บท 176: Reprimands

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~~~(POV: Ulysses Kennedy)~~~

~~~(Date: October 23rd, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Penthouse Apartment, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 10:25 AM)~~~

Most of the morning talk shows are coming to an end soon. The debates were what you'd expect from debate shows. People for me, and people against me. Perhaps that's not the best way to describe it, but it's the simplest.

Hannah and Ellie have already headed out, leaving me alone in the Penthouse. They're going shopping for some food and clothes.

I'm glad my girlfriend and adoptive mother get along well. Life would be complicated if they didn't. If you think about it, they're a lot alike. It's almost as if I'm with... Let's stop that train of thought while I can, and think about something else.

I stand up from the couch and go to the private elevator. It's pretty cold out today, so I put on some jeans and a sweatshirt. I wouldn't mind playing at a park here in New York. Ruckers should be open, and I'm betting fans would like to see me.

After making it to the lobby, my on-call private limo arrives after 20 minutes. The Knicks Org doesn't want me driving myself around New York, so they've hired a company always to be ready for my calls.

As we're driving to Ruckers, I get a phone call. It's from the Knick's Front Office. I pick up the call, and it's not exactly good news. But not bad either. It all really depends on how you look at it.

"Kennedy. We're putting you on a minutes restriction for the next 5 games. We'll limit the number of fouls and potential injuries you could get. I know this isn't something you'd like to hear, but your health and condition are our first priority."

No player likes to hear they're getting restricted minutes, but it is what it is. Since I have the Front Office on the phone, I might as well ask if there are any changes regarding the refs.

"Since I've got you on the phone, do you know if the NBA is doing anything about the refs?"

There is nothing from the other side but after a few seconds. I get a response.

"The NBA is fining the Ref Union 150k for every missed call in the Bulls game. They've also made it clear if this continues, the fines will be too. It's safe to say the refs won't be calling crap like that anymore."

Wow, that is a tremendous amount of money for a ref and the Ref Union. I don't think telling the Front Office I'm going to Rucker Park is a good idea. They might not like the idea of me going there without security.

On the other hand, no one knows I'll be there. And it's a cold fall day. I'm betting there are around 10, maybe 15 people there today. The only reason so many were there last time was because I said I was going there.

"Alright, let me know when you want me at the Airport tomorrow."

I hang up the phone before he can respond, and it's not long before I'm at Rucker Park. I get out of the limo and make my way to the court. Usually, I'd wear shorts in this weather. It's cold, but not Northeastern Oregon cold.

As I walk onto the court, there is only one game going on. And there are about 20 people here.

"I can't fucking believe it..."

"That's UK..."

It's not long before people have their phones out and are asking for pictures and posting on social media. It won't be long before Rucker Park is full again.

~~~(POV: Hannah Fiona)~~~

~~~(Date: October 23rd, 2026)~~~

~~~(Location: Shopping, New York)~~~

~~~(Time: 11:08 AM)~~~

My phone is lighting up right now, and I don't know why. Ellie looks at me in confusion as I pull it out. It's all from Twitter. I'm being tagged in a bunch of stuff for some reason. Ellie leans over my shoulder and looks down at my phone.

That's when we both see the most recent post I was tagged in. It's Ulysses, hitting a jump shot over some people at Rucker Park.

"This isn't good."

From the looks of it, there aren't too many people there. But I remember what happened last time he was at Ruckers Park.