Page 12 of Off the Rim
"Ashton, like I said, you're a great player?—"
"So then why are you making me sit out?"
Coach clears his throat, crossing his arms and waiting for me to listen to what he has to say. I bite the inside of my cheek so hard I taste copper.
"You're a great player,butI think you'll be better with a year of practice and development under your belt."
"I've been a championship level player since I was ten years old."
"I'm not trying to downplay your skills, son. You wouldn't have gotten this far if you weren't a good player. But I think you need some time to develop as a team player."
"What does that mean?"
"The last several years, you've flourished with a team of guys all passing you the ball and clearing the way for you to make shots?—"
"—isn't that the point?"
"That's not how we do things here at the college level."
"But—"
"And that's not how things are done in the NBA, either. I know that's your goal, and I think this is how I can best help you reach it."
Or you can just give me the ball and get out of my damn way.
"Did my dad put you up to this?"
"Excuse me?"
"This is some sort of prank, right? He's getting back at me for not choosing CVU?" Coach doesn't say anything, his brow so deeply furrowed I'm convinced it'll leave a mark in his forehead. "Oh, wait. I see what's happening here." Crossing my own arms, I lean back and assess Coach the way he's assessing me. "If this is your way of getting my dad to open his checkbook and make a donation, all you had to do was ask. I won't stand to be threatened or bribed?—"
"I can assure you, your father has nothing to do with my decision."
"Look, I'll get him to make the donation, just stop this?—"
"This school brings in over forty-five million dollars a year in revenue. A check from your daddy isn't going to change a thing." He stands. "If anything, the way you're behaving in response to this is proof that you're not ready. Sit back, listen, and learn, Ashton. Work on becoming a team player, then your first year on the court will be a breakout success."
"This is ridiculous."
"You're dismissed, Ashton."
Aside from my father, I have never been talked to like this in my life. My face burns, and I want to throw something, but I knowshowing my anger will look like a tantrum in his eyes. I'll find a way around this. I'll transfer to one of the other half a dozen schools that begged me to join their rosters. Coach Callion will be sorry.
I'll show them. I'll show them all.
To my fans, teammates, and supporters,
After careful consideration with my coaches and family, I have made the decision to accept a redshirt for the year. This was not an easy decision, but is in the best interest of my team and my long-term development as a player.
While I won’t be on the court this season, I remain fully committed to supporting my team and our goals. As an athlete, I am eager to compete and contribute to a winning season. This year will provide me with a valuable opportunity to focus on my academics and my future on this team.
Thank you for understanding and for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Ashton James
A cameraman moves along the row of players, pausing in front of me for an uncomfortably long time. I want to put my hand up in front of the lens, or tell the camera guy to fuck off, butit would only make everything worse. Instead, I look straight ahead, pretending to be interested in the game and not at all embarrassed to be sitting on the bench instead of playing.
