Foul Trouble

Terrell talks to his mom about his fears that he will get hurt again. He wonders whether he should take Athena’s offer even though it is against the rules, feeling confident the NCAA will not try to punish a high-profile player like him. Reflecting on this dilemma, he wonders, “If the people making the rules are corrupt, do I still have to follow the rules?” (318).

At Terrell’s next game, his followers are back in force, including the Dudes and the various coaches from Terrell’s potential colleges. One day, Danny and his girlfriend go out for lunch and encounter the boyfriend of Terrell’s mother, who is sitting with a group that includes Athena representatives. The boyfriend claims that he is only there to help Terrell, but Danny doesn’t believe it.

If Danny’s team loses the next game, they will be out of play for the season. Because the other team knows that it is impossible to beat Terrell in a straight game, they tailor their game and use strategies to work around Terrell, thereby gaining a commanding lead. In the final quarter, Terrell and Danny narrow the gap, and Danny makes the winning shot as the buzzer goes off.