Josh Luchs: I have many people to “acknowledge,” that is, “to recognize as having force or power; to express gratitude for.” First, Jennifer, my wife, my teammate, with whom I share the journey. You opened our home to an odd array of humanity and embraced them all, you formed solid ground when the world was crumbling, never losing faith in me, always there as my compass. Daddy’s little girls: Sophie, the little general, and Sydney, the little rock star—for your smiles and hugs, for hanging on through Daddy’s roller coaster ride, for fueling my recovery with your love, and for making me aspire to be a better person. My in-laws, Ann Simons and Dr. Herbert Simons, who both encouraged me to continue to fight for what I believe in. I hope that I can provide the same support to my future sons-in-law, but pray it won’t be necessary. Harold “Doc” Daniels—I’ve said you “taught me the right way to do the wrong thing,” but it doesn’t do justice to your unselfish compassion, your protection of and caring about those who needed help, your lifting up of those who needed lifting (including me), and your heart. Steve Feldman, who weathered a “shit storm” not of his creation, and suffered the collateral damage of my battles. I’m humbled by your loyalty, support, and friendship—a little guy with surprisingly broad shoulders. George Dohrmann, an unparalleled journalist, who stumbled upon me at my most vulnerable. I’m forever indebted to your helping me present the unpopular truth about the industry. James Dale, my collaborator, who, within days of reading my Sports Illustrated story, tracked me down to express his desire to expand upon it, to tell the whole truth. Jim was able sift through an eighteen-year career and make sense and a story of it. You were a pleasure to work with. David Larabell of the David Black Agency was one of many literary agents that tracked me down after the Sports Illustrated story. You distinguished yourself with persistence and passion and became an exceptional advocate. But for your efforts, I doubt this book would have been published. Benjamin Adams of Bloomsbury Publishing—your vision and conviction for this story were apparent from the beginning. Your input was critical to the flow, the structure, and the tone of the book. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with you. Former clients, all of you, from whom I learned brutal life lessons in our years together, whether I was hired, fired, appreciated, disrespected, rewarded, or stiffed (or sometimes all of the above from the same guy), I hope you recognize the greater good that may derive from the truth.
James Dale: Above all, Josh Luchs, the man with the story to tell, who chose me to tell it; the “Davids”—David Black, my agent, and David Larabell, Josh’ s agent, who happen to work across the hall from each other; Ben Adams, our editor, who wanted this story and made it happen; and my son, Andy, for teaching me about sports.