Common Core State Standard L.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: Video of a current news event is presented for discussion to encourage student participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the video. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.
06/15/2026
Violence erupts during Knicks championship celebration
After the celebration of the New York Knicks winning the NBA championship turned violent, police in riot gear confronted people climbing onto vehicles, smashing windshields, and setting a school bus on fire in Times Square. Violent riots after sporting events are nothing new in New York City or thousands of other cities around the world. Sports fans have fought and killed each other at least since ancient gladiator shows and chariot races.
■Class discussion: Why do fans (short for fanatics) become so emotionally involved in sports teams and competitions? Are you an ardent fan of any sports team? Do you have favorite athletes? Do you become angry or elated when they lose or win? Are you excited by watching athletes violently injuring each other? Can you imagine 30,000 people killed in riots over a chariot race? Some say sports were created as a substitute for war. Does it work? Why or why not?
