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THE WORLD

“I could tell something was wrong with him the second I met him. Just a feeling, you know? It’s like some big secret was lurking just beneath the surface. He made a pass at me once. I turned him down, of course. I mean, hello? I work for your girlfriend. When Heidi came to work with us, things got even worse. I caught them in the back room once. I mean, they weren’t kissing or having sex or anything, but you could tell something like that had just happened right before I walked back there. I tried to talk to Heidi about it. She’s just a kid. I told her it was wrong for him to take advantage of her, but she was in love. I hate that he stole her innocence. Poor Merit was just clueless. As for me, I’m gonna be living with the trauma of this for a long time. When I found out he was arrested, I immediately quit. It’s just time for me to focus on self-healing. I pray justice is served.”

Emily Edmondson

Former Employee at Run and Jump and Twirl

***

“This is an epidemic. These professional athletes, they’re treated like gods. They’re paid millions and millions of dollars to run a ball up and down a field of green AstroTurf. Why? Why do we place such value on this kind of entertainment? What’s happened to the arts? Watching plays and concerts? We assign such a high worth to these men—and that’s all they are, men. That’s why they think they can do whatever they want. They take everything to excess—drinking, drugs, money-spending, and sex. And if the sex isn’t given freely, they take it. They just take it. And who better to take it from than a young, impressionable girl? A girl you’re supposed to be mentoring, teaching. Throw the book at him. That’s the only way these guys will ever learn.”

Betty Taylor-White

Cable News Commentator

***

“There’s definitely a level of mental illness here. Of course, I haven’t had the opportunity to interview Holt Hill, but in my professional opinion, he seems to fit the characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder. He has extreme self-importance. In his mind, he has the right to engage in a romantic relationship with anyone he wants. Age or consent doesn’t matter to him. There needs to be better mental health services and screenings in place for these professional athletes—really, for anyone in a position of power. There is still a stigma with these groups surrounding psychiatric services. Proper counseling and medication might have prevented this situation altogether.”

Dr. Alexander Crawford

Psychiatrist and Department Head

***

“Thank you all for coming to this press briefing today. I know it’s been an unimaginable few days for our school, our teachers, and most importantly, our students. Needless to say, I never thought I would be up here saying these words about a man I once considered a dear friend, a trusted colleague, and a valued member of this community. Effective immediately, Holt Hill is no longer on staff at our school. He is no longer serving in either a teaching or coaching capacity. Our administration has been fully cooperating with all law enforcement agencies, and we will continue to do so. Our students are our number one focus, and we will be providing free counseling services when school starts back after the holiday break. We encourage our families to take advantage of this opportunity together. We need to make sure our children understand sexual consent. The administration, Board members, and classroom teachers will work together to strengthen our school environment so every child feels safe. We are in talks with a local charity to establish a hotline where students or their families can report any activity or interaction that makes them feel threatened, uncomfortable, or defenseless. I pray you enjoy the rest of the holiday season and please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you have any concerns.”

Principal Ted Adams

Rockdale High School

***

“He was my high school sweetheart, and we reconnected during his first year in the NFL. Holt has always been very intense, especially with his emotions. Before I even knew what was happening, we were living together. He’s a very different person behind closed doors. He knows how to work the cameras. He knows how to manipulate the fans. He gives out pennies, and people just swoon. That wasn’t even his idea; it was mine. A lot of things happened in our relationship that I wish I could change. Maybe if I were strong enough to stay with him, I could’ve saved this poor girl. I’m just glad that his true colors are finally showing. I’m glad that no other woman will have to endure what we have. It’s time all women stand up and fight for themselves. We are worthy!”

Delaney Fitts

Former Girlfriend

***

“Fuck him. What a pervert.”

“He should be castrated, and his balls fed to pigs.”

“My little brother goes to that school. There’s a sex tape, y’all!!!!! Just wait…it’s gonna be released on Christmas Day. Once I get the link, I’ll post it here.”

“That’s what money gets you. Stupid decisions and jail.”

“Our schools should do a better job of protecting our kids.”

“I guess that girlfriend of his sucks in bed. Otherwise, why would he step out with a seventeen-year-old?”

“Why does he give out pennies anyway? He’s a multi-millionaire. He can spare a fucking dollar.”

“My sister’s best friend has an uncle who’s a janitor at the school. The entire school knew what was happening—teachers, students, counselors, everybody. And they did nothing to stop it. They didn’t wanna lose the state championship. Football was the only thing they were concerned about.”

“Someone said he took a dick pic and sent it to the girl. Anyone know how I can find it? Any leaks of their texts?”

“I am a survivor of a non-consensual, long-term sexual assault. And some of the comments in this blog are not only insensitive, but extremely vicious and sickening. Yes, the facts will eventually play out in a court of law, but we need to remember that all survivors of sexual assault, sexual trauma, grooming, and domestic violence, deserve to be treated with the utmost respect. Forget about him being a professional athlete and millionaire; the focus should be on his status as a teacher and coach. This is a prime example of how power dynamics can warp a young person’s mindset. This is exactly why every state in our country has laws to protect our students. Schools should be a safe environment.”

“He’s a sicko and should spend the rest of his life getting raped in prison. That’ll teach him.”

“He’s hot. I wish he would’ve been my teacher when I was in high school. I totally would’ve hit that.”

“He has money. Why didn’t he just buy her off? I’m more than willing to be his fuck-buddy if the price is right. Hell, I’d do it for minimum wage. Have you seen him without a shirt?”

“I hope someone cuts off his dick and sticks it down his throat.”

“I can’t believe Holt Hill is a child molester. I heard she wasn’t his first victim. He used to be my hero. I wanted to be just like him. Not anymore. I guess the world would be a better place without him.”

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