Page 63 of Hot for the Hockey Player
“What do you mean?”I peeled out of Gabrielle’s driveway and made my way down the road toward the stop sign, rows of grapevines on either side of me.
“Don’t bullshit me, Mav.You went on thatstupidchick’s podcast and offered to fucking foot the bill for Henderson’s victims’ legal fees.Are you fucking crazy?”
“Well, at least you’re calling them what they are: victims.And no, it’s not crazy.And don’t call her stupid.Besides, you know as well as I do that Henderson is a predator and that he absolutely did what he’s been accused and charged of.He’s a tool who thinks he’s above the law and canbuyhis way out of a problem.Why are you calling me, Vance?Because last time I checked, you didn’t really give a shit how I spent my money as long as you got paid.So unless you have some endorsement deal to talk with me about …”
“No!I’m calling to do damage control, man.The league is pissed.Some of your teammates, as well as their agents, are calling me.They’re all pissed.Saying you’re not a team player, and it’s easy to lose perspective when you’re not in the locker room with them every night.”
I laughed bitterly.“Oh, really?I’ve been out—because of an injury—for six freaking weeks, and I’ve lost perspective?I’ve lost perspective on the fact that the sexual assault and misogyny in this league, and among the players, isn’t rampant?Fuck off, Vance.”
“Mav, this is career suicide.And this is a contract year, and you’re out for injury right before the playoffs.No team is going to want you.You’re a liability.They’re saying you’re against the brotherhood.The bro code.”The desperation in his voice was palpable, and while Vance was a good agent, I knew his desperation was to save his own skin and our contract together that paid him handsomely.He wasn’t concerned for me specifically, and definitely not for the victims of my so-called “teammates.”
“Fuck the bro code.If nobody stands up to this bullshit, for these women, it’ll never stop.He’s been charged with fuckingrape, Vance.The most unjustifiable, most inexcusable crime.Murder.Fucking murder, can be justified, depending on the circumstances.Rape can’t.So if you’re not going to do your job as my agent and back me up, rather than dance for the overlords of the league, then maybe this is where our relationship ends.”
I was sure Vance was pacing in his high-rise condo in Portland right now, raking his hand through his hair, his other hand twitching for a cigarette.He used to smoke, and still did sometimes when he was drunk, but after this, he’d probably run to the nearest bodega and buy a pack.
My phone vibrated in the passenger seat to indicate a text message.
I navigated the wet roads of the island back to the cabin, determined not to placate Vance.I paid him to do a job, and either he did it, or he went elsewhere.
By the time I pulled the truck up in front of my cabin, Vance agreed to do what he could to represent my views on things to the media, and try to smooth things over with the sports gods.However, he didn’t sound particularly optimistic.
We disconnected the call, and I started scrolling through my messages as I entered the cabin.
(Jasmine)
Your interview is blowing up.I’ve never had this many listens in only a few hours.THANK YOU!
(Jasmine)
Any backlash yet?I’m really sorry if there is any.If it means anything though, female fans are OBSESSED with you.I’m guessing you already knew that.But even more are now.You’re being called a ‘green flag’ hero.
(Dad)
We need to talk, son.Just heard this podcast you were on.What has gotten into you?
Are you in Portland?Do I need to come see you?
Call me as soon as you get this message, Maverick.I’m getting calls from the league with questions I can’t answer.
(Rebel)
Mav, you taking too many painkillers?What did you do?
(Riot)
Little brother, it would have been easier to just jump off a bridge.This will be the death of your career.What is going on?
(Roman Woodman)
So, half the team wants your head on a pike, the other half stand by you.That was some brave shit, man.You know I agree with you, but I’m not sure I’d have the balls to say all that on a podcast.You getting your ass handed to you yet?
(Mom)
I love you, son.
My pulse raced as I collapsed onto the couch and finished reading my messages.Obviously, my dad and brothers would be concerned about my career.But the messages from Roman and my mom helped ease that vice squeezing around my chest.I didn’t regret what I said to Jasmine.I stood by it one hundred percent.And it wasn’t defamation of character when the media was printing the exact same thing.However, I failed to consider the implications it might have on my family.
I texted back to my mom first.
