GameStop manager suspended over games-for-grades

The manager of a South Dallas branch of video game retailer GameStop has been suspended after requiring children to prove that they have good grades before allowing them to purchase games.

Brandon Scott, who is married to a teacher, insisted that no school-aged customer could buy a video game from his store unless an adult confirmed that the child is getting decent results in school.

"He needs to be reading a book. He knows how to play Madden before he knows how to do his ABCs and 123s. That's backwards," said Scott.

Scott reckons that he has refused about two dozen sales, but admitted that the chain's owners did not endorse, or even know about, his policy. GameStop has suspended Scott while the firm considers his actions.

"I am probably going to get in trouble for this, but to me it is worth it because the kids understand that somebody cares," Scott said prior to his suspension.

Parents have generally approved of Scott's initiative, and several commentators have criticised GameStop's management for its actions, saying that the company should adopt the policy in all its stores, rather than punish Scott.

"GameStop is learning about and evaluating Scott's concept. As always, GameStop maintains its corporate commitment to assisting parents and other consumers in making informed choices," said the company in an emailed statement.

Scott even promised to buy one student a video game on the condition that he gets straight As on his next report card, although it is unclear whether the deal still holds following his suspension.