Chapter 14

Coach Campbell closed the door behind him as he walked into the private office next to the visitors’ locker room. He could hear the celebration going on next door, but was not up to joining them just yet. A lot had happened in the last ten hours, and this come back from behind victory that Jason and the others on the team put together was just the icing on the cake. He just needed to take a breather to put his thoughts together, but the powers to be wouldn’t let that happen.

Just as he slid into the seat behind the desk, he heard a knock on the office door and the door knob started to turn. Campbell was about to yell for whoever was behind the door to go away, but just as he started to speak, he saw it was Jerry Jones. Quickly he jumped to his feet and met the owner halfway between the desk and the door.

“What a game, what a game!” Jones said with a smile as he patted his head coach on the back. “I have seen Jason do some great things out there on that field, but never thought he would have been able to go out there and lead his team to victory like he did tonight!” Jones chuckled as he sat on the couch against the wall. “More so against a team like the one we just played.”

“I agree, Jason did an excellent job out there, but if you would go into that locker room and pat him on the back as the sole person winning this game he would say you’re wrong. He would point to his fellow teammates and say they are the ones that won the game, not him.” Jones nodded his head as Campbell went on explaining how Jason viewed the game.

“Yes, I know all that Campbell, but you can’t take away from the fact we were losing before he ran out on that field. I know the defense stepped up along with key players on the offensive line, but they wouldn’t have done that if they didn’t respect their new leader. Jason in such a short period of time has built that rapport with his team. A rapport that normally takes a couple years for a quarterback to build with the team he is asked to lead.”

Campbell nodded in agreement as Jones looked at the door that led into the locker room. “I know we have to get in there, but I need to talk to you about what happened before the game. Before leaving here tonight I want to sit down and speak with Skyler and the other players that pulled that stunt with Jason…” Jones facial expression quickly changed from joyful to serious. “But before I do, I want both of us to be on the same page on what punishment should be handed down.”

“I want them off this team!” Campbell yelled. “I can’t have players like those guys that have malice in their hearts for another one of their teammates. I don’t care if the teammate is on the first string or on the practice squad, they have to go if they pull a stunt like the ones Skyler and his cronies pulled here earlier today.”

“Let’s think about what you are saying Campbell for just a few minutes. Skyler and a couple of the others we need on this team. We need them suited up and out there on that field on game day in order to give us a chance to win.” Jones got up and walked over to Campbell. “I don’t know about you, but for me, I don’t want to see them on the other side of the field playing against us. A suspension is warranted at the worst, but throwing them off the team I feel is a step too far.”

“Why do you even bother asking me about an issue when you’ve already have made up your mind what you are going to do on that issue. I mean you already have your mind made up on what is going to happen to Skyler and the others, so why are we even having this conversation? It’s a waste of my time and yours. So let’s just stop wasting each other’s time and just…”

Jerry held out his right hand as he looked straight into Campbell’s eyes. He could see by the expression on his coach’s face that he has pushed the man to breaking point. As he has done to so many other coaches in the past. However, this time he knows he can’t afford to lose Campbell, not at this point of the season that is. There is just too much going on and if his head coach would walk out on him there is not a coach out there that would take the job.

“Look the players are waiting for you, as well as the press. Why don’t we just table this conversation until we get back to Dallas?” Campbell shot Jerry a dirty look that did not sit well with the owner. “I know you aren’t happy with me and some of the things I do to keep this team running, but at times I have to be the bad guy and make the decisions that seem to those looking in at the wrong decisions. They are not, and I believe you know that.”

“Sir, with all due respect, you’re wrong on what I think about your decision making, but hey, I’m just the head coach and you are the owner.” Campbell started to turn the knob to the door that led to the locker room. “You go ahead and do what you feel is right for this team and I will do the same. If you decide to keep Skyler and the other players that were involved in today’s incidents, I will not play them. They will not get a second of playing time, that I promise you!”

The look on Jerry’s face quickly changed. It went from a satisfied look to an angry one in seconds. Not wanting to lose face, Campbell refused to back down, he did not flinch. He stood his ground and just as he started to open the door, Jerry asked him to step back into the office. With a smile on his face, he closed the door before returning to the desk, still refusing to back down. This refusal did not sit well with Jerry, making him angrier by the minute.

Meanwhile, in the locker room the players started to wonder where their head coach was. They wanted to get out of their uniforms, shower and into their street clothes before it got so late that they could not celebrate their win as they normally do. Even more on this win since all the sport’s analysts were predicting they were going to lose, but here they are the victors of a well fought battle on the football field.

Jason stood off to the side, watching his teammates celebrate. It was not the normal reason he stood away from his teammates. This time it was because the way he looked. In order to get his hands free from his head, the doctors had to shave him bald. Now if he bent over, the person directly in front of him would either be blinded by the light bouncing off his shiny head. That, or they could see their reflection well enough to shave or comb their hair.

Admittedly, he didn’t want to be the punch line of his teammate’s jokes. He knew what had happened to him would be enough for months of jokes. Most in good taste, maybe some not, but none meant to be mean spirited from the majority of the team. Jason knew that, but tonight he did not want to be the one the team would use as their punch lines.

Quickly, Jason tossed on a T-shirt, his jeans, socks and shoes before grabbing what was his left in the locker and tossing them in his backpack. As he headed out the door, he tossed his uniform in containers that they were instructed to put them in. Once in the hallway, he looked around to find the quickest, but the safest way out of the stadium without being seen.

Just as Jason thought he had gotten away without being seen, he felt a tap on his shoulder. He didn’t want to turn around for fear it was one, if not all of the guys that had jumped him earlier. Forcing the big lump in his throat down, Jason turned around trying to hide that he was scared, but the trembling he could not stop.

“Hey man I didn’t mean to spook you!” Austin said with a grin on his face as he placed his hand on Jason’s shoulder to try and calm him down. “I wanted to talk with you without the guys around. When I saw you leaving, I thought what better time than now.” Austin could see he wasn’t doing much to calm his fellow teammate down. “If this is not a good time or you need to get somewhere, I understand and will talk with you when it’s more convenient.”

“No, that’s okay, right now is fine.” Jason could not help but crack a smile. Austin was half dressed, standing out for the world to see him. No shirt on, but wearing his uniform pants, socks, but no shoes. Jason could not help but think how handsome Austin is. Very well defined where he could see skin. “But don’t you think it might be better for this talk, we are about to have to be done in there.” Jason pointed to the doors, they exited out of.

“Why, I don’t care if people see me…” Austin trailed off as he waved his hands up and down his body with a bigger grin on his face than he had when he first walked out.

“I know you don’t, and hell if half the guys that watch us play every Sunday had your body they wouldn’t mind showing it off either. But, if someone walks around the corner and sees us talking, pulls out a camera, and starts taking pictures, what a media nightmare it will turn out for you. Don’t even get me started if a member of the press walks around that corner!” Austin looked at him with a confused look on his face. “You know, a snapshot of you half naked with the gay quarterback, man all the shit that would be said about that.”

Notwithstanding that Jason was being serious, Austin started to laugh. “Man do you think I care about what the press says about me. I know who I am, so this shit that could be said or written is just that, SHIT! You’re my friend and I should be able to be dressed or undressed, however I want to be. If the press doesn’t respect that and say so, well to hell with them.”

Jason understood where Austin was coming from, but Austin has not had to go through what he has gone through most of his life. No matter what you want others to believe or see, they always seem to see the opposite. So if one of his only friends he has on the team does not want to protect himself from that hell hole. He is going to have to do it for him.

Gently, Jason nudged his friend towards the door as he began to speak. “Thank you for having my back, but I need to have your back as well. The press, or anyone else for that matter, that gets a snapshot of us would not think the way you do. All they are seeing when they take that picture is dollar signs in the air. Trust me, it will be a big payday for anyone to get a shot of someone on the team next to me dressed, or not completely dressed like you are right now.”

Austin did not object, he walked with Jason back into the building. Once in the doors, they picked up where they left off. “The reason I ran after you and wanted to talk with you in private is to ask you for help.” Jason was confused with what he just heard, and it showed on his face. Austin knew he had some explaining to do, but did not know where to begin. So he decided to just throw it out there and hope he did not sound like a fool.

“I have been hearing on the grapevine that I am on the chopping block and could be released. I haven’t got close to the season I broke out in a couple of years ago.” Austin looked down to the floor to hide his disappointment in himself. “If you don’t perform in this league, more so on this team, you’re gone. I haven’t been performing at the level the coach and the owner wants me to be performing at. And to make matters worse, I’ve been hearing talk about being released.”

“I thought you had a contract with a couple more years on it at least? That’s what I remember hearing in the press when you were signed up a several years ago. It was something like a five or six year contract that was reported. If they were right, you are nowhere near the end of your contract.”

“You’re right, I’m in the middle of my contract this season. I still have three more years, seasons after this one. But that doesn’t matter to these guys. The way they write these contracts, they could release you from them for any reason now without having to pay them out. For me, they will use the clause of underperforming or not fit to be on the field due to injuries.

No matter what the reason, they are talking about releasing me from my contract. I don’t blame them because I have been underperforming lately, but I, and really everyone on the offensive line haven’t had a real quarterback to perform with.” Austin looked Jason straight in the eyes with a serious look. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m not pushing the blame onto anyone else for my performance. It lays solely on my shoulders and mine alone.

That’s why I’m here talking with you. I need your help. Could you please try and throw me the ball as much as you can in the games to come. I promise I won’t let you down. I’ll do what it takes to catch them. Just give me a fighting chance here to keep my spot on the roster. A fighting chance to prove I’m still worth keeping.”

“Look Austin I will do what I can to help you, but you have to keep in mind, I’m still new here with not a lot of say.” Austin was about to interject, but Jason stopped him. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t control what goes on out there on the field during a game. I will throw you the ball every time I can and believe that you will make the play.”

That put a smile on Austin’s face, but before he could respond, Troy Ackerman walked up. Austin could tell that he wasn’t there to just rub shoulders with them, he was there for business. Seeing the serious look on the former quarterbacks face, he told Jason they would pick up their conversation another time as he turned and headed back to the locker room. Troy moved around to face Jason, but at the same time he positioned himself to have a line of sight in all directions that a person could walk up to them.

At first he made small talk, but once Austin disappeared into the locker and he was sure there was no one in earshot of them, he got down to the reason he sought out Jason. “Now that we are alone, I want to warn you about what I have been hearing the last couple of hours.” Troy looked straight into Jason’s eyes with a more serious look than he had before.

“The press, sports commentators and non-sports commentators, did not buy the story the spokesman of the Cowboys gave on why you were at the hospital and late for the game. They started to dig, and dig and got a bone. A couple of your teammates gave them statements on what happened and they are running with the story.” Jason did not need to be told which of his teammates confirmed and gave statements, he knew.

“That is a problem, but not your worse one. One of the non-sports journalists got side tracked as she tried to be the first to get the scoop on the story of the day. She went to former teammates of yours to get their thoughts about what happened to you. I think she was originally looking for old stories that this wasn’t the first time a prank of this magnitude has been played on you.” Troy did not want to be the one to tell Jason what he is about to tell him, but he wants to give him a heads up so he is not blindsided when the story breaks. “Instead of getting the stories she was looking for, she fell into a gold mine of what happened to you in college that had been swept under the carpet. She couldn’t get proof, but that doesn’t matter, she’s going to run with the story anyway.”

“The reason she couldn’t find proof is because whatever she thinks she found isn’t true.” The look he got from Troy, Jason knew he could not side step his way out. “You’re not buying my bullshit are you?” Troy shook his head. “If I can’t sell you this bull, there is no way I will be able to sell it to the press once this lady reporter breaks her story.” Jason looked down to the floor for a few seconds before remaking eye contact with Troy. “Well, it was good as long as it lasted because once this story breaks I’m done in the NFL.”

“Don’t think that, don’t ever let anything, story or person, take away what you love!” Troy yelled as he looked angrily at Jason. “If this story is true, you were wronged. The college shouldn’t have swept it under the carpet and let the players continue to go to school, or the coach allowing them to stay on the team. They should have been arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. They should have been thrown into jail and forgotten.”

Blown away with what he was hearing, Jason could not believe it. He could not believe it mainly because he hears these words coming from one of the players from a time that everyone believed would not tolerate having a player like him on their team. Hearing the words he was hearing, he was beginning to believe he might have a chance to come out of what happened to him in college and still able to play football. That is if the story does break.

Troy continued to go on what they should have done to the guys that did what they did, and what should be done to the college for sweeping it under the rug for a few more minutes before he took a breath and settled down. He moved to Jason’s side and leaned against the wall. Neither of them said a word. They just stared off into the distance, gathering their thoughts. After a few minutes of silence, Troy broke the silence. As he started to speak, he spoke in a whisper.

“My career spanned over two decades in this league. I got to enjoy a lot of the greats, and some bad, but I wouldn’t trade any of it for anything. The only thing I do wish I did experience is the privilege of having a player like you on a team I played on in my career. Man, let me say we wouldn’t have had to struggle as much as we did in some of the seasons if we had a player of your caliber.”

Troy turned and looked at Jason with a cheeky look on his face. It confused him, but it did not take long for him to understand why he had that look. “This is what you should do Jason when, not if, when this story breaks. DON’T HIDE FROM IT!” Don’t give anyone the satisfaction on what happened to you was okay. Don’t give those who did this to you the satisfaction they are still on your mind and actually scare you.”

Taking a deep breathe, Troy slowly settled down. “I know I really don’t know you, but what I do know about you, you don’t hide and you don’t let anyone dictate how you are going to live your life. Hell, you are the first in the NFL to say I’m gay, and doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter because who I love doesn’t change how I play the game. I’m sure there has been many others before you that have played this game, still playing this game, but feel they can’t do what you are doing. If you let what happened to you in college effect you and your career, the steps you have made would have been for nothing. The doors you cracked open for others like you will be slammed shut.”

As a consequence of what Troy just said, it got Jason thinking. Everything that Troy had just said was right. He has not allowed anyone in a long time tell him how he should do things or how he should live his life. Why should he start now? Why should he allow his past to come back and stop him from living his dream? Then the doors, he has opened for others like him, he surely does not want those doors to slam shut. He knows if that happens, they will never open again.

“You know Troy you’re right, you are right on everything you have said. I have embraced who I am. I don’t go around and flaunt it, but I have embraced it. If this reporter feels that she has something that can destroy my career, she is wrong because I won’t stay silent and allow it. I will answer the truths and the falseness of the story at the same time play the game as I have, if not even better if that is possible.” A coy looked formed on Jason’s face.

Just as Troy opened his mouth to speak, the doors to the locker room flew open as the Cowboys flooded the hallway. “You make sure you stand your ground.” Troy looked back at Jason with a peeved look. He was angry that he couldn’t finish his conversation. “Don’t let anyone take away your dream! Don’t let anyone take away your talent!” Troy turned and started to walk off, but stopped after only taking a few steps. “Oh, one more thing, no matter what, I will be here and have your back with many other former Cowboys with those still playing or retired.”

In the face of the news Troy just delivered, Jason felt pretty good. Troy did deliver bad news, but at the same time, he gave Jason the final strength he needed to face what is to come. He knew that this news was going to get out, but wished he had more time to make a name for himself in the NFL before it broke. Still, it is beyond his control now.

Despite everything that just happened, Jason joined his fellow teammates on the bus with a huge grin in the face. Several of them asked him where he disappeared to, but beyond those few, the others pulled him into their conversation as if he was part of it from the beginning. Jason enjoyed the bus ride back to the hotel. He has never felt so welcome on any of his teams than he felt at that moment.

The minute Jason stepped into his room, his family along with Thelma were there to greet him. The one that he only wanted to see at that moment was Robbie, but was glad to see the rest of them. They rushed him to see how he was doing. Before Jason could put down his bag on the floor, his father grabbed it from him and threw it on the bed while his mother examined his head.

Noting the concern on his parent’s faces, Jason did not say a word. He stood there allowing his mother to look him over from head to toe. Things that would normally upset him, like not able to answer questions that were presented or get a word in, he let go. He knew his parents, his family were very worried and would not stop worrying until they were sure he was alright.

After twenty minutes or so of looking their son over, questioning him how he felt, but not allowing him to answer, Jason’s parents were satisfied. They stepped back, allowing Robbie and the others in the room to get a chance to set eyes on Jason for the first time. The minute he saw the face, he wanted to see the minute he walked into the room, Jason cracked a smile.

“Okay guys I think enough is enough.” Robbie spoke in his deadpan humor, but was convincing to all in the room. “Jason had a hard day, but came out on top. At the same time, he got a new look, which I like because I could shave, comb my hair and everything I do in the mirror without having to go into the bathroom to do so.” Robbie laughed as he rubbed Jason’s head. “Really though, we all are glad to have you back safe and sound. New look and all, you are back in your family arms, which is all that matters.”

All at once the room broke into agreement with what was just said. Jason thanked Robbie for his words as he pulled him between his arms and started to give him a nuggy. The younger Engelmann jumped in and before they knew it the events of the day was the last thing on their minds. They were having fun, and that is all that mattered at that moment.

As the Engelmann’s were putting the day’s events behind them, Coach Campbell was summoned to have dinner with Jerry at the restaurant across the street from the hotel. Campbell knew it was going to be a continuation of the conversation, a fight, they were unable to finish at the stadium earlier. He thought he had at least a day’s reprieve, but he was wrong. It looks like Jerry wants to finish this conversation on his own terms, which at that point Campbell was willing to say yes to anything Jerry wanted as long as he could go back to his room and turn in for the night.

Little did the two of them know, they were going to have an unexpected guest joining them. Campbell was the last to arrive of the invited ones, but he didn’t care. He sat down, ordered himself a scotch and prepared for Jerry to get right to it, which he did. There was no pleasantries or a job well done on winning a game they were predicted to lose. He picked right up where they left off.

“Ross I understand your hesitation in allowing Skyler and the others that pulled that prank on Jason play for you, but you can’t afford not to. I will levy a hefty fine on them, and other punishments, but as far as their time on the field, that must stay the same. We are on a roll right now, and I do not want anything to happen to change that. We are actually looking good for the first time in over a decade on not only making the playoffs, but making a run for the Super Bowl.”

“Look Mr. Jones, I would be the first to speak out on not wanting to shake anything up with a team that is playing the way this team is playing, but…” Campbell slammed his cup on the table. “There is no way I can keep guys like Skyler and his group on a team I coach. No way! The team doesn’t trust them and due to that they will not play well together on the field. That can take us down.”

“You’ve had your say, and I’ve listened, but this conversation is over. I’m the final decision maker and I have given you my decision. These players will be given a hefty fine and whatever other punishment I feel they deserve. Other than that, they will stay on your roster and play as they have. If you do not like it, you can always quit.”

Campbell took a drink from his cup before placing it back on the table. As he made eye contact with Jerry, he had a quizzical look on his face. “You feel these players are more important to keep than your head coach, then I guess you have made your decision.” Campbell got up. “If I cannot run the team as I feel it should, I don’t want it. Good luck on finding a coach that would take a job that is micromanaged by a person that really doesn’t know what it takes to coach an NFL team.”

Jerry was stunned that Campbell opted to call his bluff. He put it out there, but he never thought Campbell would pick it up and run with it. A part of him believed that his leg was being pulled and his head coach would turn around and accept the conditions he laid out. However, he didn’t, he kept walking, not looking back once. That was until he was stopped by the only person Jerry feared. The only person that could override his decisions.

Coupled with the power this man has, Jerry knew he could not afford Coach Campbell to be the first to talk with him about what had just happened between them. He got up from the table and as quickly as he could, he makes his way to Campbell. Just as he reached him, the two men started making their way towards him.

“Mr. Jones why don’t we sit back at the table and talk among ourselves. I know you don’t want anyone to overhear anything we might say in what should be in private.” Jerry shook his head as he looked over at Ross. “Okay then, gentlemen let’s sit down, have drinks and something to eat as we talk like the adults we are.”

Jerry and Ross sat back in the seats they were sitting in, the new guest asked for another seat so he did not have to ask one of the other two to scoot over and let him sit next to them. While one waiter got the seat, another took the drink orders. The seat arrived before the drinks, then the drinks arrived just as everyone was getting comfortable.

“Okay, now that we all are sitting down and hopefully calm, let’s talk about what has happened with the team in the last couple of hours. First, Ross there is no way you are going to walk. Not this deep in the season, and not for the reasons you were about to do so. Mr. Jones, you are not going to accept his letter of resignation. Ross is going to remain the head coach of this time as long as his contract is in effect.”

“First Mr. Hernandez, you don’t understand what has happened here. You come waltzing in barking orders and demands without the facts. Coach Campbell was given two choices and he chose the one of leaving the helm of the Cowboys. There was no pressure put on him to make that decision. He made it on his own, and I intend to hold him to that decision.

And second, you are a silent partner. You do not come out on the road like this and bark orders. I’m the face of the Cowboys!” Jerry pounded his chest. “I have been the face of this team since it was bought and will remain the face of this team until the day I die. You understood and agreed to that when you came aboard last year.”

“Yes, you are the face of this team, but because of your inability to run the team correctly, over financing the future of this franchise, and the want of the light of glory to be with you caused you to sell controlling interest of this team to me. You no longer have the final say on this team like you did when you first purchased it and you thinking that you do is wrong. That is my fault because I came in, saved the team from going under, but allowed you to continue making the decisions.”

“You like it the way things are and you know it.” Jerry spoke in a taunting manner. “You own this huge company and don’t have the time to micromanage every part of it. So you put in place people who can get the job done the way you want it done. That is why you kept me as the face of the Cowboys. Hell, you want to be known as the savior of this team, but not the man that has to make the dirty decisions that gets the fans the championship they want. I’m fine being that person, but don’t you dare come in and bark orders and throw your weight around.”

Jerry started to get up, but Jacob extended his hand and stopped him. “Please take your seat. You can’t just say the stuff you said and then think you could just get up and leave without getting a response.” Jacob waited for Jerry to retake his seat before he continued. “Let me say this first before I even begin going near what you said. You will talk to me with respect! You will not talk down to me or treat me like you treat everyone else in your life, like shit!

With that said, like it or not, I do have the final say on everything that happens with the Cowboys and you’d better get that through your thick head. Not only do I own controlling interest of this team, but I have the full support of the NFL owners. They are tired of your crap and have come to me numerous times to completely take over the team. I turned them away knowing this is the only thing that is good in your life. If you want things to stay the way they are, better stay off your high horse when you are talking with me.”

Not liking what he was hearing from Jacob, Jerry knew it was the truth. Over the years he has burned a lot of bridges with pretty much the majority of the other owners in the NFL. The very few were still talking with him are doing it out of necessity, not out of friendship. That did not bother him, but now hearing it loud and clear it hurt. Bringing him back to reality. A reality that there is a very high chance he could lose the team he loved at times more than anything or anyone in his life.

“One of the items you said in your rant is right, I don’t like micromanaging anything I own. I learned early on from my grandfather to trust those that are put in charge. If you don’t, find another that you do so I could stay looking at the big picture. I trust you Mr. Jones, and that is why I didn’t change a thing with the day to day operations of this team after I bought the majority ownership of this franchise.

However, when I’m called up and pulled out of a meeting about bad things happening with something I own, and worse coming over the horizon, I need to put more attention to that part of the company.” Jerry and Ross both had a confused look on their faces. “That is why I jumped into my jet and flew down here are quickly as I did.”

“I honestly do not know where you are going with this Mr. Hernandez, but I can tell you what has happened with the team has been handled.” Jerry still had no idea where Jacob was going, but he did not want to look as if he had no idea what was going on with his team. So he tried to save face by making it clear he was on top of things. “Those that played the practical joke on our quarterback will be disciplined. Furthermore, I have been assured by Jason and his family, they do not plan to sue or start up a dust storm in the press.”

“With all due respect Mr. Jones what happened today in that locker room was not a joke. Plain and simple, it was hatred. Hatred I will not have in any part of my company!” Jacob stopped talking and took a deep breath. He knew he had to settle down, or he was going to start sounding like Jerry if he continued without gathering his wits. “If this happened in any other business, the individuals that pulled the so called practical joke would have been arrested and charged with at least assault.

That did not happen here, correct?” Jerry looked over to Ross before looking back at Jacob nodding his head. “I know you know my policy about those employed by my company.” Jerry once again nodded. “I don’t like firing anyone. I instructed everyone in my company that has that power, to exhaust every avenue with the employee before firing them. I just don’t like taking the livelihood away from someone when I could have tried something else to keep them working.

By the same token, when an employee, or employees in this case become a threat to another, I have to do what I hate to do and let go of those employees. These individuals that attacked Jason can’t be part of the Dallas organization anymore. They broke the law, they broke several clauses within their contract and they must be let go. If you do not want to do it, I will fly to Dallas and do it for you. That way you could say you did everything to try and save their jobs and it was I that forced the issue and did the firing.”

Jerry had an expressionless look on his face, which did not bother Jacob. Certain actions have happened and if not taken care of immediately, things could quickly get out of control. Attack on another, no matter how it is trying to be covered up, is an attack. If those that did that attack are not held responsible, they will do it again and again thinking they got away with it and they will never be held responsible. Then others might follow suit, making what once could have been fixed, unfixable. A team in shambles.

“Mr. Jones these individuals that attacked a fellow teammate were in the wrong. They went way too far and tried to say it was hazing. What they did, sir is not hazing. No, sir, that is pure and simple, hatred. We as an organization need to get in front of it before it gets to a point we are playing catch up. You know as well as I do once we are playing catch up, we never come out looking good.”

Leaning back in his seat, Jerry looked at Jacob with an evil grin on his face. “Ever since you came in and bought controlling interest in this team, you have stayed silent on all issues. You never once picked up the phone and called me about something that you heard was happening with the team. You never jumped on your private jet and flew down to Dallas or wherever we were at the time like you have done here today.

Noting the compelling nature of all this I have put forward, it leaves me and others to come to only one conclusion, Jason and his sexual orientation.” That got a glowering look from Jacob. “You are putting your two cents into this due to the fact that you are gay and the player in question that was hazed is gay. If Jason wasn’t gay, you wouldn’t be here. I wouldn’t have heard a peep from you, but that isn’t either here nor there now, the facts are the facts and you are here!”

Jacob knew exactly what Jerry was trying to do with the statement he just made, and he was not about to give the old man the satisfaction. If he wants to be a gay hating, stuck in the past kind of guy, so be it, but he is not about to allow the son of a bitch drag him down to that mud. He will not start throwing mud at him because at the end no one will win.

“Despite these criticisms you have just lodged at me, it doesn’t change why we all are here at this moment. We have players on our team that think they can do whatever they want to whoever they want. We as the ones where the buck stops on all issues concerning the Cowboys must make it clear that we won’t tolerate this hazing on anyone, no matter who they are, who they love or the color of their skin. In fact, we need to make it clear we don’t tolerate any kind of hazing!”

“Given, the current high profile Jason is, the debate with regard to what happened to him today will become the only thing the press will talk about unless we handle it swiftly.” Ross spoke for the first time since Jacob joined them. “What I mean when I say handle it swiftly is by letting go the players that pulled this stunt, make it clear as Mr. Hernandez has said several times we don’t tolerate any kind of hazing, and get Jason out there. He needs to say his piece, no matter what it is, so this team can move on from this.”

“The counter argument to what you believe is the solution to this issue could be made that we are doing these steps to move the spotlight off what happened.” Jerry spoke in a scornful voice as he looked directly into Ross’s eyes. “They will say we are taking these actions in order to look like we don’t tolerate hazing or support what had happened Jason. We need to step back, take a breath, and think about what we should actually do before reacting hastily. Let’s not allow the events of what happened dictate our actions on insuring it won’t happen again.”

“At the same time gentlemen, if we sit here and go way too far in either direction, it will come back and backfire on us.” Jacob looked at Coach Campbell. “You and I are on the same page where we want to go with this. These players must be let go and I will not entertain any other disciplinary action on them. We must send a loud and clear message throughout the organization, there are huge consequences for acts of this caliber.”

Jerry was about to interject, but Jacob held him off. “This must be done before the team arrives back in Dallas, or no later than tomorrow morning. That way the Cowboys organization could put this behind themselves and be ready to go on the next roller coaster ride that looks like is coming sooner than we all would like.” Both Ross and Jerry had a vacant look on their faces. They had no idea where Jacob was heading. “I got a heads up that a reporter is about to break a story about something that happened to Jason when he was in college. Whatever she has looks bad, and we need to be able to give all of our attention to that and not back and forth on two issues.”

With a despondent look on his face, Jerry slumped into his chair. “It is either one thing or another with Jason! We just can’t seem to get a breather with him on the team. I mean here we are discussing about the termination of some very good players in order to keep a player on the team that we will need to hire an entire PR department to defend off allegations, his choice in lifestyle, and last but not least his damn life. To be completely honest here, I rather at this point cut ties with him than the players we are discussing to terminate.”

That did not sit well at all with Jacob or Ross. “The discussing about what we are going to do with the players that did this unspeakable act is over Mr. Jones. As of this moment they are no longer part of the Cowboys organization. As far as Jason, he will be left alone in the spot in which we hired him to play. If I find out you do not follow either of these request, or make Jason’s time with the Cowboys hell, I will go to the NFL and the other owners to boot you out completely. You know you have made this task very easy for anyone to do.”

Once again Jacob stopped Jerry from speaking. “Oh, one last thing, Coach Campbell will remain as the head coach of this team. If you interfere with his day to day running of the team, we will be having a conversation you do not want to have.” Jacob got up from the table. “This conversation is over. The decisions have been made and they will be executed exactly as I wish. It’s time for you Mr. Jones to feel what so many have felt in the past with you, being under someone’s thumb.”

In spite of Jacob throws down the gauntlet, Jerry was set dead on not following the instructions that were given to him. As he sat there with Ross watching Jacob walking out of the restaurant, he started to devise a plan that would let him keep the players he wanted, get rid of the players he did not want, and most importantly get Jacob out of his organization once and for all. Little did he know Jacob had already got the ball rolling with the other team owners.

Meantime, across the street at the hotel no one had any idea there was a huge meeting going on while they were packing to head home to Dallas. The flight was quiet, mainly because the majority of them were asleep. Those that were not, were not aware of others being awake. They kept their noses either in their iPads watching movies or thinking about what they were going to do on their two days off when they returned back to Dallas.

Jason on the other hand was not thinking about what he was going to do on his days off or watching movies. His mind was all over the news that Troy told him earlier. The more he thought about what he was told, the more he got himself nervous. He knew he was barely accepted, and once this story breaks, it will tilt the scale either in his favor or against. Hoping in his favor, but he was preparing for the worse, against him.

Coach Campbell sat in the back of the plane with the rest of the coaches keeping a close eye on Skyler. He knew he did not have to know where the others of his group was because without him they were nothing. They would not know which direction was up or down if they did not have Skyler there to instruct them.

Skyler knew he was being watched, but did not care. He thought he had gotten away with what he had done with just a slap on the wrist. He had even gone as far as telling the rest of the team and anyone else for that matter that came up asking the loaded question, ‘did he get in trouble’, over what had happened, ‘nothing’. When asked if he suspected anything to come from what he and the others did to Jason, he answered with a smug look on his face each time, ‘no way, he had the owner wrapped around his little finger.’

His comments got back to the coaching staff, in return Coach Campbell. When he was told what Skyler was saying, it made his blood boil. Even though he knew what was ahead for Skyler, he could not wait until it happened. However, he had a funny feeling after seeing Jerry’s response to Jacob laying down the law, nothing will happen to Skyler and his followers. At least not that night, and maybe not in the near future.

They could not arrive in Dallas any quicker than they did when the wheels were down. Everyone was beat and just wanted to get home from their long road trip. Jason wanted to rejoin Robbie and his family where he felt safe. However, they were not there to meet him at the airport. Their flight had not yet arrived, meaning he would have waited for them.

It was not long that Jason had to wait, and he was thankful. Already several flyers from other flights that had arrived or was about to leave had recognized him. Most of them were courteous and just waved at him as they walked by, while there were those few that pulled out their cell phones and snapped pictures, or worst came up and told Jason where he and his kind could go. Jason took everything in stride, but when he heard his family’s flight had arrived, he breathed a sigh of relief.

When Jason’s parents got off the plane, they could not stay long. Their flight back to El Paso was going to leave in less than an hour. Just enough time to go down and get their bags and check them in to their flight home before having to check into their gate. Jason hated that his family had to go home already, but understood why and did not fight it. Instead, he used every moment he had with them, not letting one go to waste.

“Son you are a very strong man!” Jason’s dad spoke in a reassuring voice as they stood up. The first boarding call for the seat rows Jason’s family was sitting was called. “We all knew the past was going to eventually come out. The only thing we had hoped and prayed for being the past wouldn’t come out as soon as it looks like it is going to. However, that isn’t here or there now, it is coming out and there is nothing we can do to stop it. All we can do is be there for each other and weather this storm together. Stay strong, and don’t ever let anyone undermine you.”

Jason shook his head as he gave his father a quick hug. “My sweet little boy! I wish I could take on all the ugliness of this world on my shoulders so you don’t!” Jason’s mother caressed her son’s forehead. “I want to protect you from what is coming and anything else bad. It hurts me to see…” Tears started to roll down her face. “What some people out there are willing to do to hurt another, or not care what they say or write does to another. If I knew who this person was, the one ready to write about one of the worse times of your life, I would take her out back and kick her ass.” That got a smile out Jason. “If you find out who she is, you let me know and I will seek her out and make it understood to her that she can’t be doing the things she is doing to others just to get her name in lights.”

“Mom, I love you so much!” Jason wrapped his arms around his mother. “You are the greatest mother on this Earth. Thank you for everything you have done, and are willing to do for me, but I want to keep you at my side, not getting visiting hours once a week behind a glass window. So please promise me that you will stay home and be there when I need you. We both know in the days and if not weeks to come we are going to be on the phone a lot.”

Under the circumstances, Pauline knew what was best for her son was to bite her tongue and sit back and allow another to hurt him. She really wanted to find the reporter that is willing to hurt her son and tear her apart, but at the same time she knew she had to be there for her son so when this reporter does do what she plans to do, he has his mother to lean on.

Before anyone could say another word, the final boarding call for their seats was called. Jason leaned down and gave his mother a kiss on her cheek before saying goodbye to the rest of his family. As they were boarding the plane, Jason and Robbie stood there watching. Every so often, one of Jason’s family members would glance over their shoulder, causing both Jason and Robbie to wave at them, but underneath hated doing so.

Everyone, from the owners of the Cowboys, to Jason, his family and everyone in-between that knew about what the reporter had found were on edge. Jerry did not want another public nightmare to break out so close to the Patriot game. Jason and his family did not want this battle at this specific time due to the small amount of time Jason has been in the NFL. Coach Campbell felt if the story hit the news at this time, it would crush Jason’s spirit to a point he would not be able to bounce back from. The only one that could not wait for the story to hit the newsstands was the writer herself, Hester O’Brien.

By the time Tuesday morning rolled around, Jason had enough, but he was not alone. Jacob had enough as well. He was tired of wondering when the news was going to break about one of the key players on the team that will be able to accomplish what all the fans of the Cowboys had been dreaming of since 1996, another Super Bowl win. He had assigned several of his office staff to find out who the reporter was, but they came up empty. Almost every door they knocked on was slammed in their face, and those that were not, could not help them at all.

It wasn’t until mid afternoon on Tuesday that the clouds parted and the sun started to break through. Troy Aikman heard that someone was asking around about what he had just talked about days before to the main person of the story and wondered who it was. He started to ask around who was asking the questions, and when he found out who that someone was, he immediately called Jacob’s office to see if he could help out his former team newest owner.

At first, the secretary thought that her leg was being pulled when she answered the call and did not put the call through. However, when Troy called back the third time, she asked around to see if a joke was being played on her. When she was getting responses from those that she thought would play a joke on her like this in the negative, that made her start to think she had a made a big mistake not putting through the man claiming to be Troy Aikman.

When she got back on the line, she apologized, explained why she did what she did, and hoped that she did not jeopardize her job when she put Troy through. The first minutes of the conversation were spent exchanging pleasantries. Both of the guys feeling each other out to see if they could trust the other. Once they were sure, both relaxed and opened up.

“Mr. Hernandez, I understand….” Jacob interrupted Troy and asked him to call him Jacob, not Mr. anything. “Sorry, please call me Troy.” Both guys cracked up laughing for a few seconds. “I was wondering if you had someone from your office to ask around about any unusual stories about to break about the Cowboys.” Jacob answered in the positive. “You wanted to know the story and who the reporter is that is writing the story?”

“Specifically Troy, I already know what the story is going to be about. What I don’t know is who’s the one ready to run this story. I don’t know the reporter or the news organization in which the reporter works for. I want to hide this story off at the pass if at all possible. Not for the team, but for Jason. We both know there is no way his young career could take this kind of a hit right now. Maybe if he came out first with it, but not being forced to explain himself when minds have already been made up on what actually happened that day. He will never win or recover from it.”

“I can’t agree with you more on that Jacob. That is why I went to Jason last Sunday and told him what I was hearing through the grapevine. The only thing I did not tell him was the reporter’s name or who she works for.” Troy stopped talking to see if Jacob would jump in and tell him it was Jason who told him about the story. When he got no response, he knew that Jason was not Jacob’s source. “The reporter that has this story is Hester O’Brien. She writes for Pro Football Weekly.”

Jacob thanked Troy for giving him the information he was seeking. They talked a few more minutes, but before hanging up, Jacob scheduled a face to face meeting with Troy for Thursday. He did not tell Troy why he wanted to have a face to face meeting with him, but Troy agreed to meet with him. If not more than to meet the man that is the future of the team he loves.

As soon as he hung up with Tory, he placed a call to Jerry Jones. At first, he was getting the run around, but once he made it clear at the end of the day he held their jobs in his hands, he was put through. Jerry did not like being forced onto a call he did not want to take, but he had nowhere to run or no one to hide behind.

“I have not heard a peep from your corner of the world about the dismissal of Skyler and the other players involved with assault on Jason.” There was nothing but dead air coming from Jerry. “I will take your silence that you have not carried out what I asked you to do.” Once again, nothing but dead air. “I don’t think I made myself clear enough when we had dinner last Sunday evening, so let me do it now. You will release these gentlemen, today, or I will go down there and do it myself. And let me make this part very clear! If you make me do this trip they will not be the only ones that will be clearing out when I walk in there.”

“Mr. Hernandez I would like to see you walk in here and follow through on your threat. I can guarantee that you will not. So stop threatening me and just stay over there in your glass tower doing the things you know how to do, and leave running this team to me. You stupid, fucking little prick! Calling my office and tossing empty threats around.”

Before Jacob could respond, he heard the dial tone. That pushed him over the edge. Pounding on the intercom button on the phone on his desk, he started yelling at his secretary. “Call down to the airport and have my plane fueled and ready to take off within the hour! Let them know we are heading to Dallas and I want to be there as of yesterday!”

TO BE CONTINUED………………………….

EDITORS CORNER. Firstly a big welcome back to JPG and his exciting football story. Jacob decided not to write a corner of his own anymore and of course by now I would imagine you have gone back and read the previous chapter to get back up to date with this story.

I can assure you exciting times are ahead with this story and if you are a diehard Cowboys fan, you might not like the way the story is going so please remember it is just that a story the figment of a great writer’s imagination.

While he uses some real characters in this story what occurs does not or should not happen in real life and no disrespect to anyone is hinted or intended.

With that said I hope we don’t have to wait too long for another episode. Please feel free to comment on this chapter because JPG looks forward to hearing from his readers.

Hugs Trevor