Vasily Utkin Says He Won’t Comment on Quincy Promes for Years, Citing Conviction Fallout
Vasily Utkin, the well known sports commentator and blogger, revealed in a recent episode of the YouTube program Football Club that he intends to avoid discussing Spartak Moscow striker Quincy Promes for a long period. His decision stems from the recent court ruling in a drug trafficking case that involves Promes, a development Utkin says has left him with strong, uneasy feelings.
Utkin explains that he wants to stay away from the topic for at least seven and a half years. He notes that the moment Promes continues to play for Spartak, he may be compelled to address the matter again, even if only to acknowledge the ongoing controversy. In such moments, Utkin says he might phrase things differently, perhaps referring to Promes as a convicted criminal in future discussions. The sentiment he shares is one of clear disappointment and personal repulsion, a reaction rooted in the fallout from the legal proceedings rather than the sport itself.
The legal timeline shows that on February 14, an Amsterdam court handed Promes a six-year prison sentence for cocaine trafficking. The proceedings had concluded on January 24, with prosecutors seeking a nine-year term for the player. Promes has remained with Spartak Moscow during this period and is currently part of the club’s training camp in the United Arab Emirates, continuing his professional duties while the case progresses through the legal system. This juxtaposition of professional commitments and legal consequences has been a focal point for fans and analysts alike, particularly in contexts where a player’s off-field actions contrast sharply with on-field performance.
Observers note that the case has effectively clarified who is departing from Spartak Moscow, signaling a significant shift in the club’s future lineup and public perception. Promes’s status and the ongoing legal saga continue to influence commentary and analysis around the team and its strategy, both in Russia and among international audiences following the league. The stance taken by Utkin reflects a broader pattern where analysts grapple with separating a player’s court outcomes from his athletic contributions, a challenge that resonates with fans who seek candid, accountable sports discourse. In the Canadian and American sports communities, this situation has sparked discussions about how clubs respond to players facing serious legal charges, the timing of public statements, and the responsibilities of media figures when covering controversial figures in football.