“You willing to share yours?”
“Fuck yes.” No hesitation. “PCL sprain, grade two. Winters had me back in ten days. Said I was healed. Said I just needed to trust the process.” His voice is bitter. “I trusted him. Played through the pain. Tore it completely. Required surgery and six months recovery that never worked right. Had to retire.”
“You file a complaint?”
“Tried. Management shut it down. Said Winters had been with the organization for over a decade and I was just a disgruntled player looking for someone to blame.” He pauses. “Why’s it different this time?”
“Because this time it’s not one player with a grudge. And the person calling him out isn’t a player—it’s another medical professional with her own documentation.”
“Your head PT.”
“Yeah.”
“She must be something special for you to be making calls at midnight.”
She is. She’s everything.
“She stood up to him when no one else would. That deserves protecting.”
“Then bury that bastard. You need anything else—testimony, records, whatever—I’m in.”
By 2 AM I have three documented cases. Three players whose careers were shortened or ended by Winters rushing them back.
It’s enough. More than enough.
But I keep going anyway.
Because fury is a better fuel than jealousy, and I’d rather spend my energy destroying the man who’s going to come after Marnie than thinking about that photo.
On the flighthome Barrett drops into the seat next to mine.
“Heard you’ve been making calls,” he says.
I look up. “To who?”
“Louden called me this morning. Said you were asking about his shoulder surgery.” Barrett’s expression is neutral. “Want to tell me what that’s about?”
I consider deflecting but decide against it.
“Winters has had it out for Marnie since day one. I’m gathering evidence that his judgment is the one that should be questioned.”
“By collecting stories from former players.”
“By documenting a pattern of negligence that’s affected multiple careers.” I hold his gaze. “Three players so far. All rushed back too early. All suffered complications. All have medical records to prove Winters prioritized roster needs over their long-term health.”
Barrett’s quiet, considering everything I’ve told him. “That’s a serious accusation.”
“It’s a documented fact. I have timelines, medical records, testimony. Everything needed to prove Winters has been doing this for years.”
“And you’re doing this because...?”
“Because Marnie stood up to him about Rodriguez’s knee and now he’s watching for an excuse to retaliate. That photo gave him one.” I lean forward slightly. “She’s the best physical therapist we’ve ever had. If Winters gets her fired because she actually gives a shit about long-term player health instead of short-term wins, this organization will have proven it cares more about politics than players.”
Barrett studies me. “You’re very invested in defending Dr. Walker.”
“She’s brilliant at her job. That should be enough.”
“But it’s more than that.” Not a question.
