Chapter 15

Adaptation proved more challenging than expected. By week’s end, Jack had indeed demonstrated his commitment—arriving first to practice, leaving last, volunteering for community events, even reconnecting with teammates who’d grown distant during his spiral.

More unexpected was the public’s response. When Jack gave an exclusive interview to Sports Illustrated about his recovery journey, fan sentiment shifted dramatically. Social media filled with supportive messages, signs appeared at games urging his return to the lineup, and merchandise sales bearing his number increased for the first time in months.

“The redemption narrative is powerful,” Lisa explained during their weekly PR meeting. “Right now, the public is rooting for him. If we trade him at this moment, we risk significant backlash.”

“We can’t make personnel decisions based on public sentiment,” Alek argued.

“But we can’t ignore it either,” countered Marketing Director Peterson. “Reynolds’ jersey sales