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“It’s standard protocol. All players injured go onto the list. That allows for hiring and training.”
“I’m not seeing what this has to do with me.”
“He will need a PT plan.”
I nod. He will need physical therapy—no doubt, but I’m missing something.
“Pardon my bluntness, Tasha, but how does that involve me? Or us rather? Is Dr. Silverberg his attending?”
“A player on IR from our roster is assigned an athletic trainer, has a workable PT plan, and has measurable goals.”
“I’ll need more info—a lot more info—to make this something that is ‘workable’ as you call it.”
“Livy, I have no idea if last Monday’s meeting was warranted.” She holds her hands up to stop any protest. “And I don’t want to know. It’s none of my business, and the policy is, frankly, archaic. That said, my job presents enough challenges to create any more.” She holds my gaze. “I like your backbone and wouldn’t mind seeing more women in our ranks. But is there any reason you’d like me to assign different staff to this project?”
She exhales heavily as if she’s released a weight.
“You have nothing to worry about. I’ll get with Doc and Mr. Ranger and get a game plan. How would you like to be kept in the loop?”
“I’d like some markers—things like when the therapy will begin, as milestones are hit, and anything that could become a media storm. Just don’t let me be blindsided when you have info.”
“I can do that.”
She rises and makes her way to the door, giving me a genuine smile before seeing herself out.
* * *
“Olivia Morgan here to see Layton Ranger,” I offer to the older gentleman at the welcome center in the hospital lobby.
He looks at me before consulting his screen. “I’m sorry, Miss. We don’t have anyone here by that name.”
“Will you check again please? I work with him, and the team has asked I check in.” That last part isn’t wholly true. Yes, we have the same employer, but the check-in part isn’t accurate. Unless you count my meeting with Tasha yesterday.
“I’m sorry. No patients are available with that name.”
“Thank you for checking.”
His last answer was more telling. No patient available.
Me:Public affairs indicated Layton Ranger needed a therapy plan as part of his placement on injured reserve. I’m at the hospital, but they won’t let me in. Would you prefer I develop one from your records?
Dr. Silverberg’s name blinks as my phone rings.
“Livy.”
“Hi, Doc.”
“If you can get in to see Ranger, I think that would be best. We’re days out from any therapy on even his mildest injuries and probably weeks out from true work on the serious ones.”
“So it’s as bad as I’ve heard?” It’s a stupid question, and I’m not happy I asked it, but I need to be prepared.
“Or worse. The paper has only received snippets of what his legal team and our PA teams have fed them.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah. I can’t think of anyone better to help him with this than you.”
“Thank you.”
