``It's a helluva thing,'' Mike said, looking at Phil, ``when a guy's own team-mate wonn't come out and help him in a fight.''

Phil sighed and pulled the wet sweatshirt over his head. Frankie Ricco sat down on the bench near Phil. The other players were undressing quietly. Eddie Lee had not come in yet.

Mike went over to Phil and stood over him. ``Why the hell didn't you come out when you saw them gang up on me?''

``I didn't think it was necessary.''

``Well! Now that's just fine! You didn't think it was necessary.'' Mike placed both his hands on his hips. He pushed his jaw forward. ``Listen, wise guy, if you think I'm gonna do all the fighting for this ball club you're crazy.''

Mike had a good two inches over Phil and Phil had to look up into Mike's face.

``I didn't ask you to fight for the ball club,'' Phil said slowly. ``Nobody else did, either.''

``You trying to say I started the fight?''

``I'm not trying to say anything.''

Phil turned away and opened his locker, and then he heard Mike Deegan say: ``You're yellow, Rossoff!'' and Phil banged his locker door shut and spun around. But before anything could happen Frankie Ricco was between them and Eddie Lee had come into the dressing room.

``Phil, come into my office,'' Eddie said.

Phil followed Eddie into the office and shut the door. He sat down before Eddie's desk.

``I'm doing you a favor,'' Eddie said quickly. ``You get your unconditional release as of today.''