This time, the coach frowned deeply. "Accepting gifts like this is a clear violation of your contract. Alex should have known better than to give you the tickets."
"Wait what are you saying? The guy didn't even know who I was when he gave me the tickets initially!" Ken shot to his feet, slamming the table in the process. This was absolutely absurd.
Coach Brown shook his head, "That may be the case, but I'm afraid that changes nothing. You should have paid for the tickets, or at least reported the situation to me afterwards. If we got on the front foot earlier, things would have been more manageable.
"So what are you saying? What happens now?"
"While the investigation is ongoing, you'll be ineligible to play any games." The coach stated, his expression showing regret.
"You can't be serious right?" Ken replied incredulously.
"I'm afraid so Ken. If you want to expedite the process, make sure you cooperate fully with the University. We need to see receipts and bank records for the alleged offenses, only then can you be cleared. As for the tickets, I suggest you try and get in contact with Alex Cole and pay him for the tickets. Maybe then will things be easily smoothed over."
Ken's expression darkened. "I can't believe this… Not only did I have someone stalk me and my girlfriend, I also have to let the University through my personal bank records? Tell me Coach, when did I stop being an athlete and become a prisoner?"
His tone was cold, to the point where even the coach was affected.
"I'm sorry Ken, these are the rules of Collegiate sports, there is nothing I can do to change them." He replied sadly.
"I should have stayed in Japan." Ken stated to himself before turning on his heel and walking towards the door.
Just as he reached the threshold he stopped and spoke up with his back turned, "I will email you my bank statements after I get in contact with Alex. I trust that you'll expedite the investigation so that I can play as soon as possible."
Without waiting for an answer, he opened the door and left, closing it behind him.
Coach Brown was silent for a few moments before leaning back in his chair, his expression grave. The investigation into Ken couldn't have come at a worse time, which led him to believe that it was intentionally done by someone.
He let out a sigh and felt tired. "They better take this seriously…"
Brett Brown could tell how much this news had hurt Ken. The guy had always been so hardworking both off and on the field, in athletics and his academics. If the both the NCAA and the University failed to handle this correctly, they might end up losing him for good.
"Such a shame…"
Ken was seething as he left the coach's office. He had never felt his privacy so violated as he did right now, and all he could think about was the slimy bastard tracking him and his girlfriend while they were out and about.
The feeling was not a good one, especially since he was not even a real celebrity yet.
With a glum expression, he returned to his dorm and saw Tara and Steve waiting for him. For a moment he felt like just leaving again, but after seeing the concern written on both of their faces, he thought better.
Before they even asked, Ken explained the situation.
"What!? How can they do that?" Steve was fired up almost instantly, shooting to his feet in anger. He too was not happy with the fact Ken would have to sit out on games so close to the post season.
Tara on the other hand was quiet.
"I should have known…" She said, wearing a defeated expression. "When you received the VIP tickets, I should have inquired into it more. I'm so stupid!"
"H—Hey, don't beat yourself up." Steve quickly ditched his own anger and went to comfort her.
"He's right. This happened before you were my manager anyway." Ken stated, making his way over to his bed. He took a seat and let out a sigh.
"So what now?"
"I have to provide my bank statements to the University to prove that I indeed funded the hotel stays and shopping trips. As for the VIP ticket, the coach told me I would need to contact Alex and pay for them." Ken replied.
Saying it out loud left a bitter taste in his mouth, but he had no choice in the matter. As long as he wanted to play collegiate baseball, he would need to abide by their rules.
Of course if the NIL deal was here, none of this would be an issue.
"How would you even get in contact with Alex? He's a professional athlete." Steve asked.
"Well Ken is verified on instagram, so if he sends a direct message on there, Alex will be more likely to see it." Tara said.
Ken was a little surprised, but he didn't know much about instagram to begin with. Hearing this, he opened up the app and searched for Alex before sending a message.
"I guess now we just wait." He said, putting the phone down onto the bed.
"Hopefully he gets the message…" Steve said.
"If he doesn't, I'll just have to reach out to his agent and try to get an audience. I'm not sure that he'll oblige though, since I'm still a college student." Tara added.
BUZZ BUZZ
"Eh? Who is calling me?"
Ken quickly opened his phone and saw a video call request from someone. It was only when he looked at the name that he realized who it was.
"Alex is video calling me?"
"What!? Really?"
"Quick, answer it!"
Ken fumbled on his phone for a little bit before managing to hit the accept call button. In the next moment a familiar face appeared, dressed in his New York Yanks uniform. The guy was in the dugout and he could see other players in the background.
"Kenny! It's good to hear from you man."