Page 104 of No Pucks

So who even could have said anything?

I’m over reacting. I need to calm down, or I’m going to go into this damn meeting a nervous wreck. I tuck my folio under my arm and crack my knuckles. Whatever this is, worrying about it won’t change a fucking thing.

“Mr. Hawke. Sorry for the wait. The board was finishing something up. They will see you now,” a woman with a high tight ponytail says, leading me into the room.

I find myself in a boardroom with the athletic director, Gary, who was part of my hiring process, sitting in one of the seats.

“How’s it going?” I say, taking the only empty seat and laying my folio on the table.

“Good afternoon, Coach Hawke,” Gary says. “I’m doing fine. And yourself?”

“Great.” I don’t have it in me to give him any more. I glance around, feeling like I’ve walked into a trap. “What can I do for you all?”

“Well, Anthony, we’ve had a concerning report.”

My brows rise. “I can’t imagine what that would be about.” My voice remains steady. In this second, I remain cool, calm, and collected. I won’t be giving them a damn thing.

“I’m going to be blunt about it. I got a call from Michael Cox…”

I barely resist rolling my eyes. “Is he angry I didn’t have a space for him?”

“No,” Gary says coldly.

“Then I can’t imagine what a rival coach would have to say about me?” I want every person in this room to realize this isn’t credible.

“He has a concern about his son.”

My stomach falls out of my asshole. “Excuse me? What kind of concern?” I cut myself off before I say anything else. I need to know what they are accusing me of before I mount a defense.

“That you’re recruiting him outside of the NCAA rules.”

I laugh. Six months ago, I never would have had this reaction. I would have scowled and shut down. Relief floods me. “He’s eligible. I’m sure he already is being recruited heavily with how he plays. What exactly am I being accused of?”

“That you’re speaking to him outside of official meetings.”

“As is my right. All of us are allowed unofficial meetings with players.” I know the rule book. I’d lived it, and I make sure I have my ducks in a row.

“That isn’t what he said about unofficial meetings. He seems to believe you’re having his brother and other players show Evander a good time.”

I laugh again, shaking my head. “That man will really say anything. I am not participating in illegal recruiting activities. Cox Sr. has never liked me, which is no secret, and this is him making unfounded accusations because he’s mad we beat the Monsters.”

“How do we know these accusations are unfounded?”

“Why am I being accused on a rival coach’s word without evidence?”

“Michael told us he thinks you’re working with Logan and that Evander has been engaging in risky activity while avoiding his parenting time.” Gary presses his lips together, like his statement will magically make me confess.

I exhale, considering my words. “Logan has shared with me that he no longer speaks to his father because of abuse he suffered at home. I can only imagine both of them experienced the same version of Cox. For him to turn it into this is nothing but sabotage because we have a better team than he does.” A few of the board members exchange looks. Their façade is cracking, so I continue. “I’m disappointed I’ve been taken from practice going into playoff season to deal with this, considering the source.”

“We have to take all accusations seriously, regardless of their source, to insure we don’t run into issues with the governing body.”

I stare right at Gary. “Maybe you should use some judgement and discretion going forward.” I don’t want to make an enemyof Gary, but I won’t keep playing this game with Cox. My work stands for itself, and now plenty of other teams will be willing to hire me after seeing what I can do.

“We see the work you’re doing, and I know we picked the right man for the job, but we want to ensure we don’t run into issues, as I’m sure you can understand.”

“I’d like a relationship with the athletic department where I’m believed, particularly over a rival coach, because this is retaliation.” I’m oscillating between rage and humor.

“I’ll take your opinion into consideration. Please keep everything with the team above board.”

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