We chuckled.
“You know, my hands were tied, but I see you’re very resourceful.”
Nyeem’s grandparents greeted me next, and his grandfather offered me a seat on the love seat next to Nyomi. His grandmother asked if I wanted something to eat or drink, which I politely declined.
“I guess you’re probably wondering why I called you here,” Nyeem began, taking a seat in a chair that had been brought in from another room.
“I’m curious,” I said.
“Ma, how much can I share with Coach Kilo?”
“He knows Ambrose is your father. Say what you need to say.”
Nyeem nodded and took a deep breath before speaking again.
“First, I want to apologize. I came to your office and quit the team without giving you a legitimate reason. I’m a very responsible person, and that’s not how I was taught to deal with things, especially things that are important to me.”
“An apology isn’t necessary, but I appreciate it.”
“Yesterday was a lot, mentally and emotionally. When I saw his name in the press release, I screamed at the top of my lungs. When I saw him in the flesh, I almost blacked out on him. My mama didn’t raise me to be a quitter. My family taught me to finish what I start. For my entire life, one of the people responsible for me being here hasn’t acknowledged my existence, and he doesn’t care if I live or die. I don’t mean to sound cocky when I say this, but I’m telling you the same thing I told my mama yesterday morning. Coaching me is a privilegeI don’t want him to have. He doesn’t get to just pop up and get credit for all my hard work, or all my family's hard work.”
“Your feelings are valid, and I appreciate and respect your honesty. I wish I’d known everything I know now before I offered him the position. Unfortunately, the contract is signed, and firing him would cost us a lot of money.”
“I know this is a business, and I wouldn’t expect you to choose him over me,” Nyeem said.
“Oh, but I would in a heartbeat. Coaching is more than just teaching someone a skill set. It’s also about having a good character. I want the men on my coaching staff to be good examples on and off the field, and any man who doesn’t take care of his seed is not a man I want around my student-athletes. I’ve lost all respect for him, but I have to be smart about how I handle this.”
“I understand, and I appreciate that you even considered getting rid of him to keep me on the team. After talking to GP and Uncle Robby, I’ve decided not to quit.”
Nyomi gasped but didn’t say anything.
“You shared a lot, Nyeem, and based on what you shared, I have to ask . . . are you sure?”
He looked at his uncle and grandfather before responding.
“I am. If I quit, I’m giving him power over my life that he doesn’t deserve. I was excited about playing football, and I let the sight of his name snatch it away. No one should have that much control over me, especially someone who has deliberately chosen not to be in my life. I heard what he said about me when he came to your office. He wants to downplay my abilities because if he gives me my props, he’ll have to accept that I became who I am without him.”
I looked at Nyomi, her parents, her brother, and then back at Nyeem. This young man was more than exceptional. He spoke like a man twice his age, and since the moment we met, I felt hisgenuine spirit. The values his family instilled in him showed up and showed out in everything he did.
“I am at a loss for words for a few reasons. Nyeem, I’ve never met anyone like you. Your family should be proud of the young man they’ve raised. I’d be honored if you remained on the team, and I’m willing to move you to receiver to protect your peace. I’ll do everything I can to protect you from any negativity that might come your way because of this delicate situation.”
“Thank you, Coach, but you don’t have to give me any special treatment. I trust you to do what you think is best.”
“You’re exactly the kind of young man I want on my team. If your teammates have half the character, resilience, discipline, and wisdom you have, we’ll be unstoppable. This will probably upset Nyomi, but I’m prepared to deal with the consequences of what I’m about to say. I’ve only spent a small amount of time with this family, but I feel an immeasurable amount of pride knowing my child shares the same DNA as everyone in this room.”
“Kilo!” Nyomi shouted.
“I’m sorry, baby. I couldn’t hold it.”
The confusion on everyone’s faces was very visible, and I could see them processing my words.
“Did you say baby? Hold up! Y’all dating?” Nyeem questioned.
“Did I miss something here?” Robby asked.
“You’re pregnant?” came from Mrs. Kurrie.
“How long has this been going on?” Mr. Kurrie inquired.
