I look off to the side. I don’t consider things like yelling and name-calling on par with clocking someone across the face. And I’d like Heath to show me one professional coach who doesn’t do those things at one point or another in his career. Because it seems what he doesn’t get—or he’s too worried to accept because of how it looks—is that tough coaches make tough players.

And tough players win him championships.

“Fitz, let me tell you something. You? Your guys? They work for Foller. But they play for you.”

I swallow.

“And, what I’m wondering is if you think you can carry this team without Foller. At least until we figure out a new head coach.”

My eyes bulge and Heath lifts his hand. “Nothing is happening today. No one is getting fired. But I wouldn’t prepare you unless I thought it might be a possibility.”

I’ve played under other coaches, sure. I’ve never been more successful under them either. This past season was record-breaking for me in so many ways.

Heath leans forward on his desk. “I know we’ve got camp coming up, and you’re used to talking to media.”

I nod. Being the face of the team is part of my job.

“But,” Heath continues, “this year, do me a favor? Stay clear from any pressers. I’ll have PR handle it, but when you’re done with practice, go clean up without saying a word to anyone. Because when it gets out that the League is looking into Foller, well, it’s going to become not about football, and you, being his prized possession, you’re the window into it.”

“I could just say no comment,” I offer.

Heath shakes his head. “No. No, it’s part of my job, Fitzy, to protect you. You might be our QB1, but you’re not a scapegoat, no matter which way this goes.”

I chew on the inside of my lip. “Does Coach know about this?”

“I’ll be speaking with him this evening and let him know the League’s ethics committee has reached out.”

A seconds-long stare down happens between the two of us, and I can see the way Heath’s mouth shifts, as if he’s chewing on his words. I have a feeling I know where this is going.

“Can I be honest? I don’t like the guy.”

I guess now I can add another to Nick and Parker’s team.