Chapter 16 - The Sponsor Who Looked Away
Vanguard’s largest sponsor was Blackridge Nutrition, a national sports company led by Malcolm Shaw.
Malcolm had attended Ryan’s fights, appeared in promotional videos and praised the gym’s treatment of young athletes.
Claire sent his legal department a carefully documented notice.
Blackridge responded with silence.
Two days later, Claire received an anonymous email.
STOP CONTACTING OUR PARTNERS.
Investigators traced the message to a marketing agency employed by Calvin.
Elias wanted Blackridge held accountable, but Claire understood that public pressure would work faster than private requests.
She contacted journalist Maya Chen.
Maya had covered combat sports for twelve years and had previously questioned Vanguard’s injury statistics.
She reviewed the documents but refused to publish immediately.
“I need independent verification,” Maya said.
Claire respected her caution.
Noah agreed to speak on record.
Rosa provided photographs.
Marcus Hill, the injured former fighter, finally answered Maya’s call.
He had moved to Oregon and worked in a repair shop.
“I signed an agreement,” he said.
“You can still describe what happened to law enforcement,” Maya replied.
Marcus remained silent.
Then he asked one question.
May you like
“Is Ryan still doing it to other people?”
When Maya said yes, Marcus agreed to return to Virginia.
