In the Sports Illustrated article, “Here's the Real Crime,” author Rick Reilly believes that popular athletes should be treated no better than the average person when they commit crimes. a crime. Reilly argues that these athletes should not be kept on a golden pedestal simply because of their abilities, nor should they be treated like everyone else when they commit a crime. Reilly explains that Brandon Jackson, the football player, is charged with "six counts of robbery with a deadly weapon, each carrying a sentence of five years to life if convicted" (Reilly Par. 2) and, just because he's great on the field, there are no consequences. Reilly also describes how the NHL is no exception with Vancouver Canucks player Todd Bertuzzi cleared to play after breaking the neck of "Steve Moore of the Colorado Avalanche in a cheap shot." » (Reilly par. 19) I agree with Reilly's assertion that athletes and entertainers should not have immunity from the law and that they should be treated like everyone else when they break a law. This is the overall argument Reilly makes, but focusing only on Jackson's case: while coaches' job is primarily to build a good winning team, should they really go so far as to bail a kid out of prison so he can play for their team? team? Sure, they're trying to help the kid build a better future, but that doesn't just happen in high school football. These things also happen in professional sports, for example Michael Vick pleaded guilty to dog fighting charges and was sentenced to 21 months in prison. But after an incredible championship run with the Atlanta Falcons, everyone forgot what he did and, once again, fell in love with him and p...... middle of paper . .....e biases their thinking. When this kind of misconduct happens, they should kick players off the team, not let them get away with anything. Normal people would have a hard time finding a job after being involved in a crime, but professional athletes will still be able to do whatever they want while having a well-paying job, earning millions of dollars after every game. in which they are involved. This is why I agree with Reilly's assertion that it is false that athletes can get away with almost anything they do wrong. As time passes, it seems every day that more and more athletes and entertainers are being charged and getting away scot-free with drunk driving, gun possession, drug use, murder, rape and much more. This is why I agree with Rick Reilly's assertion that athletes do too many things they should be punished for..