Total pages in book: 129
Estimated words: 131459 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131459 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
“In news related to this story, ex-tennis star Miranda Trainor contacted New Scotland Yard in order to bring forth a criminal investigation into her rape by a former colleague, an athlete sponsored by Core Point, Andrew Winston. Today’s Worldist article shared her story, as well as those of three other women who were raped or sexually assaulted by Mr. Winston in his tenure as a professional tennis player.
“As Mr. Winston’s sponsor, it’s alleged that Core Point Athletics paid these women to remain silent on these allegations, something the women have done for decades, until this story broke today.
“After it did, singer and ex-model Luna Bevin announced on Twitter that she, too, was a survivor of a sexual assault by Winston.
“British authorities have already said they will be seeking extradition of Mr. Winston to stand trial for his assault on Ms. Trainor some years ago.
“Mr. Winston has denied all of these allegations.
“The sports world’s response to this article has been swift and aggressive, with several professional organizations releasing statements that they’re reviewing Core Point sponsorships and activities with players, teams and owners. Sampson Cooper made a statement that Core Point gear is banned at his famous camp for troubled youth in North Carolina. Rod McMurtry did the same, banning it from his tennis club in Glasgow, Scotland. Hale Wheeler stated that none of the upcoming services of his outdoor not-for-profit, Trail Blazer, will allow Core Point gear to be used or worn. Dozens of other athletes, both still competing and retired, have made statements denouncing Core Point and these activities. And some have even posted videos on TikTok of themselves burning Core Point gear. Social media has since begun swarming with nonprofessionals doing the same, calls for stores to stop stocking Core Point products and even calls for picketing of stores, should they continue to carry Core Point on their shelves.
“Mr. Oakley has become the face and target for most of the hostile fallout, likely because The Worldist article describes this as ‘the tip of the iceberg.’ We shall see what details emerge next.”
Two Days Later…
Everywhere
“In a shocking twist to the evolving Core Point Athletics and AJ Oakley story that has been emerging the last few days, with more women all over the globe coming forward with allegations of being silenced by money or threats from the besieged athletics organization and companies with ties to octogenarian businessman, AJ Oakley…
“Jameson Oakley, the senior Oakley’s youngest son, in league with Hale Wheeler, the heir to the fortune left behind by his father, tech billionaire Corey Szabo, have announced their purchase of Core Point Athletics.
“Mr. Jameson Oakley and Mr. Wheeler have released a statement that they plan to abolish the company, wiping clean its multi-national executive branches and reporting any wrongdoing uncovered to the authorities. Scores of executives were dismissed today and escorted from their offices, with security teams entering Core Point buildings in twelve different countries to lock down records in order to launch a clean and thorough investigation.
“The younger Mr. Oakley and Mr. Wheeler have also shared they will assess operations, and if viable, which they feel will be the case, they’ll relaunch under a new name as a social for-profit. This would mean the company would carry on with its current activities with a volunteer board, and all profits would be funneled into social causes, including Mr. Wheeler’s Trail Blazer program.
“‘It’s a perfect fit,’ Mr. Wheeler was quoted as saying. ‘If we can clean the stench of past management from it. However, we hope we can keep as many people employed as possible as we attempt to turn this company around. We’ll be working swiftly in order that loyal employees not embroiled in this sordid matter will be able to keep their livelihoods. We’ll carry on paying salaries, with benefits intact, while we’re investigating.’
“In other news involving this still unfurling story, the senior Mr. Oakley has been removed from all boards on which he once held a seat. This campaign of distancing themselves from AJ Oakley is so widespread, it’s reported that even his own company, the family’s floundering flagship, Oak World Oil, is considering his removal as CEO and Chairman of the Board.”
* * *
Jamie
Still July…
New York City
When his phone rang, Jamie checked the screen, shot a half-smile to his companion and didn’t hesitate to take the call.
But he did get up from the couch and move to the window as he answered, “Hello, Dad.”
“Pipsqueak, momma’s boy, sumabitch, little motherfucker,” AJ replied.
“You don’t seem in a good mood.”
He heard a sultry laugh come from the couch.
Even though Jamie was smiling, he didn’t look in that direction.
He studied his verdant back garden, lit now with precisely placed lights, positioned to make it appear welcoming as well as show off its lavishness.
And he thought about the news he’d heard from a board member not ten minutes ago that the vote had been cast, and his father had been removed from his own company, effective immediately.