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Marcus meets with McTavish and tries to explain Charlie’s situation without mentioning the CTE, but this proves impossible. He feels guilty for sharing the secret when he promised Chelsea he wouldn’t, but with his court date approaching and his mom thinking about involving his dad, Marcus knows he has to protect himself and his mom. McTavish is understanding and encourages Marcus to tell the truth at his court date. Marcus argues he has to protect Charlie, but McTavish points out that keeping the secret could do Charlie more harm than good.

McTavish offers to help straighten out the situation so Marcus doesn’t get in trouble with the law. Marcus thanks him, saying “just from the way Charlie talks to me as Mac, I knew you’d be a good guy” (143). Before Marcus leaves, McTavish informs him Charlie will be inducted into their college’s athletics hall of fame in two weeks.

At Marcus’s next game, Troy calls a timeout after directly colliding with a player from the other team, concerned he’s injured. Marcus volunteers to play quarterback, but the coach refuses because it would cause too much strife among the team.