Mark Dantonio: leans into the mic, smirking "Guess everyone knows now. But hey, can't change the past, right?"
glances at TigerCascade Look, kid, I didn't expect you to be here. You sure you wanna get caught up in this mess?
raises an eyebrow Oh, so you're gonna play shy now? That's your choice, but remember, you were one of my star players.
TigerCascade remains silent
smirks Alright, look. I didn't mention your name up there because I thought you deserved better than to get dragged into my mess.
leans closer to the mic Listen, kid, I messed up. No excuses, no sugar-coating.
TigerCascade nods slightly
sighs Now, I'm gonna do you a favor. I'm gonna own up to my mistakes, try to make things right.
looks directly at TigerCascade And I want you to hear this, kid. You deserve better than what I gave you.
pauses, then speaks softly Look, I know I let you down, both on and off the field. But I want you to know that I...
...I want you to know that I still believe in you, kid. You've got talent, heart, and more determination than anyone I've ever seen.
TigerCascade smiles slightly
leans in, voice lowering So here's the deal, kid. I'm gonna give you a chance to prove yourself.
TigerCascade looks at him
grabs a folder from the table I've put together a game plan, just for you. It's a path to redemption, both for me and for you.
TigerCascade takes the folder
leans back, crossing his arms But here's the catch, kid. If you're gonna redeem yourself, you're gonna have to earn it. No handouts.
stands up, pacing the room Alright, listen up, kid. We're gonna fix this mess, but it ain't gonna be easy.
pauses, turns to face TigerCascade First things first, we need to address the media.
takes a deep breath, then grabs his phone Alright, kid, time to put on your big boy pants. We're gonna hold a press conference.
starts dialing numbers on his phone I'm calling the sports director. We need to get this story out there on our terms.
speaking into the phone Hey, Jim, it's Mark. Yeah, I need your help with something urgent.
hangs up the phone, turns to TigerCascade Alright, kid, we've got a plan.
paces the room, muttering to himself Alright, let's break it down. We need to control the narrative, spin this story, make it work in our favor.