Twelve Men in the Huddle, page 16
Just then Dr. Harper walked into the room. “How’s it going?” His hands were dripping wet.
“Great,” said Pete. “The rod is down and we just need to lock it.” He and Jamal were checking some fluoroscopic views of the hardware construct.
“I haven’t knocked a rod down a tibia in over five years,” said Harper. The scrub nurse quickly placed a gown and gloves on the surgeon. “Thanks for the help.”
“No problem,” said Pete. “Back in Philly we would rod two long bones a night, and three on weekends.” While talking he drilled a screw perpendicular across the upper rod, locking it into place. Jamal then passed a second locking screw below the fracture. Mechanically, the two screws would not allow the rod to back out of the bone.
“Wow, nice job,” said the implant rep. “I’ve seen a lot of these rods done, and that gentlemen, was one of the best.”
Pete disconnected the driver handle from the rod, leaving its tip to protrude slightly above the bone, in case of future removal.
“How about the wound?” asked Harper. “Close it or leave it open?” He was now standing next to the two primary surgeons, and placed his right hand on the patient.
“I loosely close the edges,” said Pete. “How about you Jamal?”
“I would do the same. You don’t want the nurses on the floor staring at metal in the wound.”
“I see,” said Harper. “Excellent work.” He then stepped back and took off his surgical gown. “Thank you doctors.” He left the room.
Both surgeons began to suture close the wounds. While Pete worked on the incision just below the kneecap, Jamal loosely closed the skin edges over the open fracture site. A soft dressing was applied over the wounds. Eugene Blatt’s tibia fracture was now secure.
After helping move Eugene off the table, Pete headed into the recovery room to write some postoperative orders. He passed by a waiting area, where Dr. Harper was talking to Mrs. Blatt. She had arrived at the hospital just thirty minutes earlier.
“I couldn’t have done the case any better,” said Harper. “It’s up to Eugene now. If he listens to the trainers I’m confident he will make a full recovery.”
“Thank you so much,” said Mrs. Blatt. “When can I see him?”
“As soon as he is more awake, I’ll have the recovery room nurses come out to get you.”
“Thank you Dr. Harper. Thank you very much.”
“It was my pleasure, Mrs. Blatt. You should be proud of your son. He handled the situation very well. He’s going to be fine.”
Pete spent the next several minutes logging orders into the hospital’s computer system, and then headed to the locker room. It was ten o’clock at night. While walking into the room he heard Dr. Harper talking on his cell phone, two rows away.
“Clint, listen. Stay calm. We’ll get the deal through. Trust me.”
Pete quietly opened his locker and began to take off his surgical scrubs.
“Clint, just let me do the talking. O.K.?… I’ve got a lot riding on it too. I’m sure you understand that. Take it easy…. Connor will be back on the field this weekend.”
As Pete began to pull his pants out of the locker his belt buckle hit the metal door, causing a clank. There was an immediate pause in Harper’s conversation.
“Talk to you later Clint.” The call terminated.
Pete stepped into his pants as Harper approached.
“Good job Pete,” said Harper as he turned the corner. “You’ve got a good set of hands. He’s going to do well.”
“He’s a solid kid,” said Pete. “They treat him like crap on that team. I’m sure you know that.”
“No. Actually I don’t,” replied Harper while staring at his fellow. “He’s a division one football player on scholarship. I’m sure he can take it.”
Pete sensed this was a good time to bring up his testosterone concern with Harper. Earlier in the day Dr. Wong notified him of a markedly elevated testosterone level in his blood stream. All other lab tests were normal. After much thought, he felt Harper should be the first to know. Looking up he detected a peculiar stare from the senior surgeon. He went to speak.
“Hey Wagner,” said Harper. “What’s with the boobs?”
Pete immediately looked down on his bare chest. His breasts sagged in a hideous fashion.
“Holy Christ, take control of yourself. You’re a young man,” said Harper. “I suggest you get down to the gym and have Lance start working with you.”
“Well, actually I’m glad you noticed Dr. Harper. I’m kind of having a problem in that regard. Maybe it’s a good time to talk to you about…”
“The GameChanger. Have him start you on it,” said Harper. “In six months you’ll be like iron man. I’ll comp you on it. It’s on the house.”
“Well thanks Dr. Harper. But that brings me to another topic. A few other strange things have been happening…”
“You don’t want to freak out Heather Jackson,” said Harper with a grin. “You don’t think I hear things – Swagner?”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Pete. Can I mention something about Connor Kelly?”
“Sure.”
“I hope you understand the magnitude of the situation at hand. I mean this is a very sensitive topic, with national implications.”
“Sure. I understand that Dr. Harper. I would never tell anyone about it.”
“I’ve spoken to a few experts on the matter and everything has been ironed out. The results as they stand alone, are meaningless. So the case is basically closed.”
“Great,” said Pete. He finished getting dressed and closed the locker door. “Connor is back next Saturday. Right?”
“Yes sir,” said Harper as the two exited the locker room. “How about a ride home?”
“Sure.”
“Where’s Jamal?”
“Oh, he jogged home. Trying to get back in shape.”
“You see, I told you so,” said Harper as they exited the operating room proper. “Take his lead and get back in shape. Part of being an orthopedic surgeon is looking like an athlete. You know, playing the role. Your patients expect it.”
“I will.”
“And remember,” continued Harper as they walked down a flight of steps to a side exit. “Drink green tea. It’s the key to life. Green tea.”
Pete didn’t respond as the duo approached Grady G. and his black SUV. Inside was Shannon, the glow of her cell phone lighting up her face.
“I’m exhausted,” said Harper. “Home James.”
“No,” said Shannon with a nervous twitch. “Change of plans.”
“What?”
“I just got off the phone with Coach Hayes. He’s hopping mad. Needs to see you right away.”
“What? Where?”
“In his office,” said Shannon as Grady G. pulled the Mercedes out of the lot. The vehicle accelerated down the road.
“At this hour?” cried Harper. “I’ve got a full schedule of surgery tomorrow morning. He needs to see me right now?”
“Yes,” said Shannon. “He wants Dr. Wagner there too.”
“Wagner? What the hell is going on?”
“Connor Kelly’s dad is in his office. He wants some questions answered. Immediately.”
Chapter Seventeen
THE T:E RATIO
“Mr. Kelly, just please try to calm down,” implored Coach Hayes. “I’m sure Doc Harper can explain everything. Remember, this is all new to me.” Hayes was seated behind his desk, a massive oaken structure littered with framed photographs.
“Don’t tell me to calm down coach!” shouted Mr. Kelly. “Your program here is trying to destroy my son!”
“Mr. Kelly, please,” interjected Vern Foster. “I’m sure there’s an explanation for the abnormal lab values.” The school’s Athletic Director sat on the side of Coach Hayes’ desk, his hands across his lap.
“Four years ago I sent a wholesome and well mannered teenager to your school,” said Kelly, trying to hold his composure. “Now, four years later, he has some banned substance showing up in his bloodstream. What kind of outlaw program are you running?”
“When did Connor discuss this with you Mr. Kelly?” asked Foster.
“He didn’t,” barked Kelly. “That’s the problem. Our family doctor up in Scranton ran into me at the grocery store. Asked a lot of questions about Connor’s blood work. How do you think I felt? I didn’t even know what the hell he was talking about! Why didn’t anyone call me?”
“Mr. Kelly,” said Coach Hayes. “I can assure you, I knew nothing about this until you called this morning.” The coach was shaking his head back and forth. “Vern, how can this happen? Did you know anything about some abnormal blood work up north? Did Doc Harper know about it?”
“Well, if my memory serves me correct…”
Just then the door opened and in walked Dr. Harper with Pete. Mr. Kelly stood up in a threatening manner.
“What have you done to my son?” shouted Kelly.
“Mr. Kelly, please, I can explain.”
“Dr. Schmeckle said he called you to discuss the blood results. Is that true?”
“Yes,” responded Harper.
“Well why didn’t anyone call me, his father!” Kelly looked at everyone in the room. “I should have been notified immediately. Don’t you think so?”
“Mr. Kelly, by law your son is an adult. He is over eighteen years old. So I would need his permission to talk to anyone else. Unfortunately this includes his parents. It was Connor’s decision not to call you.”
“Don’t give me that legal bullshit,” screamed Kelly. “When he ripped up his knee cartilage in practice, you didn’t hesitate to pick up the phone!” The father’s face was turning beet red, a tortuous vein protruding from his right forehead. “Your inaction was inexcusable doctor!”
“Doc, what the hell is going on here?” jumped in Hayes. “Talk to me.”
“Connor’s blood work showed an elevated testosterone level,” said the team physician. While speaking, Mr. Kelly slowly sat down opposite the physician. He had an incredulous look on his face.
“The testosterone level reported …”
“Testosterone is a steroid,” interrupted Mr. Kelly. “Don’t sugar coat it doc. We’re dealing with steroids here!”
“It can certainly be an anabolic steroid Mr. Kelly,” was the team physician’s response. “Listen, gentlemen,” said Harper as he calmly sat down in a chair next to Mr. Kelly. “His blood work simply showed an abnormal T:E ratio.”
“What’s a T:E ratio doc?” asked Foster. “In English, please.”
“Sure,” said Harper. “The T:E ratio is a measurement of testosterone compared to epitestosterone. Both are naturally occurring hormones in our bodies. On average, the expected ratio in a healthy human being should be 1:1.”
“What was Connor’s ratio?” asked the father.
“5:1,” said Harper looking directly at Kelly. “It was markedly elevated.”
“So doctor, what caused this elevated ratio?”
“I don’t know,” said Harper. “As a general rule if an athlete is abusing steroids, he or she is pumping testosterone into their system, and this will alter the T:E ratio. However, some athletes can have a normally elevated T:E ratio, even as high as 5:1. The ratio can be affected by a person’s race or his baseline physiologic metabolism. At times, even an undetected pathological process can cause an abnormal ratio.”
“I don’t know what the hell you are talking about,” cried out Coach Hayes with a wave of his hands. “You may as well start quacking like a goose. For Christ’s sake doc, dumb it down!”
“Here it is in a nutshell gentlemen,” said Harper now standing up. “Every year the league randomly checks our athletes for steroid abuse, via the T:E ratio.”
“And we have never had an athlete fail a test,” chimed in A.D. Foster.
“Correct,” said Harper. “The league threshold for an elevated level is 6:1. Anything above that is met with a one year suspension.”
“So are we O.K.?” asked coach.
“Maybe,” said Harper. “It all depends on how we want to handle the situation from this point forward.”
“I want my son’s name cleared!” shouted Mr. Kelly. “I know my son. If he said he never took steroids, then I can assure you gentlemen – he never took steroids! So let’s clear this up now with a game plan.”
“Just repeat the test Jordan,” said Vern Foster.
“That may cause more problems,” said Harper.
“How so?”
“If we repeat the test and the ratio fluctuates, then by league bylaw, he is considered positive for the use of steroids.”
“And if it stays the same?”
“Then he is exonerated,” said Harper. “Even if the method of staying the same is by using steroids.”
“He’s not using steroids!” screamed Mr. Kelly. “What don’t you understand?”
“Doc, cut to the chase. You’re the team’s medical director. What do you recommend?” asked Coach Hayes.
“I recommend doing nothing,” said Harper. “This is an internal issue. We are not being asked by an outside entity to explain anything. If we repeat the test and it’s abnormal, then morally, we will have to make public comment.”
“And suspend the Cannonball?” said Coach Hayes, now falling back into his tall leather chair. “Sweet Jesus.”
No one spoke for several seconds, each person digesting the medical recommendation.
“What about you Dr. Wagner?” asked Mr. Kelly. “You know my son. You know where he comes from. Do you have any explanation for the abnormal ratio? I want your opinion too.”
“No,” said Pete with conviction. “I don’t believe Connor ever knowingly used anabolic steroids.”
“What do you mean by “knowingly” son?” asked the coach. “Are you some sort of lawyer or something?”
“What are you suggesting Dr. Wagner?” asked Foster.
“Let the young doctor speak,” said Mr. Kelly with a wave of his hand. “Go ahead Dr. Wagner.”
“No. I’m definitely not an attorney,” said Pete, his heart rate rising. He recalled his discussion with Dr. Wong, but thought it best not to speak out any further. “If Connor said he never used steroids, then Connor never used steroids. That is what I believe. I’ve gotten to know him well over the past few weeks. He’s not using steroids.”
“Mr. Kelly,” said Dr. Harper. “Talk to your son tonight. Ultimately it’s your decision as to whether or not we repeat the blood test. We must do everything in his best interest. I can assure you, we will abide by Connor’s ultimate decision. No matter what the outcome.”
“I think that would be best,” said Mr. Kelly. “It’s getting late and I’m tired.”
“Mr. Kelly,” said Vern Foster. “Tulsa Valley is here to help you 24/7. We are available to talk to you any time. We have a young man’s future and reputation on the line here. There is no rush for a decision. Take your time and think it through. We will follow your lead.”
“Mr. Kelly, we all know that Connor is an outstanding young man,” said Coach Hayes. “He is the face of this program. You and Connor have my full support.”
“Thanks coach,” said Mr. Kelly. “Thank you all for your time, and I apologize to everyone for being so upset. It’s just that this was supposed to be Connor’s big year. First the knee injury and now this – everything is starting to unravel.”
“Vern, have the limo take him over to Alumni Hall. Put him up in the VIP suite,” said Hayes. “The usual comp service.”
“Thanks coach,” said Mr. Kelly as shook hands with everyone and left the room. “Thank you all. I’ll be staying in town through this weekend’s game. We’ll keep in touch.”
Vern Foster escorted Mr. Kelly out of the room, a consoling hand around his shoulder.
“I’m as confused as a cow on astroturf,” moaned Coach Hayes in a fatigued voice. “What the hell is going on here doc?”
“He’s got a tough decision,” said Harper. “If a repeat ratio is abnormal, the crap is going to hit the fan. Just pray he doesn’t want it repeated.”
“Son,” said Coach Hayes to Pete. “Do you mind if I talk to Dr. Harper here, in private?”
“Sure,” said Pete as he sprung up from the chair, and left the room.
“Ah, close the door behind yourself young man,” said the coach.
“Sure coach.”
Fifteen minutes later Pete and Dr. Harper were back in the SUV for the ride home. Next to Pete was Shannon, her phone on airplane mode. The car ride was strangely quiet, as the vehicle rolled through Tulsa, past Hal Green’s apartment.
At that same moment Hal Green turned the light down in his second floor bedroom. He was still awake and reading an email from a private laboratory in California. The memo contained the results of a complete chemical analysis of the skin patches confiscated from the Badlands. The report spelled out in absolute detail the ingredients of Harper’s product. Some words were easily recognizable such as sodium and potassium, yet others were not. One by one, Green took a scientific word and pasted it into Google, in an attempt to clarify its meaning. He would occasionally type the word ‘illegal’ next to an ingredient, and continue the search. The patch contained seventeen ingredients, including multiple electrolytes and a few minerals. Each ingredient was perfectly legal in the United States of America. He rechecked the list, yet the results were the same. His raid upon the Badlands was in vain.
That evening Brianna was working late at the Gin Hole. Green wondered if another strike into the Badlands would pay off? Certainly, security was beefed up after the sentry stumbled upon them, and the camp was probably swept clean. He couldn’t take the risk again. Yet, he needed to keep pushing, like his old mentor once told him – “Push the envelope! Push, push, push!” Changing gears, he picked up his cell phone and brought it to his ear, yet didn’t activate any call. He began to speak into the dead phone.
“Hey, what’s up girl?” said the reporter loudly, followed by a pause.
“When are you getting off shift? … It’s probably crowded for the big game this weekend. Connor Kelly is going to be playing. I can’t wait to see him play.”
