495 A Deadly Strike (1/2)
That night, Warton stopped by Sebastian's house.
”The International Anti-Doping Agency has come to America. They have brought the latest detection technology for illicit drugs. You've heard all of this, right?” Sebastian asked awkwardly.
”Yes, I have,” Warton looked at Sebastian and asked, ”My name was in the investigative report. I'm not going to be caught, right?”
Sebastian thought for a while before saying, ”Well, I'm not sure.”
”You're not sure? Why? You told me Franklin's technology was years ahead of the International Anti-Doping Agency and that it would never be detected.” Warton became angry immediately.
”There was an accident. I didn't expect it,” responded Sebastian.
”What should we do? If I'm found out I'll be suspended and won't be able to attend the Olympics.” Warton was nervous.
”Calm down.” After Warton calmed down, Sebastian continued. ”I've always claimed that I've never given any illicit drugs to athletes, so if you are found out I want you to take full responsibility.”
”Me? Are you kidding me? I'd be suspended. My whole career would be ruined!” Warton shouted at Sebastian.
”Warton, you are still young. Even after a few year suspension, you'll still be in your prime. That's no big loss for you,” said Sebastian.
”Not a big loss? It's funny...” Warton said with a sneer. ”You're just trying to protect yourself.”
”You are going to be found out anyway. Why do you want me to go down with you?” said Sebastian.
”You gave me those drugs!” Warton snorted. ”Don't think you can distance yourself from this.”
”You used the drugs to improve your performance then. You couldn't resist the temptation. Can you really blame me?” Sebastian put on a serious look and continued, ”I'm doing this for you. If you take full responsibility, I'll try to intercede for you. With my personal relationships, you'll get off easy. You might only be suspended for a year or two. If I'm caught, no one can help you.”
”That was what you told to Justin Alexander, right? You shifted all the blame onto the athletes, while you avoided taking responsibility,” Warton's tone was full of sass. ”I won't be as stupid as Alexander. I guess you are also in trouble now, right?”
Sebastian got much more aggressive. He said in a threatening tone, ”You better wrap your head around your situation right now. All I have to say is that you used illicit drugs of your own will. I didn't participate in it and I didn't know anything. What can you do to me? You have no evidence to prove that I gave you the drugs.
”Why not cooperate with me and take the blame? It works out for both of us. You are smart. You must be able to see this is the best option for you.”
...
Walking out of Sebastian's house, Warton was distraught. He didn't know what to do.
What should I do? Do I really have to take all of the blame? Will Sebastian intercede for me? Will my career be ruined?”
Maybe I should talk to someone. Warton took out his phone and called his agent.
An hour later, Warton met his agent in a small bar. Warton found a small table near the corner and told his agent everything.
”Sebastian wants you to take all the blame? Really?” His agent shook his head.
According to his agent, if Warton was suspended, he'd lose any chance at getting endorsed and the agent would lose lots of money. The longer Warton was suspended, the more the agent would lose. Therefore, his agent didn't want him to take all the blame. He thought it would mean a longer suspension.
”I really don't know what to do.” Warton looked desperate.
Warton's agent got an idea. ”We can strike him first. Sebastian wants to shift all responsibility onto you, right? You should put it all on him instead. We can hold a press conference and admit that you have used drugs, but that Sebastian masterminded eveeything. You were innocent until you were corrupted by Sebastian.”
”But I have no evidence,” said Warton.
”Your words are all the evidence you need.” His agent was serious. ”It's a battle between you and Sebastian. One of you is gonna take the blame, and the other one will be fine.What's it gonna be?”
...
Williams, the CEO of the U.S. Track and Field Association, was really a successful manager. Since he was appointed to his position, he had signed several large sponsors for the association, bringing in hundreds of millions of dollars each year. Besides, he had also negotiated with many broadcasters on television relay agreements, expanding the association's influence.
However, now Williams was facing the biggest crisis since his appointment.
The drug scandal was a huge blow to the sports world of America. It was more like a deadly strike to track and field sports. It was known that drug cases were much more frequent in track and field than other sports.
This time was no different. The U.S. Track and Field Association was going to lose a lot in this drug scandal.
Williams' office was closed. Only two people were in the room, CEO Williams and the USA Track and Field's second person in command, COO Frey.
”Mr. Williams,” Frey asked. ”Have the International Anti-Doping Agency come to a decision?”
”Yes, but it hasn't been announced. Since the Olympic Games are approaching, the International Olympic Committee doesn't want to make such a big scandal public yet. They instructed the anti-doping committee to downplay this problem,” said Williams.