Jude Bellingham
Suspended?
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As I charged toward the opponent, my sole focus was on executing a crucial tackle that could shift the dynamics of the game. Locked in on my target, I timed my approach, aiming to dispossess the formidable player with precision.
In that critical moment, my attempt fell short. Despite my best efforts, the tackle on Kevin Davis proved unsuccessful. Frustration and the heat of competition surged within me, and, involuntarily, the word "Rapist" escaped my lips. It hung in the air, an unexpected and uncommon expression on the football pitch.
A wave of realization washed over me as I comprehended the weight of what I had just said. The term was out of place in the context of the game, and I found myself momentarily stunned by the intensity of my own reaction. The match pressed on, but that brief interlude lingered in my thoughts.
As I sat in the meeting room, the air thick with tension, I couldn't escape the gravity of the situation. The faces around the table mirrored the seriousness of the whats being said about me. Richard Simmons, the team manager, fixed me with a stern gaze, and Serena Filgran, the head of public relations, exuded a composed demeanor as she addressed the repercussions of my on-pitch outburst.
"Jude, we need to address the repercussions of your comment on the pitch. The backlash is gaining momentum, and there's talk of a potential suspension for the remaining games," stated Richard Simmons, the team manager, fixing me with a stern gaze.
"I understand the seriousness of the situation. I never intended for things to escalate like this," I responded somberly.
"We've initiated an investigation, including hiring a lip reader to analyze the footage. We need to determine if your words match the allegations," calmly stated Serena.
"I must acknowledge that I did say those words on the pitch," I admitted, the weight of truth hanging heavily in the air. "However, I'm willing to face the consequences of my actions, whatever they may be."
"We appreciate your honesty," Simmons acknowledged, "but we'll await the official report from the lip reader before determining the next steps."
Serena added, "Once we have the conclusive findings, we can assess the extent of the impact and decide on an appropriate course of action."
"Jude, we've been supportive of you both on and off the pitch. But we can't ignore the potential consequences this could have for the club," Simmons sincerely expressed.
"I take full responsibility for my actions. If there's a suspension, I'll accept it. I just want to rectify this and move forward," I stated resolutely, bracing myself for the uncertain journey ahead.
"I have a question, let's say the lip reader confirms it what do we do?"
"We will highlight your charitable work, community engagement, and highlight moments where you've shown sportsmanship. This will show that you made one slip up and shouldn't be judged for it" she said, with Richard nodding.
"We'll await the results of the investigation before making any decisions though," Serena thoughtfully concluded.
As the meeting concluded, I left the room with a sense of unresolved uncertainty, bracing myself for the potential challenges that awaited me in the wake of that impulsive moment on the football field. I was slightly annoyed and frustrated.
Yes, I can admit that wasn't good sportsmanship and I guess it was unprofessional. But the guy wasn't a saint. I said what everyone was thinking. There were videos and photos, while the case was dismissed it doesn't change the fact that he did what he did. But again, I guess that was not good sportsmanship.
As I made my way to Avery's apartment, I was still irritated but I know seeing her would instantly change my mood, or at least I hope that would happen because I was pretty fucking pissed. She opened the door greeting me with a kiss.
I walked in and the aroma of what she was preparing hugged me.
"Dinner will be ready soon, I hope it'll cheer you up a little" she said as she made her way back to the kitchen.
"Thanks love" I sighed.
"I'm all ears, how did the meeting go?" She asked as she tied her apron.
"Apart from the team manager being disappointed. The team's PR Serena, said if the lip reader confirmed that I did say that word. She's suggesting we handle it by focusing on my overall positive image and highlighting all the good that I've done."
She made a face, almost as if it was the dumbest thing she has ever heard.
"What? Let me hear the details of their strategy before I comment." She said opening the oven. I could tell it was the sweet potato pie that I loved so dearly.
"The PR wants to emphasize my charitable work, community engagement, and highlight moments where I've shown sportsmanship. Basically, they're aiming to redirect attention from this incident."
She listened attentively, I could tell her professional instincts was kicking in but I wasn't too sure because she still looked upset.After a moment of contemplation, she shared her thoughts.
"Those were her words?" She asked as she removed the pot cover checking on the content inside. "Can't be"
"Yes those were her words." I confirmed and her expression didn't change.
"So she wants to downplay the situation or sweep it under the rug" she shook her head. "If that's the approach it's best if you guys do absolutely nothing because if you they start randomly highlighting etc it's going to stir the anger of those who already aren't on your side"
"While showcasing your positive contributions is essential, that strategy has a flaw. A major flaw. It might come off as deflecting responsibility rather than acknowledging and addressing the issue head-on. If you did that you'd receive more backlash, she's setting you up to look like a narcissist. Sorry babe, we saw what you said, so that approach is basically gaslighting everyone. What she should've suggested is transparency and a genuine commitment to change."
I nodded, "I want to be honest and responsible in how we handle this. What do you suggest?"
"Craft a statement that acknowledges the mistake, expresses sincere remorse, and outlines concrete steps you're taking to educate yourself and contribute to eradicating abusive language in sports. People appreciate authenticity and a commitment to growth. I'm only suggesting this if it you guys actually want to acknowledge the issue and rise above it, this would be the best way to."
She continued, "Honestly from a non PR POV I wouldn't want to apologize the guy is a loser. The fact that he's still allowed to play is a bit crazy but I guess that's because the case was tossed. And I think he had an 18 month ban. Therefore, your language could come across as bullying and we don't want that. My only regret is the camera catching you to be honest."
I laughed, "mine too."
"However I like that approach. And I will suggest it. I don't want to be in this position again so I guess I keep my feelings to myself."
"Keep me in the loop, just incase they have you doing bullshit and let me see the statement first before it's published. They can't publish before your green light." She said a bit stern. It was a bit of a turn on.
I think I'm in love.
I know we had our Spanish class soon but honestly I'd rather use my mouth for something else during that time.
YOU ARE READING
The Only One for You | Jude Bellingham (Completed)
Romance"Fuck me" I said lowly. He looked at me with a raised eyebrow, probably waiting on me to say I was joking but, I wasn't. I needed him balls deep to relieve me of this stress. "Right now?" He said a bit surprised, a little theatrical too, "you want...
