Safety Net by Kirin Keiko

Author:Kirin, Keiko [Kirin, Keiko]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Sakana17 Press
Published: 2013-01-30T06:00:00+00:00

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Between practice and classes and all of Erick’s extra meetings, they didn’t spend much time together for the next couple of weeks, but Lowell checked on him every day, trying to be casual and non-obvious about it until one day Erick said, “Lowell, I’m fine. I’m getting through it. You can stop fussing now.”

“I’m not fussing,” Lowell said indignantly even though yeah, he kinda was.

It looked like things might balance back to normal (whatever normal was for them, Lowell thought), then one day Coach Miller called a meeting before practice and told them Lee had been suspended from practice for the rest of the quarter for underage drinking. The university highers-up had found that stupid video.

“And even those of you who are of legal drinking age,” Coach Miller said, gazing placidly around without zeroing in on Kryzinski and Erick, “should take a moment and reflect on your choices. Reflect on how well you represent Crocker and this team.”

Benton raised his hand. “Coach. Is Lee really suspended for the rest of the quarter?” One of the linebackers said, “This is bullshit. That kid at Mississippi State got caught drinking three times and was only suspended for a day.”

“Crocker University isn’t Mississippi State,” Coach Miller said calmly. Someone in the back -- Lowell couldn’t tell who -- put in, “Or USC,” and everyone laughed to relieve the tension.

Coach Miller clasped his hands behind his back. “Men, let me explain this to you, and don’t quote me on this, ever. You’re smart young men -- you’re at Crocker, so this goes without saying. Things go on at other schools. Things go on within the NCAA. Things that shouldn’t go on. Things that aren’t about football, not at the heart of it.” He looked around the room. “Just because these things go on and we all know about them, doesn’t mean it’s right. Doesn’t mean it’s how Crocker University does things.”

He paused, looking them all over. “There are expectations of you at Crocker. The university has strict rules about underage drinking that you’re all aware of. Not to keep you in line. Not to make you miserable at your young age. But because you represent this university. On or off the field, you’re telling the world that Crocker University doesn’t just attract the nerds and eggheads but some of the best damn athletes in the country. You’re telling the world that a university doesn’t have to hock its reputation to get one of the best damn football teams.”

One of the redshirt freshmen Lowell didn’t know raised his hand. “Coach. If Erick West had been caught underage drinking, are you saying he’d be suspended from football?” It was asked with a genuine curiosity.

Coach Miller scanned the room. “That’s exactly what I’m saying.” He smiled slightly. “Thankfully for us, Erick waited until he was twenty-one to do stupid things in a bar.”

The room laughed and Coach Miller dismissed the meeting with a nod. Erick stood up, though, and faced the guys. “I’m gonna try to keep

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