Michael made his way into the elevator, his hands balled into fist. His heart was beating loudly in his chest as anxiety crawled through him like a snake, making his limbs feel heavy.
As he entered and pressed the button for the 3rd floor, he saw Shirley his receptionist about to enter. But after raising her gaze and seeing him, she quickly turned and walked past, as if she didn't want to see him.
This caused fresh anger to rise, drowning out his anxiety briefly. He pressed the button to close the door a few times, mumbling something to himself.
"That bastard… Couldn't even take your punishment gracefully. Kids these days are rotten to the core…"
As the doors closed, Michael seethed inwardly. After handing his verdict to Columbia University, his life had turned to hell. At first things were silent, and he strolled into the office with a renewed sense of purpose, his sense of justice satiated for now.
At least until the next case.
But after a few days, things went nuclear. Not only was the media all over the NCAA, Columbia University had appealed the decision, even threatening legal action should a satisfactory outcome not be reached.
This in conjunction with the reported boycott of American sports in Japan had caused Michael to become somewhat of a pariah in the office. The people whom he once thought respected him were now avoiding him like the plague.
Shirley was one such example, only talking to him when completely necessary, and only about work. Her tone was professional, so he could not reprimand her at all.
Stewing in his anger, Michael had spent the following week after the incident keeping to himself. The cases which used to bring him satisfaction now seemed annoying, significantly ruining his mood.
Earlier he had received a call from his boss, telling him to come to the 3rd floor. This had instantly filled Michael with anxiety, for his pay review was coming up and he was currently embroiled in all this mess.
He was not fearful for his job since the NCAA was a governing body, and took great care of their employees. This was one of the reasons why he'd been able to deal out harsh punishments without getting in trouble.
Once the elevator stopped on the 3rd floor, he adjusted his tie and walked out, his gaze moving across the office space. It was spacious and more modern looking than his own floor since most of the big wigs resided here.
"Terry." Michael called out, raising his hand and acknowledging a colleague.
However, his face soured upon seeing the guy look directly at him and ignore him a moment later. Feeling humiliated, he mumbled something under his breath and continued to the largest office on the floor.
He rapt gently on the door which was already opened and poked his head in. "Mr. Emmert, you wanted to see me?"
The man was in his late 60's with pale blond hair wearing a black suit and light blue button up beneath it. While he looked in great health for his age, his face looked weary, as if he'd been struggling to sleep of late.
This was the President of the NCAA, Luke Emmert. It had been months since Michael had seen the guy, since his duties as the President required him to travel quite a lot.
"Close the door and take a seat." Luke said, his tone sounding as weary as he looked.
Michael stiffened, but did as he was told. After promptly closing the door he sat in one of the comfy chairs across from the president, feeling his heart hammering in his chest. He had a feeling that he would be reprimanded, and was not happy about potentially losing his pay rise.
Luke sat back in his chair and let out a large sigh, "Do you know why I called you in here?" He asked.
Michael nodded, he would have to be dumb not to understand the reason. "It's because of the Takagi case."
"Good, at least you're not completely oblivious." He remarked, sitting back in his chair. "Michael, I've been in this position for 10 years and I can only think of one occasion where we've had more media attention than right now."
At these words, Michael paled. Even he knew the circumstance that the man was talking about. 8 years ago, the scandal involving an assistant coach at Penn State University. Not only was the situation horrible, the NCAA also came under investigation when emails to the university were leaked.
"Mr. Emmert, you can't tell me that this situation is comparable to back then." He replied indignantly.
"I never said that, Michael… I said that the media attention is comparable." Luke said calmly, "We are receiving huge backlash from multiple angles right now. Networks, Media outlets, Colleges, everyone seems to be up in arms about the punishment."
Michael froze, "M-Mr. Emmert. The value of the tickets escalated the breach into the severe category. A 24 game suspension is well within the jurisdiction of the NCAA rules."
Luke shook his head, disappointment evident in his features. "You want to deal such a harsh punishment to the number 1 High School recruit who plays for an Ivy League school? Not to mention a guy who has been labeled as Japan's precious gem?"
"It seems you have a poor sense of judgment Michael. It is my fault for placing you in this position and letting you do as you please." He said wearily.
"Mr. Emmert! I thi—"
Luke raised his finger, causing Michael to swallow his words.
The President then opened his draw and collected a manila folder which appeared to be bursting from the seams. He placed it on the table in front of him without a word.
Michael raised an eyebrow, waiting for clarification.
"These are your cases over the past 5 years. I must say, you seem to get a kick out of killing the dreams of these kids." He said, tapping the table.
Before Michael could respond, Luke continued. "We're putting you on indefinite administrative leave while we conduct an internal investigation. You are to collect your personal belongings and leave the office immediately."
Luke stood up and gestured to the door where two large men were waiting. "Security will escort you to your desk and out of the building."