Read this excerpt from i never had it made. years later branch rickey told the story of the misery of that black player to whom he had given a place to sleep. he remembered that thomas couldn't sleep. "he sat on that cot," mr. rickey said, "and was silent for a long time. then he began to cry, tears he couldn't hold back. his whole body shook with emotion. i sat and watched him, not knowing what to do until he began tearing at one hand with the other – just as if he were trying to scratch the skin off his hands with his fingernails. i was alarmed. i asked him what he was trying to do to himself. "it’s my hands,' he sobbed. 'they're black. if only they were white, i'd be as good as anybody then, wouldn't i, mr. rickey? if only they were white.’" which is the central idea of this excerpt? rickey witnesses black players’ frustration with segregation. rickey cares for his players’ personal problems. rickey invites his players to visit his home in the off season. rickey remembers his favorite players long after they graduate.