Rough and Tumble

A former New York Giants tight end and two-time Pro Bowler, Bavaro turns in a gritty, behind-the-scenes look at life in the NFL for his debut novel. Dominic Fucillo (tight end for the Giants, natch) is having a bad week. The commissioner is fining him $50,000 for attacking a referee, his estranged girlfriend won't talk to him and the team doctor tells him that he has a hole in his knee that will need career-ending surgery after the season. Worse, Dominic's hopes of capping his career with a Super Bowl ring are threatened when star Giants linebacker James Moze, a drug user who consorts with gamblers, is found severely beaten. As the gamblers and other parasites circle the team, the Giants make an improbable run for a championship, with Dominic fighting all the way. Bavaro's dark vision of the NFL won't shock most pro football fans, but they will find much to cheer in his colorful characters, insider revelations and lively storytelling. (Sept.)