Shunned
AP English
Letter to the Editor
“Speak when you are angry– and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”- Laurence J. Peter. Words are powerful tools that can build up, tear down, discourage, encourage, bring life, or bring death (Asyndeton). Words have always been impactful, but in the last 30 years the way words can affect people have increased dramatically in scope. With the widespread use of cell phones and the advent of social media, words and ideas travel in the blink of an eye, regardless of the content. Sadly, many people find themselves regretting the words that were spoken over the web, over the phone or in open air; such is the case of Richie Incognito. Incognito is an offensive lineman on the Miami Dolphins who is praised by many as extremely talented. Although his athletic talent is impressive, it does not overshadow his anger issues. Throughout his career as a football player, the inability to control emotions has been his downfall, which has contributed to one of the biggest scandals in National Football League history. The organization that has defined American sports, that attracts millions of viewers from all walks of life and provides common ground for all people, is experiencing a dishonor that brings into question everything the NFL stands for. (Periodic Sentence)
As previously stated, Incognito has long had issues handling anger on and off the field, but in a recent turn of events his private issues have spilled into the public eye (Antithesis). Allegedly, Incognito caused Jonathan Martin, a teammate and fellow offensive lineman, to quit playing football because of Incognito’s incessant bullying and disturbing behavior. The harassment involved sending threatening and racially charged messages, making threats against Martin’s family and even Martin himself. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that Incognito’s intense harassment caused Martin to come to the point of fearing for his safety, and that leaving the team was
Letter to the Editor
“Speak when you are angry– and you will make the best speech you’ll ever regret.”- Laurence J. Peter. Words are powerful tools that can build up, tear down, discourage, encourage, bring life, or bring death (Asyndeton). Words have always been impactful, but in the last 30 years the way words can affect people have increased dramatically in scope. With the widespread use of cell phones and the advent of social media, words and ideas travel in the blink of an eye, regardless of the content. Sadly, many people find themselves regretting the words that were spoken over the web, over the phone or in open air; such is the case of Richie Incognito. Incognito is an offensive lineman on the Miami Dolphins who is praised by many as extremely talented. Although his athletic talent is impressive, it does not overshadow his anger issues. Throughout his career as a football player, the inability to control emotions has been his downfall, which has contributed to one of the biggest scandals in National Football League history. The organization that has defined American sports, that attracts millions of viewers from all walks of life and provides common ground for all people, is experiencing a dishonor that brings into question everything the NFL stands for. (Periodic Sentence)
As previously stated, Incognito has long had issues handling anger on and off the field, but in a recent turn of events his private issues have spilled into the public eye (Antithesis). Allegedly, Incognito caused Jonathan Martin, a teammate and fellow offensive lineman, to quit playing football because of Incognito’s incessant bullying and disturbing behavior. The harassment involved sending threatening and racially charged messages, making threats against Martin’s family and even Martin himself. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reported that Incognito’s intense harassment caused Martin to come to the point of fearing for his safety, and that leaving the team was