Turf

Drama | Sports

Written by Tracy Grant

When attorney NICK BATELLE’s special phone rings, it means one thing: a Southern Nevada football player’s in trouble. But this is no misdemeanor--star tight end BRETT SMITH has charged with sexual assault. The Cougars’ hopes are high in the new season, but the new president of Southeast Nevada U, DR. MARGOT POWELL, is anxious to clean up the wildly popular, if ethically challenged, Division I program. Nick tells coach REX LAWRENCE he won’t take the case. While Nick’s wife KATHY, an SNU professor, adjusts to life with Margo as president, Nick’s boss JIM insists Nick help the team by making Brett Smith’s rape charge go away. Nick bristles – he’s helped the team for years and he still hasn’t made partner. Jim tells Nick if he wants to make partner, he’ll have to keep working with Southern Nevada football. Nick relents, afraid that a fixer is all he’ll ever be.