Debate SCO ESSAYPE ’S KIT What y o Does Michael Vick Deserve His Comeback? write a they say. His dogfighting ring had u ne perfect ed to essay. been running for years. Many companies do not hire people who have committed serious crimes, so why should the NFL put Vick back hold professional athletes to higher standards. They owe it to the young fans who look up to them.” Second Chance? endlessly on the sports channel Vick’s supporters say he deserves ESPN. Fans were horrified. Vick price for his crime. _____________________ _______________________ most celebrated quarterbacks in his crimes—not only a jail sentence _____________________ _______________________ the NFL. Popular and charismatic, but also the loss of millions of dollars _____________________ _______________________ _____________________ _______________________ in endorsements, fees, and fines. Furthermore, he has publicly companies like Coca-Cola, apologized and is working with the Nike, and Hasbro. Across Humane Society of America to speak 2 ___________________ 2 _____________________ America, kids proudly wore out against the cruelty of dogfighting. his jersey and hung his posters Although his crimes were serious, _____________________ _______________________ in their rooms. they were not connected to _____________________ _______________________ football—and his punishment _____________________ _______________________ shouldn’t be either, supporters argue. _____________________ _______________________ 3 ___________________ 3 _____________________ into their leagues after serving jail _____________________ _______________________ time. Shouldn’t Vick get the same _____________________ _______________________ treatment? As Eagles coach Andy _____________________ _______________________ _____________________ _______________________ what he did illegal,” said NFL This debate has been simmering Commissioner Roger Goodell, touchdowns. They dazzle around Michael Vick, who returned “it’s cruel and reprehensible.” us with their slam dunks. to football this season after serving Vick pleaded guilty to his crimes They inspire us with their 19 months in prison. His crime was and was sent to a Kansas prison. determination to win especially ugly: Vick and three friends Game over for Vick, right? ran a gruesome dogfighting ring. Wrong. today’s top professional athletes are Many dogs died in the fights. Others This fall, Vick was hired by the among the most admired Americans. were tortured and even killed if they Philadelphia Eagles and was soon did not perform well in the ring. named their starting quarterback. Many sports commentators and Should they be allowed to stay in pro images of the scarred and limping fans cheered his comeback. But sports? Or should they be banned? dogs and their filthy kennels played others were appalled. Vick didn’t SCHOLASTIC SCOPE • NOVEMBER 8, 2010 ©ERIC HARTLINE/US PRESSWIRE; MUGSHOT: MUGSHOTS.COM; PENCIL: ISTOCKPHOTO.COM from football. “Not only is against all odds. It’s no wonder that 12 1 _____________________ point out that he paid the price for NFL officials suspended Vick After Vick’s arrest, heartbreaking He already paid the 1 ___________________ Atlanta Falcons and one of the Within days of his arrest, athletes commit serious crimes? I DO NOT SUPPORT MICHAEL VICK’S RETURN TO FOOTBALL. a chance to reclaim his old life. They Cruel & Reprehensible But what happens when star NO I SUPPORT MICHAEL VICK’S RETURN TO FOOTBALL. had been a star player for the in endorsements from T YES wrote on an ESPN blog, “We need to he earned millions of dollars hey thrill us with their Do you support Michael Vick’s return to football? Go back to the article and find information to support each side. Write the information on the lines below. in the national spotlight? As one fan WITH MICHAEL VICK’S RETURN TO FOOTBALL, MANY WONDER IF THE NFL IS SENDING THE WRONG MESSAGE TO YOUNG FANS Michael Vick was an NFL superstar— until he was convicted of a terrible crime that landed him in jail. What Do You Think? make just one impulsive mistake, Other athletes, like hockey player Bob Probert and football player Jamal Lewis, have been allowed back Reid says, “One of the great things about America is that you’re given a second chance.” everyone is pleased about his return EXAMINE POINTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ARGUMENT—AND YOUR OWN BELIEFS—to decide what you think about this issue. State your opinion in one sentence below. This can become a thesis statement in an essay on this topic. to sports. But he is determined to ______________________________________________________________ As for Vick, he knows that not put his dark past behind him. “All I can do is hope that people forgive,” he told the New York Times. “I can’t make them forget.” • ______________________________________________________________ GET THIS ACTIVITY ONLINE TAKE THIS ACTIVITY FURTHER! WRITE A PERSUASIVE ESSAY WITH OUR SCOPE TEMPLATE. SCHOLASTIC.COM/SCOPE • NOVEMBER 8, 2010 13
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