Foul Trouble

Athena, the unscrupulous company, appears in greater prominence in these chapters as its representatives intensify their attempts to persuade Terrell to represent their brand. These mounting pressures illustrate the challenges of discerning people’s true intentions, for Terrell must face the realization that not everyone is trustworthy and that his rising reputation has made him a target for morally questionable deals. While he has seen this dynamic among representatives of the various universities, the life lesson of Valuing True Friends over Fair-Weather Friends becomes particularly important during his interactions with the Dudes. Prior to these chapters, the Dudes were old friends who appeared to be mostly harmless, but it is now revealed that they have made a deal with Athena and are attempting to influence Terrell’s choices to secure a promised cash payout. Their self-serving actions prove that even the duration of a friendship is no guarantee of trustworthiness. In addition, when the man whom Terrell’s mother is dating also decides to influence Terrell on Athena’s behalf, the protagonist is forced to realize that not all of the adults in his life have his best interests at heart.

Feinstein also dedicates certain scenes to detailing The Power of Temptation and its potentially corruptive influence within the context of the sports world. For example, as Terrell conducts his two college visits, he is confronted with the key differences between the schools and begins to discern the telltale signs of insincerity and manipulation. Feinstein uses the University of Atlanta to represent party schools—those schools that guarantee athletes full access to their chosen sport while relieving them of the responsibility to maintain high academic standards. The benefits off the court, as the Atlanta team says, are far greater than any guidance or coaching that Terrell will receive; hearing this, Terrell catches a glimpse of the corruption inherent in the collegiate sports world, for athletes are often given special treatment just for being athletes. Although Terrell feels much more at ease when he visits Massachusetts State, it is later revealed that this university is also willing to make Terrell a grand offer in exchange for his attendance. Thus, Feinstein endeavors to convey the idea that not everything is as it seems, for the school presents a façade that conceals an element of corruption quite similar to that of the University of Atlanta.

As Danny and Terrell become more involved with Bobby Kelleher, they learn a great deal about the questionable tactics that many colleges employ, for multiple schools continue to use The Power of Temptation to lure Terrell their way. Kelleher’s choice to seek out both Terrell and Danny in his quest to uncover evidence of corruption indicates that his goal is to capture different perspectives on this issue. Rather than focusing only on all-star players, Kelleher makes an effort to understand Danny’s position as well. Danny and Terrell receive very different treatment from the various representatives, due to The Unfairness of Subjective Value Judgments on the part of those colleges and brands. For this reason, each of the two boys can offer Kelleher a unique perspective on the corruption that continues to disrupt their lives. Specifically, Terrell is frequently courted by those offering shady deals and benefits. Terrell has the potential to undermine the people who are trying to use him, and his power comes from the fact that Athena and other groups do not believe that an athlete would ever refuse what they have to offer. By contrast, Danny has an outsider’s perspective on the treatment that Terrell receives, and he perceives nuances that Terrell tends to miss because he is caught in the spotlight. In addition, Danny’s lack of superstar status means he isn’t bombarded with offers, and this contrast highlights the excessive pressure that schools and brands place on young athletes.