that being a rapist is ok, but sabotaging your opponent is just straight up salty.

Rape is a strong word and also not what he was charged with. He took a plea and avoided a lifetime sentence. Wotc shouldn't have banned him imo. There's a lot to get into on it, but just posting my opinion on it without getting into arguing

Sorry that's just what I've heard through the grapevine

I think the fact his potential opponent tweeted that info was super unprofessional when they were headed for the top8. I feel that guy should receive some backlash for his actions.

No way am I saying that being a rapist is ok, but sabotaging your opponent is just straight up salty.

If he's already been dealt punishment by the court and served his sentence, then who does WOTC think they are bringing it back up and banning him (essentially) for life? I'm not saying what he did was okay by any means, that's some pretty f*cked up sh💩t. But that's his business, it's done and over with as of 15 years ago. Now this guy can't play professional Magic ever again. Even once it's lifted, I'm pretty sure he won't want to play in a competitive environment ever again due to the ridicule he will recieve.

This entire situation is awful, and it's even worse because WotC hasn't said ANYTHING about it

Quote from: Potticus on July 03, 2015, 04:12:10 PM

Rape is a strong word and also not what he was charged with. He took a plea and avoided a lifetime sentence. Wotc shouldn't have banned him imo. There's a lot to get into on it, but just posting my opinion on it without getting into arguing

Sorry that's just what I've heard through the grapevine

He took a plea bargain and didn't go to court, basically he admitted to rape which is what he did, and didn't get charged with exactly that

Not much different than employers not hiring felons.  Ban hammer approved imo

Who is wotc to ban on non-magic related things?
I'm not too sure I can agree with this direction, though I haven't read into the facts yet.
Yet, this is a very strong "first sentiment" I have on this one.


https://m.reddit.com/r/magicTCG/comments/35q0yx/in_light_of_recent_discussion_a_post_by_zach_jesse/

This article, though somewhat older, gives me the idea that besides the tweet, no actual threat of misconduct is in order.
I understand in the light of the recent "open the community to women"-articles, that the Dci acts on this to give a statement that women are safe, but I think it is wrong.
(Before you jump me, this is by no means intended to bagatelle the uncomfortable-ness of women at competitive events as described in said articles.)

It is their tournaments and if they do not want someone like that to be a potential role model then it is wotc decision.  It is just like going to any place of business.......there is the right to refuse service.

IMO it's a PR move. They don't want Zach winning a PT or something, then having some big time news paper catch drift. Picture the head line:

'Rapist wins prestigious magic: the gathering tournament'

Looks great for the game, right?

Also of note: looks like wotc didn't have much to do with this, Zach was contacted by a lawyer, which probably means hasbro did this, if wotc did it he would be contacted by a DCI employee

It is their tournaments and if they do not want someone like that to be a potential role model then it is wotc decision.  It is just like going to any place of business.......there is the right to refuse service.

Thing is that at any given GP there are probably a few ex cons (hell look at Chapins history)

Not to mention minors also play mtg.  Forget that paid debt to society crap......do you think the person he raped looks at it like his debt has been paid?  That person gets to live with that for their entire life.

Quote from: cltrn81 on July 03, 2015, 05:23:26 PM

It is their tournaments and if they do not want someone like that to be a potential role model then it is wotc decision.  It is just like going to any place of business.......there is the right to refuse service.

Thing is that at any given GP there are probably a few ex cons (hell look at Chapins history)

True. But magic is a different game then when Chapin won the GP, so he didn't get banned back then, Since then he's been an integral part of the community so they can't ban him. Is it fair? Nope. Is it wotc's best move? Probably

As a felon - it should really be a case by case situation for employers


WOTC also disabled his online account, which if he paid for, they just basically said - we don't like you, your database is done"

That's some premium magical bullshit

And the fact his opponent is the one who displayed his black mark, why doesn't he get any flak


And im a felon due to marihuana. So that's already silly on its own. The laws of society are pretty flawed.

We have no idea what happened in his case also, I would hope he didnt do a drunk rape or partake in a gang bang rape. Serving your sentence is one thing but sometimes people who aren't convicted go overboard with the "he's a criminal he deserves no rights" idea

What gives WotC the right to ban him? Unless I'm missing some facts this is premium bullshit. Yes he did something wrong, but it's not WotC job to enforce the law or decide if he does or doesn't deserve punishment.

If it's about smearing the name how about that WotC isn't giving him a chance and is condemning him for something he did 12 years ago! C'mon now.