Soccer Players Now Aware of their Responsibilities

【Unlocking Word Meanings】

　今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. get away with [get uh-WEY with] (phrasal v.) – to succeed in avoiding punishment after doing something bad

Example: Drug tests ensure that athletes will not get away with cheating.

2. accountable [uh-KOUN-tuh-buh l] (adj.) – required to explain and take responsibility for one’s actions, decisions or behavior

Example:  The coach is accountable for whatever actions his team does.

3. scrutiny [SKROOT-n-ee] (n.) – a close and careful observation and examination

Example: The athlete came under scrutiny after being involved in illegal activities.

4. tactic [TAK-tik] (n.) – an action or plan used to achieve a desired result

Example: The player’s football tactics helped the team win the game.

5. take heed [teyk heed] (v. phrase) – to pay attention to something

Example:  The football player took heed of his coach’s advice and succeeded in winning the game.

【Article】

　ニュース記事

Read the text below.

Soccer superstars should now act more responsibly after a biting incident between players during the English Premier [PREM ih yair] League was televised last month. Liverpool striker Luis Suarez bit the arm of Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in a soccer match in early May. In 2010, Suarez was also caught biting an opponent during a Dutch League Game and was banned for seven matches. Last season, he racially abused a player from Manchester United and served an eight-match ban. Pedro Pinto, a CNN World Sport anchor, says that Suarez could have gotten away with the biting incident twenty years ago. But with today's extensive coverage and exposure of the league, players are increasingly held accountable for their actions. The Premier League is broadcasted in 212 territories and is watched by 4.7 billion people worldwide, making it the most watched soccer competition in the world. Each game is shot by 20 cameras and televised in HD. Because each game is televised worldwide, soccer players from the Premier League are now considered superstars, having money, fame and admiration from millions of fans. However, these players are always under close scrutiny in and out the soccer field. Some players admitted using various tactics before, such as poking or pinching when the referee wasn't looking, to distract opponents during the game. But now, players are forced to behave well and take responsibility for their actions. According to Pinto, players should take heed of and learn from the Suarez incident. Players should realize that a superstar status comes with great responsibility.

【Viewpoint Discussion】

　ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         Why should superstars be responsible for their actions? Please explain your answer.

·         What do you think are the best things about being a superstar? What are the worst things?

Discussion B

·         How would you behave if you knew that other people are watching all your actions?

·         How do you think can people avoid hurting each other or misbehaving during a competition?

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