Earn Your Extra Credit

(1) Buck Loses His Dream

The arena in NY fell quiet on a cold snowy afternoon during the NFL playoffs. 

"Barnes is down and Coach is running on to the field." The announcer said through Winnie and James' tv speakers.

"Darlin you need to book us a flight." James said as the EMTs rushed on to the field. 

"I'm on it. Call Angelina to let her know to give us updates till we get there." Winnie said as she went to call the airline muting the tv as the captions began to roll across the screen. 

They kept replaying the tackle that took down their son. An hour late Angelina called them back with an update as they waited for their flight. 

"Hello." Winnie said 

"Hey, so um he's still not awake yet. But he has a concussion and his knee is messed up pretty bad they said he's tore his ACL and his MCL." Angelina said 

"Oh no, if it was his MCL he would have been fine. That is something he's done when he was a freshmen in highschool." James said 

"Our flight is being called Angel we will be there soon." Winnie said 

"Okay see you soon love you all." Angelina said as they hung up. 

When James and Winnie landed in NY they checked into their hotel and went straight to the hospital. Angelina led them to his room. 

"He woke up 20 minutes ago." She said

"Has the doctor been in since he woke up?" James said 

"No he was in surgery so he will be up when he's done." Angelina said 

Both James and Winnie hugged him. "You all didn't have to come up here." Bucky said 

"Yes we did. We wanted to be here for you. Your aunt is watching the boys." James said as he took a seat by the bed. 

Thirty minutes later Dr Jay Lawson walked in. 

"Hi I'm Dr Jay Lawson." He said as he shook hands as Coach Brunson came in. 

"So what's the damage doc? Can I still play?" Bucky said 

Dr Lawson looked down. "I'm sorry James but no. You've torn your ACL and according to your wife you have re torn your MCL. There's to much damage to repair." Dr Lawson said 

"Even if I did the physical therapy? I bounced back when I tore my MCL in highschool. I busted my ass to get my strength back i can do it again." Bucky said 

"Son, this time it's different you only tore one thing and you was 14. You are 27 now.." James said 

"But dad I.." Bucky said 

"I'm sorry James your football career is over. And the other reason why I'm saying this is because your CT scan of your head. You can tell how many times you've had a concussion. Your wife told me you've been playing since the pee wee leagues. Which tells me that you've been playing your whole life it's time to hang up the cleats cause judging by the scans two or three more concussions could end your football career as well. So think of this as a blessing in disguise I'll be getting in contact with your doctor back home in Florida after I send these to him or her." Dr Lawson said 

"Great.." Bucky said in a low tone. 

That night on sports center the news broke that Bucky's 4 year NFL career was over. He was on the flight back home. After arriving home he met with the other doctor who told him the same thing.

While he recovered from knee surgery Sam Steve and Clint convinced him to join them at Ala mater and teach. They also added another incentive the college was also looking for a new football coach since the old one was retiring.