CAREER: Professional Athlete/Senior Host
FACE CLAIM: Broderick Hunter
Zane King, known only as Zane in professional and social circles, was often considered athletic royalty. Born to a gold medalist mother and a father with multiple Super Bowl rings earned over the course of his long and extremely successful football career, it was expected that Zane would follow in his parents footsteps. Early in his childhood there were presumptions made from the first time his tiny hands struggled to grip and hold the football his father had forced into them. Little league was never just a recreation for the young King heir. While most parents saw it as an extracurricular activity, designed to keep their children active and social, Mason King, believed it was the first step in his son’s future. Losses were scrutinized and Zane’s performance in those losing games were analyzed, dissected, and replayed hour after hour. Recreation became preparation.
At first he didn’t mind. Mason’s overzealous approach to his son’s youth league football career meant that for a small fraction of time, Zane had his father’s attention. There were no trips to play America’s favorite commentator. No long absences where Zane and his mother sat in silence at the dinner table where only the sound of their silverware could be heard tapping softly against their plates. For those moments in time, Zane mattered. Accepting his father’s sometimes constructive and offensive criticism, Zane pushed himself and his body further.
By the age of twelve, he was beginning to receive national attention. He’d led his youth league team from local success in the affluent suburbs of Atlanta to a chance at a national championship. There were whispers that Zane would follow in his father’s footsteps - high school all star, college elite, and finally a legend in the NFL. Fate had another path planned for Zane. He suffered a devastating injury during that game, ending his season and football career for nearly a year. During tat time his relationship with his father changed. He saw a shift in Mason’s relationship with him, Zane’s injury reminding the older King of exactly how his own career had come to an end. After months of a silent and almost unnoticed depression it was his football coach who encouraged him to begin working out again.
Instead of the field, it was the hardwood where Zane learned to run and jump, testing the new limits of his recently healed body. A new discovery was made and Zane began to participate in a sport that had never been associated with either of his parents. He was behind in his knowledge and skill but what he lacked in both categories, he easily made up for in will and determination. Broad shouldered, strong, and with a killer mentality, he easily made the transition from field to court. He was fearless driving the ball. Determination greeting any and every opponent that dared to challenge him on the court.
Zane had a starting spot on varsity, his freshman year of high school. Easily unseating the school favorite and stealing his spot. He was All- Team for all four years of his high school career. Easily winning the state’s highest award and carrying his team to a region championship. He had a full ride to the college of his choice, one known for sending their star recruits to the NBA after one season. He’d worked hard for everything he’d achieved. Distancing himself from his father’s shadow and establishing the foundation for his own legend, however, he couldn’t escape his last name. He couldn’t escape the whispers of those who hated him, saw him as a self-entitled brat who had used his last name and DNA to achieve his success.
His first year of college did little to erase the stigma associated with him. Much like he had in high school, Zane came in and unseated one of the favorites of the time. Stripping him of his starting position and the superstar in the eyes of fans and alumni. Proving himself on the court came easily, natural athleticism and years of training made his skills next level. Genetics were the reason to blame for his off court and sometimes on court attitude. Much like his father, Zane was conceited. Zane knew he was a star and that every other player rostered on that team wished they had the ability and talent he did. He took every chance to rub in their faces and his antics with teammates, often made post game highlights on ESPN.
Recruited by a championship NBA team during his junior year, Zane forewent his Senior year and entered the draft. Taken in the first round, he again made the transition from college to professional athlete. This time it wasn’t so easy. Scrutiny didn’t only come from his father’s and coaches but the public eye. Everywhere he went, he was followed. Pictures were snapped. Stories written and posted about what he ate, drank, or accompanied him home every night. While he didn’t enjoy the attention he made it work for him. His actions grew bolder and it made him popular with the media but not his coaches, the team’s owner, or even the commissioner. In the five years he has been actively rostered in the NBA, Zane has paid fines exceeding his yearly contracted salary.
In 2015, Zane encountered Carlos Gaviria for the first time. He’d recalled seeing him court side at a few games but it wasn’t until their paths crossed at a party during the off season that he became aware of the Gaviria family name and the influential and international wealth they held. That was the first summer he visited Los Sueños and by the end of the season, he’d unofficially taken on a host role. He returned for the next season, and the next - Why not do it again.
+ Charming, Motivated, Open-Minded
- Conceited, Indulgent, Thoughtless
Juan Carlos Gaviria Sáez. Acquaintance; Fellow Host
Pierre and Prince Bauer. Acquaintance; Junior Hosts
[ This character is taken. ]
