The Doaker's Story

by Neil D. Isaacs

The Doaker's Story charts the career of Billy Doakes from champion schoolboy athlete to TV news reporter and his destruction by the cynical forces of the sports/media establishment. He's a tragic hero of our times. The story of William T. Doakes is told from the point of view of his friend and confidant, Mark Simons, a videographer who has followed the Doaker through his transition from athlete to reporter. As the drama unfolds, Simons unwittingly becomes the chronicler of the events that haunt the Doaker in a final quest for justice. It is a pursuit which gets trampled by an industry whose need for celebrity competitors violates his sense of self. Author Neil Isaacs is Professor of English Emeritus at the University of Maryland, College Park and a retired therapist. Besides two prior novels, his books include clinical studies (pathological gambling, couples counseling), sports history and analysis, cultural studies, and literary studies.

286 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Neil Isaacs is Emeritus Professor of English (BA, Dartmouth College; MA Brown University), University of Maryland College Park, and a retired clinical social worker (MA, University of Maryland).
Neil has written books on a range of topics including literary studies, clinical studies, sports histories, and cultural studies.

Reviews

[Nancy Brady · Rating 4 out of 5]

William T. Doakes, aka "the Doaker" is a sports phenom, who chooses journalism over sports. He looks for a good sports story, but also wants to see justice done. A cautionary tale, told by his best friend, Mark Simons, about the realities of sports in the United States. Definitely worth reading by anyone who likes sports, in particular basketball.