Part 1, Chapter 9 Summary

When his father leaves, Mick shuts himself up in his room. At lunch, Mick's mother decides to talk to him. She explains that while what his father did was wrong, it wasn't something like murder. She also tells Mick not to let football consume his life.

When Mick's father gets home, they go for a drive outside of Seattle. Mick's father explains to him the article is true and that he wasted his chances. Mike hasn't told his son Mick about his past before because he still wanted to be a hero to his son. After that, their relationship changes. No longer does Mike talk about his past, but he and Mick talk about Mick's future games.

Part 1, Chapter 9 Analysis

Mick's mother proves to be a bridging force between him and his father. She explains that some things can be forgiven...