Page 3 of Scoring the Player (Chasing Rings #2)

“Darius, that’s foul, man,” Todd says, waving him off.

“I’m just saying what everyone at home is thinking. His performance is decent ? —”

“Decent?” Todd scoffs. “He’s top five in the league offensively.”

“But is that enough for the Royals to put up with other players’ discomfort and the circus in the stands?”

“Sure, sure, but that’s not Cade’s fault.”

“Come on, T,” he says, throwing up his hands. “Be real. If Arnaz never came out, everyone would be focused on his game. I’m just saying, if I’m John Sealey ? —”

“Royals’ GM.”

“Yeah, if I’m the Royals’ GM, I’m doing the math right now to determine if he’s worth keeping. Art Johnson is a free agent. He could take Cade’s place.”

“No offense to Art,” Todd says, crossing his arms, “but he isn’t close to Cade offensively or defensively.”

“Is it fair that their security has to do the extra work of throwing out impassioned ticket holders for ? —”

“Impassioned,” Todd cuts in with a laugh. “Some might call ’em homophobic.”

Darius shrugs. “This is the free world. In case you forgot about the First Amendment? Isn’t that what started this mess?”

“What’ya mean?”

“Cade’s selfish article that no one asked him to publish.”

“You’re wildin’, man.”

“Nah, I’m keepin’ it real. Let’s ask our 3.7 million viewers.”

“Man, let it g ? —”

“Put up a poll. Let our viewers weigh in.” He signals to someone off camera. “Hashtag DariusNToddShow. Will Cade be dropped from the Royals this season? Yes or No? Sound off.”