Page 120 of In the Safety's Zone
“Carter’s ass on the sideline in the medical tent. Stupid ass. You probably gone get fined though.” Coby acted like he didn’t understand I didn’t give a fuck.
“I’ll take that. He wasn’t gone keep talking shit. He lucky that damn donkey kick was all he got.”
When it was all over we had a penalty but they had two so it was a net positive for us. I happily sat my ass on the bench for the next round of plays so I could refocus. We won and I was ready to get to the tunnel to see my baby. She had made it a habit to wait there for me and I knew she was gonna have something to say about the fight.
Sure enough, she was there waiting on me with her hands on her hips. The black leather joggers flowed well into the black stiletto boots she wore. The cropped hoodie she wore showed off the flatness of her stomach. She looked good as hell but that frown on her face had me worried.
“You good?”
I gave her a kiss as I waited on her to answer. “There ain’t no nigga about to mess up what I got going on in life. He can talk all that shit he wants to. Tried to speak on everything he thought I was going to react from. I kicked his ass off me and if the league got a problem with that I’ll argue the fine. For right now I’m chillin’.”
She nodded but I knew she was still worried about me getting in trouble. “As long as you say you’re good that’s all I care about.”
“Listen, I was going to put him on his ass and then I remembered that I didn’t have to worry about that shit. It’s water off a duck's back. He can say whatever he wants, but I can back my shit up. I gotta get changed and go for press. Soon as I’m done we’ll head to Rye and Ant’s, okay?”
“Alright.”
I kissed her again before heading into the locker room and grabbing a shower. I put my suit back on and packed my stuff up. I knew everyone was going to ask about the situation with Carter so when I sat down behind the mic I was ready for it. I’dhad a solid game outside of that but how I played wouldn’t be the focus. I was annoyed with myself about that but I couldn’t change it.
“Anthony, what was that with Miles Carter?”
These lights were bright as hell and I was ready to just get done with this so I could go. As grateful as I was for being a part of the media’s interest because of how I was playing, I didn’t want to spend a bunch of time rehashing my play when I’d be doing the same thing on Monday during film with people that actually mattered. This question was one reason I needed them to end this as quickly as possible.
I heard my brother shift but I didn’t bother to glance at him. I already knew he had a scowl on his face because he couldn’t help but be protective of me. This question was bullshit so I was going to take it as the joke it was. I grinned not because the joke was laughable but because I didn’t want her to think anything serious was going on.
“What you mean?”
“There was a lot of jawing on the field and then he tried to take your helmet off.”
I hated that she was the one to ask this question because people already tried to discount women in sports as it was. This type of question was messy and had nothing to do with sports. It was some sensationalized bullshit I’m sure her people put her up to.
“Some people can’t handle the pressure of the moment.” I left it at that trying to keep from disparaging dude because if he kept on yapping after this I was gone find his ass and show him why he shouldn’t have.
“Is that what it was?”
“What you think that adult tantrum was on the field? People get upset because they not getting to run up and down the field the way they used to. It’s part of the game. I understand hisfrustration on a professional level but the way it manifested was uncalled for.”
“So, your coverage was the reason he was upset?” I looked at her and could see she wasn’t going to let up.
“If you were talking trash to a bunch of people and couldn’t get a catch, wouldn’t you be?”
The media had been talking about his social media posts all week. He was mad at Choo for being drafted ahead of him and for being better than him now. He thought he was gone get back at my brother by hoing me on the field. Shut that shit right down and that’s why is ass was mad. They had paved the way for a confrontation, but were now trying to act innocent.
“Care to elaborate on what was said?”
I laughed again and I knew I looked like an asshole but this wasn’t worth my energy. “Nah, because that doesn’t accomplish anything. I let the scoreboard and my stats speak for me. I think I did my job today and I can go home and sleep well because of that.”
“And what—”
“Let’s move on from interrogating my players. If you need an interview please speak with Stephanie in media relations to have one set up.”
I was so thankful that Rachelle could get this moved along. Stephanie was out for the day and we weren’t sure why she missed the game but Rachelle was the next senior member in the communications department. Nobody was going to speak crazy because she was Coach Stew’s wife and they knew he, and therefore we, didn’t play about her.
We were finally done and the next round of players were ushered in to get their moments of asking questions and we could move on with life.
“You staying in or you heading out?” We’d stopped just outside the media room and I was ensuring I had everything.
“Very much laying up with my girl.” I needed to soak but would come back tomorrow for treatment.
