Halfway Crook

Looks can be deceiving. I never expected Manu to do what he was being accused of. He didn't strike me as the type who would do such a thing. In thinking more about it, his actions should not have surprised me. The red flags were there all along. I just failed to connect the dots.

Often times, the person who is least expected to commit treason does so because nobody else is expecting it. I've fallen into this trap as a Coach, trusting certain guys more than others because they don't seem like the shady type. Although Manu gets good grades (2.8 GPA overall) and is very mild mannered, he is not the sharpest knife in the drawer. Experts have shown that delinquency and low intellect are intrexicably linked.

Manu is easily one of the most simple minded individuals I have ever met, much like Manny Ramirez--the hitting savant who recently went down as the only Major League Baseball player to get pinched twice for violating the league's drug policy. Manu has had his fair share of "Manu Moments" where he doesn't seem to be thinking that have left me puzzled. For instance, a few weeks ago he admitted needing help applying to school here even though we require nothing more than biographical information.

Yesterday, Manu was supposed to bring me his completed college application for review. He's guaranteed admission to this school as long as he submits his application by the deadline. He didn't show up or call to cancel, however. As I was driving home in the evening Manu texted me, asking for a "very important" favor. I asked him to call me so we could talk.

Manu: I need you to write me a letter of recommendation.
Me: For your college application?
Manu: No. I got into some trouble.
Me: Where? What did you do?
Manu: Well, at work they're accusing me of doing some stuff.
Me: Okay, so what am I supposed to be writing for you?
Manu: Just a letter talking about how I'm a good citizen and everything.
Me: What kind of trouble are you talking?
Manu: They're saying I took shoe laces, food, and money.
Me: Did you do it?
Manu: Yeh.
Me: How'd you get caught?
Manu: After a customer paid for their order at the register, I pocketed the money and they came to get me.
Me: Cmon, man. Really? How much money are we talking?
Manu: Over $1000 total. They were watching me do this on camera for awhile. They're charging me with larceny and I got court in two days.