Falling Down

Basketball saves lives. It's a life-line for many boys and girls, even adults. People define themselves through the sport. Those who have an aversion to basketball (and sports, in general) don't get that. They simply see a couple of hoops, some lines, an orange ball, and a bunch of players running around. For countless basketball players, it's about so much more. The allure of commraderie, sweatsuits, sneakers, uniforms, and accolades is invigorating. It's their raison d'etre.

K-Solo was selected as a team Captain by his peers midway through the season. In addition to having a strong grade point average (2.67) in four college level courses, he consistently brought a very serious attitude to practices and games. Beyond that, K-Solo rightfully earned the respect and admiration of his teammates (and the coaching staff) because of the way he had turned his life around.

Throughout the season K-Solo had some legal matters to deal with (re: "Friday" post). He had to go to court on multiple occasions for a case that kept being continued. On top of that, he also had to visit regularly with his probation officer. Despite the stress of dealing with possible jail time, K-Solo found a way to successfully juggle school work, a part-time job, and playing on the basketball team. He later attributed his new attitude to why he was able to avoid time behind bars.

This renaissance didn't last long, however. K-Solo started dodging me once the season ended. When I saw two Fs posted on his mid-term report, I requested a meeting with him to assess the problem. His eyes were glossy when he walked in.

Me: What's up with your grades?
K-Solo: I know. They suck.
Me: I can see that. Why is that?
K-Solo: I don't have books for my classes.
Me: Why not?
K-Solo: I never went to get them.
Me: Because???
K-Solo: There's no reason. Just slackin, I guess.

His slide didn't stop there, unfortunately. Prior to the season, I had set him up with a job at the Athletic Center. Since I hadn't seen him for a couple of weeks, I decided to visit him at work. He was sitting at his usual post when I entered the building from his blind side. As I approached and he caught a glimpse of me, he took off as if he had stolen something. I figured he was on duty so I started chatting with his Supervisor while I waited for him to return.

Me: Is K-Solo on duty today?
Supervisor: No.
Me: Oh? I just saw him in the building.
Supervisor: He doesn't work here anymore.
Me: Did he quit?
Supervisor: No. He was fired after 3 straight no-call, no-shows.