Quarterback Keeper: 19
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Joe, Tyler and Ian arrived at school early on Wednesday. Ian ran off to the football field for early morning marching band practice and Tyler headed to the field house to check that game jerseys were ready to be distributed.
When Joe reached his classroom, he found Avery, Zach, and Robert waiting.
"Good morning gentlemen," Joe said with caution, "What brings you all here this early?"
Avery said, "I have seven or eight requests for an interview from the media. I really don't think I want to spend my entire day answering the same questions."
"I also don't want Avery in some kind of news conference situation," Robert said. "I just think that could turn into a circus."
"So why do you feel you have to talk to the media at all?" Joe asked.
"Well Mr, Bartlett," Avery said, "I don't think they are going to stop asking for an interview, and I don't want them to make Friday's game into something more than just a high school football game. ....I also don't want people to think I'm afraid or in hiding."
"You're right about the media not going away. Unless a bigger story happens in the next three days this is on at five, six, and ten for the rest of the week. However, you can't kid yourself, Friday's game is not just a High School football game any more. The question is: are you going to frame the story, or are you going to let them frame the story?"
"I am just afraid that, if Avery gets in front of their cameras, they will twist his words or goad him into saying something he doesn't really mean." Robert said. "This is when I wish Salt Fork had a newspaper or television station. You know, someone who cares about how a story might affect the players, or the school, or the community."
Zach, who had been sitting quietly, said, "Well, we kind of do. We have the "Salt Fork Rattler."
"Yes!" Avery said, "that's brilliant Zach."
"Are you talking about the High School newspaper?" Robert asked.
"Uh huh," Avery said, "And I know who I want to do the interview, Sandra Grover. Sandy is the Rattler's Sports Editor. She knows everything about Salt Fork sports and she asks great questions."
Robert looked at Joe skeptically and asked, "Does this sound nuts to you? Do you think professional reporters are going to be satisfied with an interview done by a high school newspaper reporter?"
"I think it has possibilities. Sandra is a good reporter and will ask good questions. Plus, it will let Salt Fork students frame the story. My suggestion is that the story is done as a live stream. I know the Rattler has has technology to live stream games and add video to it's online publication. So they should be able to stream an interview. As for whether the TV reporters will be satisfied, no; however, if it's all they get, then they will use it."
"Why live stream? Why not record and edit the interview? That way we can make sure it says what we want it to say," Robert said.
"Because, if the interview is recorded or staged, the media will treat it like a press release. It needs to be authentic and spontaneous to have credibility. Avery, that means you and Sandra can't preview the questions she is going to ask you."
Avery and Zach both laughed. What's so funny," asked Robert.
Zach said, "If you think Sandy would tip you off to the questions before an interview, you haven't been interviewed by Sandra Grover. She seems reserved, but you give her a recorder and a reporter's notepad and she's a bulldog that won't let go of a bone."
Joe smiled, "The coaches quickly learned not to give Sandra cliche answers."
"Yeah," Zach said, "I made the mistake of answering a question with `there's no I in team.' Sandy then said, well if there is no I in team, why do you keep individual stats. She then proceeded to grill me about my individual stats, including some I didn't even know I had."
"But how do we know the press won't edit the video and take things out of context?" Robert asked, still not convinced.
"Well Robert, they will edit the video. They can't air what will likely be a twenty to thirty minute interview. We just have to trust them to be professions. Also, we will insist that they give Sandra and the Rattlesnake credit for the interview, and that they include the link to the full interview in their reporting. That way, people can see the unedited version, and hopefully ensure they used the interview fairly and accurately," Joe said.
When Robert and Avery agreed to Sandra doing the interview, Joe took the idea to Principal Mayfield. After some questions and further discussion Mayfield sent for Sandy and the journalism adviser, Rebecca Moore. When they arrived, Mayfield said, "Mr. Bartlett is going to make a proposal when I leave, and I want both of you to know that neither of you have to agree to his idea. However, before you decide, I want you both to know that I am a supporter of the First Amendment and student press rights, and will back you on whatever you decide. Now I am going to step out and let Mr. Bartlett chat with you."
When Mayfield was gone, Joe told Sandy and Moore about the interview proposal. Sandy looked at Moore for her reaction.
"Sandy, I am not going to tell you what to do," Moore said. "You are a senior, almost 18, an editor on staff, and one of the best student journalists I have ever had the privilege to teach. I trust your decision-making skills and your integrity."
Sandy thought for a few minutes and then called her mother, who was also the Salt Fork Town Manager. After finishing the phone call, Sandy said, "I'll do the interview. Mom said Avery needs a chance to talk, and Salt Fork needs a chance to hear him. If the big city media wants to listen in on that conversation, we have nothing to hide."
It was decided that the interview would be conducted in the football stands with just Avery, Sandy, and the student production crew of Rattlesnake Online. The press would be allowed to observe and take still pictures from across the field. Any video would have to come from the Rattlesnake.
As Joe, Bill, Moore, and Mayfield observed from the end zone, Bill asked, "Rebecca, you never have said how you managed to get all of this fancy equipment and online capability."
"The technical expertise for setting up the equipment, websites, and streaming is thanks to Kent Walters." Moore said. "I don't know where he got his training, but he is a whiz with the internet, computers, and cameras. As for the money to buy all this stuff, I don't have the foggiest idea. All I know was that on the last day of school a truck pulled up and unloaded all of the equipment. The driver handed me a letter from a Tulsa law firm saying this was part of a private learning initiative for rural high schools to teach media literacy and journalism. The program also paid for the websites and for me to take media courses last summer.... It is weird, because I had just been talking about wanting to develop this kind of program in the teacher's lounge a week before Spring Break."
Bill poked Joe in the ribs. "What?" said Joe with a guilty smile.
Mayfield opened his iPad and pulled up the Rattlesnake Online so they could listen to the interview.
Sandra: Good afternoon, I am Sandra Grover, sports editor for the Salt Fork High School Rattler. Earlier this week an offensive and homophobic effigy was found hanging in front of Salt Fork High School. The apparent target of the action was Salt Fork Senior and varsity quarterback, Avery Anders. In the interest of full disclosure, Avery requested that this interview be conducted by me on the Salt Fork Rattler Online. Avery has not seen the questions beforehand, nor have any restrictions or prior review been imposed by any administrators or staff at Salt Fork High School. ... So Avery, why did you want this interview?
Avery: Well Sandra, I feel that I need to speak about what happened, and I feel the people I want to speak to are my peers at Salt Fork High, the Rattlesnake fans, and the Salt Fork community. I know people outside of that group have heard about what happened and are curious. If they want to listen to what I have to say, then I welcome them as well.
Sandra: Okay Avery, I'm just going to get it out of the way. Are you gay?
Avery: Yes, I came out this summer--well, the truth is, I was outed this summer. I had already told my parents and a couple of trusted adults, but no one else. Also, I am in a relationship, and out of respect for him, I will not talk about that.
Sandra: Fair enough, but will you tell us how the team reacted when they learned you are gay?
Avery: I was surprised and overwhelmed with the team's response. I know there were some guys that weren't sure what to think about having a gay teammate, quarterback, and captain, but I have to give a shoutout to my co-captain, Jake LaFevor. I have known Jake all my life. We have played sports together starting back with T-ball. However, I wasn't sure how Jake would react, because he's a bit, well a lot, redneck. Turns out I underestimated Jake; he had my back from the very beginning, and I think that was a big factor in the team accepting me for who I am.
Sandra: I know it is trite to ask how you felt about the effigy, but it had to be a gut punch.
Avery: You hit it on the head when you called it a gut punch. I felt like I was going to throw up when I was told about it.
Sandra: So you didn't see it?
Avery: No, thankfully Salt Fork staff had it down before I got to school. But it was a reminder about how lucky I am to have friends who accept me and to live in a time when society is more accepting of gay people. I and other gay teenagers, owe so much to the generations of LBGTQ activists who have fought for acceptance. Frankly, I wonder if I would have had the courage to stand up to homophobic hate.
Sandra: This isn't just a story about homophobia; It's also a story about football. Law enforcement has identified those responsible for the effigy as being students and former students of Kremlin High School. Kremlin and Salt Fork have been sports rivals for generations and Kremlin is who the Rattlers will play this Friday. Do you think this incident will turn the game from a rivalry into a grudge match?
Avery: I hope not. The truth is we don't hate Kremlin, and they don't hate us. This was an action by a few guys who don't represent the feelings of Kremlin High or the Kremlin community. We are neighbors and on any given day people from Salt Fork will do business in Kremlin, and people from Kremlin will do business in Salt Fork. I have friends in Kremlin that I have made at church and sports camps, and next year many of us will be going to college and playing on teams with our former opponents. School rivalries can be fun and healthy, but demonizing and hating each other over high school sports is insane.
Sandra: What would you say to those responsible for the effigy?
Avery: I actually have chatted with one of them online. He is so regretful for his part in this incident. I told him that I was not going to hold a grudge, and we agreed that when this all dies down, we will meet somewhere for a Coke and get to know each other as people.
Sandra: Do you think that will actually happen?
Avery: You know, I hope so. I plan to be there, and I hope he does too.
Sandra: There is talk about some type of student and fan show of support for you at the game on Friday. What are your feelings about that?
Avery: First, I am truly grateful, but I don't want this to be about me. Everyone on the team has worked hard for this game, and it would be wrong for me to take away from the team's time in the spotlight. Also, a classmate and friend pointed out in government class, not every kid has the school and community rally around them like I have. His comments really made us ask whether every student at Salt Fork would feel supported if they were a victim of hate or harassment. Frankly, we didn't like the answer to that question. So, a group of seniors got together to start what we are calling "We've got your back." The idea is to get out of our little social groups and build relationships and support networks for every student and staff person at Salt Fork. If students and fans want to make a statement at the game, join us in committing to be a community that is there for all of its members.
Sandra: Okay, what did you do with the real Avery Anders? Where is the cocky, arrogant, jock?
Avery: (laughing) He met Coach Simmons. Coach Simmons is our new Offensive Coordinator and Quarterback Coach. On the first day of summer camp I was a jerk -- actually, I was more than a jerk, but my mother might watch this interview. I was totally disrespectful. The next day, I did the same thing and he benched me and told me to run twenty laps. When my friends joined me in my rebellion, he benched them too. Frankly, I was pissed, so I called my dad expecting him to use his money and influence to get me what I wanted. I am ashamed to say, that wasn't the first time I counted on dad to pull my ass out of the fire -- sorry mom.
When he walked onto the field I was all puffed up and expecting Simmons to be put in his place or even fired. I was not ready for my dad to call me out for being an entitled brat, and he drew a line in the sand about my attitude and behavior. I especially wasn't ready for him to do it in front of the entire team. At that moment I had a choice; I chose to swallow my pride, run the laps, and become a team player. I don't know why I made the choice I did, but I am glad I did, and that Coach Simmons gave me a second chance.
Sandra: So, what do you want to see Friday night?
Avery: Well, I want to win, but not as some kind of statement or desire for revenge or vindication. I want to win because that is why we play the game. I also know that's what Kremlin wants -- to win the game. But after the game I want us to shake hands, not because it's expected, or because the coaches tell us to. I want us to shake hands because we respect each other as athletes and worthy opponents. (Avery smiled) Then, I'd like to take them all over to Maggy's for ice cream sundaes.
Sandra: With that generous thought, I think we should end this interview. On a personal note, I want to thank Avery, the Rattler Football Team, and the Senior Class for making Salt Fork a more welcoming and supportive school for all students.
The Rattler Online logo and credits appeared on the screen.
"Damn," Bill said as he brushed a tear away, "we've got some good kids at this school."
"Yes we do," Mayfield said. "Where did Joe go? He was just here."
Joe had stepped away from the group to make a phone call.
"Joe," Carrie said, "what has you calling me in the middle of the school day?"
"I was wondering whether there are any screen printing companies that owe Sinclair Oil a favor."
"I don't know if it is a favor, but there is one who had been trying to get our business back after they screwed up an order for banners a couple of years ago. What do you need?"
"I need 500 T-shirts printed and delivered to Salt Fork High School by noon on Friday."
"You're kidding right?"
"No, did you see the news yesterday?"
"Oh," Carrie said, "it sounds like you have a mess on your hands."
"The kid who was the target of the taunt may have just given us a chance to put a positive spin on this situation."
"Let me give the owner a call and see how badly he wants a shot at our business, but this won't be cheap."
Joe laughed, "You know I'm good for it."
"Yeah, I know." and Carrie said goodbye and made a call.
After hanging up Joe went off to find the Art teacher and then make some calls to several Salt Fork businesses.
Two hours later Carrie called back, "They can do it, but it can only be one color ink and they need the artwork by 8 a.m."
"Thanks Carrie. You're the best."
"Anything for the family. Speaking of family, you know David and I are hosting the family Thanksgiving and we are expecting you and Tyler."
"Damn, I knew there would be a price, but Thanksgiving with David and Charles?"
Carrie laughed, "Yep, no good deed ever goes unpunished."
"Okay, but we will be bringing a guest, Tyler's mother."
"Great, we would like to meet the soon to be mother-in-law."
"Who told you about that," Joe said with a note of betrayal.
"You just did."
"What?"
"Mindy knows that Oops has a secret that Ian swore him to keep. So she and I were speculating on what it would be and your and Tyler's engagement was at the top of the list. You just confirmed our guess."
"Shit, Who else is guessing?"
"Just Mindy and I. We will keep it a secret, but...."
"I know, nothing is a secret for long in the Sinclair clan. We will make an announcement soon. We just have to get through this week and tell Tyler's mother before making it public."
"Well, congratulations, and tell Tyler welcome to the family."
"Thanks."
Ian was setting the table and Joe was just finishing putting the finishing touches on one of Tyler's favorite meals: mac & cheese with hamburger, green beans, a salad, and sweet tea, when he walked in from practice.
"Umm, my favorite," Tyler said. "Wait, what's wrong? Am I in trouble?"
"What makes you think there is something wrong?"
"You made mac & cheese with hamburger. You hate mac & cheese with hamburger."
"I don't hate it. I just didn't grow up eating it."
"I know. Just think of it as the poor people's version of Creamy Steak Fettuccine."
"Okay, I already feel bad enough without you making me feel guilty about growing up with a silver spoon."
"What's wrong babe?"
"I let Carrie trick me into telling her that you and I are engaged. I feel stupid."
Tyler gave Joe a big hug and soon Ian was soon joining in. "What's this all about?" Tyler asked Ian.
"If you're giving out hugs for doing stupid things, then I've go a lifetime of hugs coming my way."
Joe and Tyler laughed and pulled Ian into their hug.
"Of course this means that we have to for sure get to Ames on Saturday and tell your mother," Joe said. "If she finds out she is the fifth person to get the news she might not let me marry you."
"Oh, don't worry about that," chuckled Tyler. "But if you get me pregnant, then she's gonna grab her shotgun and drag us to the minister."
"I guess that mean we won't be having anymore sex until we're legal," Joe said with a grin.
Tyler's face suddenly slumped into a fake pout, and Ian said, "Fuck Tyler, you are worse than Michael, and you get it every night."
"How do you know I get it every night?" Tyler asked.
"Shit, the way you moan and beg, it's a wonder all of Salt Fork doesn't know you get it every night."
Tyler blushed and Joe almost fell over laughing.
True Rattlesnake Spirit
Thursday was almost normal at Salt Fork High School -- if normal could be defined as having a fleet of TV reporters standing across the street. Clips from Sandra's interview with Avery were included in most of the stations' reporting; as a result, the Salt Fork Rattler Online had over 200,000 views and even the morning news programs on the networks mentioned the story. Mayfield and Bill spent much of the day on the phone with league officials and the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association dealing with how to accommodate media coverage of the game.
Joe and Tyler set aside their normal curriculum to discuss the role of the press, community organizing, tolerance and a number of other issues. They combined their classes and Tyler got an invaluable firsthand lesson on how to lead a current events class discussion. Tyler even asked the media class to video one of the sessions to share in his education classes at the university.
However, Friday was game day, and no one knew just what would happen when the teams and fans from Salt Fork and Kremlin got together that evening. Rumors were circulating that some of the troublemakers in both towns were planning to show up, and the principals of both schools were on edge. The sheriff had increased security at the game and requested assistance from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
At three o'clock the sound of drums filled the halls of Salt Fork High School. The drumline marched through the hall summoning students to the gym for the first pep rally of the year. As the students burst into the gym the band struck up "Snake Dance," the SFHS fight song. The song was a relic from the 1940s and it's words were, to say the least, corny. Even the tune was dated, but the students loved the song. Several times during the song the band would suddenly stop and the snare drums would rapidly beat out what was supposed to be a rattlesnake's warning rattle. At the same time the fans would shake their hands above their heads and hiss as loudly as possible. In a closed space, like the gym, the hissing could be unnerving for opponents.
Following the opening cheer, the seniors all stood and began to rhythmically clap; soon they were joined by the juniors and then the underclasses. As the clapping got faster a wild looking man with Einsteinish hair, wearing a lab coat, goggles, and carrying a beaker of fogging liquid ran to center court. On most days Garrett Janks was a hard nosed chemistry teacher; but on game day, he became Dr. Snake Oil and master of the pep assembly.
Janks' was a natural showman and the students were totally immersed in Rattlesnake culture and tradition. Each of the Fall sports teams was introduced and the Senior football players led the cheers for their fellow athletes. The football team was last to be introduced and the noise in the gym was deafening. When it was time to talk about the game, Coach Wilson handed the mic to Avery and Jake. Jake said, "I don't make speeches. I dish out pain," then handed the mic over to Avery. The gym reached a new decibel level.
Avery took the mic, raised his right hand and extended his index and little finger like fangs and hissed. The student body returned the salute. The sound was intense as it echoed from the walls. Finally Avery spoke, "I am so proud, and so grateful to be a Rattlesnake today. I want each of you to know that I and the football team appreciate your support, your understanding, and your kindness this week." The students in the stands again gave the Rattlesnake salute.
Avery continued, "On Tuesday, the question was asked in government, whether Salt Fork would have every student's back in the way that it has had mine. It was a tough question, and the answer to that question did not make us feel good. So, the Senior class has committed itself to changing that. We want to be able to say Salt Fork has everyone's back. On Wednesday in government, the Senior Class wrote what we are calling the Salt Fork Pledge. It says, "We will not tolerate the abuse, injustice, or exclusion of anyone. We will stand against racism, sexism, homophobia, bullying, and the demeaning of others. We will stand for equality, justice, compassion and inclusion. We are Salt Fork; and, we've got your back."
"It is our sincere hope that every student, every teacher, every coach, and every booster joins us in committing to this pledge. If you are willing to join us, there will be seniors in the lobby with copies of the Salt Fork Pledge to sign. Also, Senior art student Rico Gomez designed a logo for this effort and several businesses have sponsored T-shirts for any student, teacher, or staff member who would like one to wear to tonight's game."
The Senior football player stepped forward and stripped off their game jerseys to show off the T-shirts. They were yellow with a black logo. The logo was a raised hand giving the Rattlesnake Salute surrounded by a circle of words that read: Equality, Justice, Compassion, Inclusion. The football team then gave the Rattlesnake Salute and the student body responded in kind.
Janks took the mic and said, "It is customary at this time in the pep assembly to have a competition between the classes for the Spirit Stick. However, it is the consensus of the faculty that the leadership and commitment shown by the Seniors have demonstrated true Rattlesnake Spirit, and the first Spirit Stick of the year is awarded to them." The other classes cheered and applauded as the Senior class president stepped up to accept the Spirit Stick to be displayed in the Senior Locker area. The band again played "Snake Dance" and the students rushed into the lobby to sign the Salt Fork Pledge, get a T-shirt, and head home to get ready for the first football game of the season.
The Game
The football team was eating their pregame meal when the Kremlin coach opened the cafeteria door and signaled to Coach Wilson he wanted to talk. After a few minutes Wilson came back and said to the team, "The Kremlin head coach, Shelby Burns, would like to say a few words to the team. Coach Burns and I have been friends since college. He is a good guy, and I hope you give him your attention and respect." Wilson then waved Burns into the cafeteria.
Coach Burns said, "I want to express the deepest regret and embarrassment for myself, the Kremlin football team, and the Kremlin community for what happened earlier this week. In particular, I want to apologize to your quarterback, Avery Anders. I and the team have watched the grace and courage he has displayed this week and we are impressed and humbled by his handling of this terrible event. Also, the two of the young men who were involved are on the Kremlin football team and are suspended indefinitely and will not play in tonight's game. However, if you would be willing to listen to them, they would like to express their regret to you in person. Neither of them are being forced to offer an apology and they understand if you would rather not hear what they want to say."
The team looked at Avery. He stood up and looked at Jake, who gave a nod. Avery said, "Coach, I have chatted online with both guys and I and they are good, but I think the team should listen to them and then decide whether to accept their apology."
Burns waved at two young men who were noticeably on edge. Finally one of them spoke, "My name is Lyle Greer, and this is my cousin Paul Greer, we were a part of the group responsible for the attack on Avery. Paul is not good at public speaking, but he feels the same as I do -- ashamed. We were taught better by our parents, our church, and our school. We just failed to do the right thing, and instead chose to join in hurting another person. We have no excuse for how we acted and no expectation that anyone should excuse us. That is why we are so grateful for how Avery has accepted our apology and shown friendship to us."
Paul, who had been standing silently beside his cousin and looking down at the floor, looked up at Avery. His eyes were red and there were tears beginning to trickle down his cheeks. He said, "A-A-Avery, I'm s-s-sorry. I-I-I of all p-p-people s-should have known b-b-better."
Avery couldn't take it any more, he got up and pulled both Lyle and Paul into a hug and Jake joined him while the team applauded. Coach Wilson also persuaded Burns to let Lyle and Paul watch the game from the sidelines and participate in an after game activity.
As the team's got ready for the game, the fans began to fill the stands. Robert Anders had organized the Salt Fork Chamber of Commerce and the Kremlin Chamber of Commerce to greet the fans of both communities at the gates. They passed out coupon books filled with discounts from businesses in each community. They had balloons and candy for the kids. And there were opportunities to register for prizes to be given out at half-time. Robert's goal was to make sure everyone understood the economic ties that bound each community to the other. Carrie also sent the Sinclair PR team to the game to remind both communities that Sinclair Oil was a major employer in the area and patrons of both towns worked together in the energy industry. As Carrie said, "We don't need drillers and rough-necks pissed at each other on the rigs."
In the end, the game itself was anticlimactic. As expected Salt Fork took an early lead and the game was never in doubt. At halftime the Rattlesnakes were up 31-6. The Salt Fork band performed and the combined Chambers of Commerce continued to demonstrate the economic ties of the two communities by giving away prizes. The only really interesting thing that happened at halftime was the troublemakers who had come to the game in the hopes of instigating something, got bored and left to find something else to satisfy their need to be antisocial.
In the third quarter, both teams played an offensive series, then Wilson called time out and walked onto the field. After a few seconds he signaled his bench and the second team offense took the field to the cheers of the Salt For fans. Just as Salt Fork's Junior quarterback got ready to go under center, Coach Burns called timeout and Kremlin's second team defense ran on the field to the cheer of the Kremlin fans and the applause of the Salt Fork fans. The final score of the game was 38-13.
At the end of the game both teams lined up for the traditional hand shake, but rather than leading the teams down the 50-yard line, Wilson and Burns had them line up on opposing 45's. Then Salt Fork boosters appeared and set up sawhorses on the 50-yard line. Another group of boosters carried rain gutters filled with scoops of ice cream, toppings, nuts, and whipped cream onto the field and set them on the sawhorses. The P.A. announcer said, "Avery Anders wanted to invite the Kremlin football team to Maggy's for sundaes after the game. Since that was a bit impractical, Maggy and the Salt Fork boosters decided to bring the sundaes to them. While the teams enjoy their sundae, representatives of Sinclair Oil will be distributing ice cream treats to the fans of both schools near the exits. The Salt Fork faculty and staff thank the participants and fans for a great evening of high school football. Goodnight and be safe."
Both teams trotted to the sundae trough and soon were downing mouthfuls of ice cream and toppings, laughing, and being boys. Wilson and Burns stood together and smiled as their teams bonded. Several seniors found their opposites from the other team to say a few words after four years of high school football, and to express the hope of playing with or against each other in college.
Joe was standing on the sideline with his arms crossed and a satisfied smile on his face. Tyler came up behind him and whispered, "Well played coach. Well played."
Thank you for reading "Quarterback Keeper." I very much appreciate the comments and words of encouragement I have received from readers. I also have two other stories, "Tough Love in Kansas City" and "Saving Jordan" on nifty.org. If you would like to be included in updates on my stories, send me an email.
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