Date: Mon, 24 May 2021 23:10:19 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 250

I was up just a bit before the alarm and checked the weather and thought
that figures it's 5 AM and it is already 75 degrees. The coffee was
ready and I forced myself to sit down and drink the coffee. I drove to
school and started for the locker room and was headed off by someone
saying looks like we are starting in the auditorium. At exactly 6:00 the
coaching staff walked in and I was glad to see it had remained the same.
Coach Weston, without a microphone , as there were only 70 players or so,
said good morning. Last year when I needed to take over this program
things were a mess and I'm being polite. This year starts with a meeting
and rules and expectations clearly defined. Should you have an issue,
please see me and while I will answer your questions, I'm telling you
now they won't change. Of you can't get on board, please play another
fall sport. Is all that clear.


We start at 6:00 Monday through Friday this week that means you are on
the field with the appropriate equipment, today it's helmets only and we
will find out who is in shape and who isn't.


If you are hurt, that's not a secret and a coach needs to be advised
immediately, not some time in the future. The training staff and a
paramedic will be at every practice, game and scrimmage.


I know that if you manage to win a game, there are parties and I won't
even try to stop that. What I will stop and the entire staff is on board
with this are parties and Alcohol. You might get a surprise visit at
these parties and players in attendance, even if they are not drinking,
will be suspended 2 games if we find adult beverages. That will not even
discussed.


If you are not in school, you don't practice and if you are out on game
day you don't play.


Academics are important and starting the third week of school they will
be monitored. Anyone with less than a C average will be suspended until
that level is achieved.


As you are aware there will be an unusual amount of media presence, many
of you have agreed to this and the few who have not, those wishes will be
respected. Those who have agreed and will be interviewed you have the
right and the ability to say what you think. Understand exercising those
rights have responsibilities. Remember you can't be sitting in a movie
theater and stand up and yell fire.


The use of any drugs that come with out a medical prescription will not
be tolerated. We will not random drug test but if we even suspect any
drug use we will have a discussion with the player and his parent.


Lockers have been reassigned and your practice jersey, helmet and pads
are in your lockers. If the size needs adjusted see the equipment
manager. Also, in your locker you will find a list of positions you might
play. Understand that is fluid.


Be on the field in helmets in 20 minutes and be ready.


You are dismissed.


JJ came up to me and said dude, I'm moving back to Texas. I laughed and
said, well at least he didn't say no sex. In the locker room everyone
was searching for their locker and I found mine in a corner and it was an
area for captains and I thought that was fun. Well that was the last
pleasant thought I had that morning as there were 40 yard sprints,
stadium steps, agility drills and after an hour my shirt was soaked in
sweat and there wasn't a dry spot on it. There were guys puking and
collapsing and just stopping. There were multiple water stations and we
were encouraged constantly to drink. Guys with medical issues were
immediately attended to by the medical staff. Right at 10:00 we were all
gathered together and coach said, play books are at your lockers and
Wednesday night there is a test, pass or simply turn in your equipment.
He said be here ready, in helmets at 6:00. We just stood there looking at
each other and all of a sudden Josh yelled, ALL FOR ONE and immediately
there was a loud response ALL FOR ONE. I saw coach high five with an
assistant on their way to the field house.


We all walked up to the field house but I stopped and sat at the top row
of the bleachers as I wasn't I standing in line for a shower. I took my
sweaty and disgusting shirt off and just sat there exhausted. After a few
minutes I went to the car retrieved my phone and called work. When Amy
answered I asked to speak to Mike Simmons. She laughed and said well he
is either at football practice or fucking around somewhere, what can I
help you with? Then she laughed and said Mike, how was practice? I simply
said anything I need to know about? She said only that your team has it
under control and enjoy your day, we are good. I said thanks and went to
the locker room and it was almost empty as people simply went home to
shower. JJ was sitting in his locker and I went up to him and he said get
a fucking shower your disgusting. With no argument to that it was a
shortish shower and shorts and a tee. JJ was still sitting there reading
the playbook and he looked at me and asked, how can this be so fucking
different. I laughed and said it isn't only the terminology is
different. MJ, they also want me to play safety. I said well with your
speed you can run down anything that gets loose, it will be fine. So you
hungry?


We took separate cars to Eat N Park and almost emptied the salad bar and
we both had a burger as well. JJ asked, so MJ how many guys will quit and
I said 3 or 4 as they won't want to work like this and sit on the bench.
I explained the playbook and said the terms were different on offense,
even for me, but I bet that was for Wyatt as that dude has his work cut
out for him. Most of lunch was about the playbook. I did get a message
from Zaid, saying things were good and he would let me know the minute
they weren't. Around noon JJ and I drove home and I promptly took a nap.
I woke wondering what the evening couple of hours would bring. I needed
another shower and drove to school and was in the locker room by 5:30.
The evening event was the same as the morning with a little less time on
each event. It was 9:00 before I hit the shower.


As tired as I was I stopped at the super market and bought much needed
groceries. While I paid for this using dad's credit card, I was hoping
this wouldn't be a regular thing. Well, just another thing to adjust to,
living in the apartment and the added freedom. At home I unpacked the
groceries and was eating a sandwich with iced tea and thought it was a
good day and it was all business and it was a side of the coach and the
no nonsense approach that was different and needed. After the sandwich, I
cleaned up and went to my room and set the alarm then did some reading
for history. After about an hour I started on the playbook and JJ was
right the terminology was different and so were many of the play
especially the blocking schemes, I felt sorry for the office line guys. I
knew those twists were to make us less reliant on what we did last year
and to keep the opponents off guard. Apparently they were working all
year on things.


Tuesday's weather was even more humid that the previous day and it
started with warmup drills like jumping jacks and sit-ups and push-ups
and sprints and agility drills. We were at that for about 90 minutes and
Coach yelled, pad up and be back here in 15. Being back in full pads is
15 minutes was a fucking challenge and the damn heat made it no fun at
all. The drills were blocking sleds and dummies. The final drill was fun
but it was at the end of the session there was a center who snapped the
ball which was handed off to a running back and the center had to block a
linemen or a linebacker and the damn hitting was intense. I envied Jim
and Wyatt and the Paul the other QB as they just watched. A little after
10 Coach called us all together and said tonight is street clothes as the
media people will be here to explain the process with them and meeting
with you position coach and a review of the playbook. Tomorrow is a walk
through of some plays and tomorrow night an inter squad scrimmage. Know
the plays. Like yesterday we all stayed together and Josh yelled ONE FOR
ALL and everyone responded ONE FOR ALL. I hurried to the locker room and
didn't have to wait for the shower and I quickly dressed in work clothes
and drove to the construction site as the furniture install was
underway.


As I walked to the building I counted 5 trailers being unloaded and a
large crew of Union carpenters. I laughed at that as there was no wood in
sight. Half my team was there Dillon, Riley, Major Jim and Zaid. Bruce
was trying to give directions to the installers but was basically in the
way. I looked at all the boxes and asked Dillon if we should start a
cardboard division? He laughed and said don't start but how is camp? I
replied, hot, sweaty and tiring. I was watching Bruce, the furniture
salesman, and I took a step in his direction and Riley said boss, I got
this just relax. She went over, had a brief conversation with Bruce and
he shook his head and went to the construction trailer. When Riley
returned I asked, what did you say to him? She smiled and said, I told
him to stay out of the way or I would "punch list" him to death. I
laughed and said, nice job. I stayed for about two hours and was bored as
all there were doing was staging things and damn there were a lot of
parts, panel frames, tiles, work surfaces and a truck full of chairs, all
needing assembled. I didn't even want to think about the computer
equipment that needed installed. This would all take at least two weeks.
Thinking I better get out of the way as well, I drove home, having been
assured by Zaid that things were being handled.


At home I boiled some eggs and cut up a bunch of vegetables and put it
all together with some lettuce and made a giant salad and added two
slices of sourdough bread and ate reading the paper. I emptied the
pitcher of iced tea and brewed a couple of pitchers more. I grabbed the
newspaper and started to read while I ate. I almost choked on my food
when I turned to the sports page and saw a big article about Sam and the
transfer. I read the article twice and almost fell out of my chair
laughing at some of the comments. The best was Sam saying, " after much
thought and many prayers, he needed a faith based education". Then there
was the smaller class size nonsense. Dr. Johnson was quoted as saying
"Sam is a great kid and we wish him well and hope his new school is all
he hopes it will be". The article went on to say how much the lack of
any depth at QB could possibly be a real problem for our team. I finally
had to laugh as it was total bullshit. Two high school principals simply
lied to keep the drama on the low. I cared but it wasn't my fight as I
wasn't mentioned in the article.


Back at school it was individual meetings by position and that
complicated thing a bit for me, JJ, Josh and Adam and a few others as we
could play both ways. I found the meetings boring but just smiled and
watched the underclassmen who were doing this for the first time, on the
varsity level. One real pain was that starting with the scrimmages there
would be film review every Sunday afternoon and we should plan on 2
hours. That sucked as it was a 6 day commitment. I was glad that JJ
wasn't in the meeting with me as he would be bitching up a storm. After
an hour we were asked to go to the auditorium and the media people would
be there. The meeting with the media was a lot of information and a ton
of questions. We were assured that those not wanting involved would have
their privacy respected, the every individual player would be
interviewed. Before anything was aired we could review the video either
alone or with our parents. Just as things were rapping up they asked for
the 5 captains to remain for a few minutes. We were introduced to the
director and the reporter and asked if we would stay for about an hour
after the morning practice. Dress would be whatever we wanted after we
showered. We agreed but I really wanted to check on the install but
needed to be out of the way and less hands on.


Once we were free of everyone, we gathered around the cars and chatted.
First we discussed dress and decided we would ask coach for our game
jerseys. If that didn't happen JJ suggested shirtless and we all laughed
as that wasn't an option. It was then agreed that it would be school
t-shirts as size too small. Then Josh looked at me and said, MJ you know
there will be the Sam question and I would bet everyone would like you to
deal with that and there were 4 smiling faces staring at me. I said well
if you guys insist but down the road there will be payback. It was now
about 8:30 and the 5 of us decided on Eat N Park for a snack and it was
good to be together and we laughed and told stories, mostly JJ about
Texas. We decided that we would deal with all issues as group and no
fewer that three of us dealing with an issue. Josh asked a few questions
about college. and I didn't tell him that the coached would be up for
the first game as I didn't want him pressure. I thought he was a good
strong side defensive end. All I said was once Wyatt gets on the field
the opportunities for everybody will explode. Josh and Alex both laughed
and Jim remained quiet as he still had not committed anywhere and now he
had health issues to deal with, but to be honest I hadn't seen any
issues lately. With that we all drove to wherever each of us were going
and as for me, I needed to get home and say hello to the rents.


Dad and Megan were out back and Cole was no where to be seen. I grabbed
another iced tea and went outside and asked about their day. Megan was
wrapping up a case and dad was interviewing sales people, finding no one
to his standards. I just shrugged at that and said, well I guess you will
just have to sell something. When I asked about Cole I was told on a date
and leaving very early for yet another practice round as the Tournament
started Thursday. He had a special outfit for the practice round but
wasn't sharing. I said, well I'm sure it will be on TV and I bet it
deals with fun and respect for the game. I told dad and Megan if he made
the weekend I would drive up early Sunday and asked if anyone wanted to
come along. Dad shocked the shit out of me when he said he was going up
Friday. Then he added, just to be there if he misses the cut. Mike, he
doesn't like the course and absolutely hates the first two holes. It
could be over on Thursday on the third tee. The subject changed to
football and I told them that it was hard and very well organized and
reminded them that coach didn't have the camp last year. I said good
night as it was another early morning and after practice the captains
were being interviewed and then I was going to get in the way of the
furniture install. Megan found that funny and I went to my room.


Once in my room I sat on the loveseat and called Mary Ann. We talked for
a while about what we were both doing and she had been shopping with
Terri. I asked, what she bought me and she laughed and said well not much
and laughed. It was a very pleasant conversation as neither of had any
expectations. We discussed the weekend and as there was no practice on
Saturday and we discussed doing something together but didn't settle on
anything specific. Once we hung up I put coffee on the timer, set the
alarm, stripped and jumped into bed.


I was up with the alarm, dressed filled my coffee mug and drove to
school. Once there I went and knocked on the coach's door and asked if
we could have game jerseys for the interview. It would be just captains
and we would give them right back. Coach was quiet for a minute and said
Mike, they are still in storage but I think that would be a great idea,
I'll do my best to make that happen. I said thanks and got up to leave
and was asked to hold on. Mike, one of the first questions will be about
Sam, I assume you guys know that and have discussed it. I said that's
correct, well they all asked me to deal with that question. Coach started
to say something and I stopped him saying, I know what you guys did and I
don't appreciate that process at all. However, it's not my shit and I
will stay out of it. There will be no drama but I feel you guys owe,
those of us playing by the rules, something for putting up with and
participating in this coverup.  Coach, is there anything else? He said,
I'll work on the uniforms. While he agreed about the uniforms he was
clearly unhappy and definitely in coach v player mode. I simply went to
the field and took the frustrations out on the exercises.


We were in full pads and jogging through the plays and there were very
few mistakes about plays and I was again bouncing back in forth between
running back and linebacker and I was wishing it was just defense. I was
remembering how beat up I was last year and didn't need that again. The
truth of it was that it's a lot of pressure and less fun. I was hoping
once the games started things would change. There was a short break and
when we came back it was full speed. My position coaches both called me
aside and asked how I was holding up, playing both positions and I simply
said fine, but I prefer linebacker. They said that's understood we were
just checking. I looked at the two of them and asked, what the fuck do
you really want? Coach Kaz said, appropriate language and I replied
understood, same question. Well Coach Weston is concerned about the
interview after practice. Well, coach and I discussed that earlier and I
resent being questioned or reminded. If anyone thinks they can put words
in my mouth I'll resign as a  captain and we can see how that plays.
Think about how that will play in the fucking interview. Coach Kaz said
run 4 laps for language. I said gladly and started for the track. I heard
a whistle and thought that was for someone else and kept going. Then I
heard Coach Weston yell Simmons get your ass back here. I was tempted to
keep going but now it was public drama. I went up to coach and just stood
there. He looked at me and asked what was that about? Well it seems like
your hired guns were questioning my ability to keep my word and I reacted
and was told to run laps. So if it's all right with you I would like to
get to that. Coach, please understand I'll bite the bullet, this time,
and yet not bite hard. He said get back on defense and don't hurt
anyone. I said, yes sir and joined the defense.


The live drills were not really live as we all held back. Jim ran a few
plays all called by the coach and Jim just followed the plan. I wondered
how long that would last and if I was betting it would be next weekend at
the scrimmage. Once it was Wyatt's turn I was moved to offense. The
first play was a hand off to me and that went smooth. The second play was
a pass play and someone missed a block and the pass was batted down and
he was pissed. Back in the huddle he looked right at the dude who missed
the block and said to everyone, let's do it right this time on, two.
This time he went under center took the snap, faked a pass to me and
lofted a high arching pass that JJ ran under and could have run forever.
We all looked at each other and ran the next play. On the way to the
locker room Wyatt came up to me and said it was good to have you in the
backfield with me. I laughed and said dude it didn't appear that you
needed much help. Great job in the huddle with the missed assignment. He
smiled and went to join a buddy.


When I got to the locker the 5 of us had game jerseys and my #24 was on
my seat. For the first time we moved ahead of the line for showers. Which
resulted in good natured boos and it appeared to be a very loose locker
room. I looked at JJ and he was all smiles as his long time #21 was on
his seat. Josh found the coach and we were asked to go to the gym and
they were waiting for us. I thanked him for the Jerseys and he smiled and
said well isn't it "one for all and all for one." Getting the message
I replied, yes it is.


In the gym we said hello to the people we met the night before and I
laughed as we were assigned seats. We looked at each other and sat where
we wanted and the entire staff laughed and someone said damn this might
be a fun group. We were told that this will take longer and they wanted
30 minutes of useable information and to please watch our more colorful
language. We were asked our names and how we wanted to be addressed and
JJ immediately responded I am James Messer, aka JJ. Then he pointed to me
and said no matter what he says he is MJ. I said MJ is is fine and I am
Mike Simmons, Josh McNiff said I am Josh and Adam Rusnic said I'm Adam.
It was the same for Jim as he was simply Jim. We each had a wireless
microphone attached to our shirts and we were almost blinded by the
lights and just sat there. The lights were adjusted so that we could see
and the first question was so how did you 5 get here and Adam replied
well Jim, MJ and I were selected buy the coach and JJ and Josh were
elected by the team. JJ, that must have been quite an honor as this is
you first year having moved from Houston. Well it is and I make friends
easily and have been tossing the ball around with a bunch of guys. Along
those lines how different do you find football here in Western PA? JJ
said, well I'm not sure as I haven't played a game here but the social
aspect of things is very different here as elite players here don't walk
on water and have the same restrictions. Well they are still treated
differently here and get away with stuff but not like where I was from.
We were all asked about the classes we took and how much presser there
was for us to repeat and what we thought of our local and National
rankings. We all took turns answering questions and the general feeling
was ranking never mattered, what mattered was who won the last game.
Media pressure was already intense and our first scrimmage was moved to
the stadium next Friday and there would be spectators.


We had been at this for about 45 minutes and they finally got to Sam. The
reporter said, you guys have a team motto "All for one and one for
all". With that in place how did the Sophomore quarterback get away and
transfer. Knowing it was my turn, I replied well that is a two way
proposition and one was missing. So MJ what part was missing? I said
well, I believe when you ask, and I know you will ask a lot of people,
everyone will say the second part and I agree with that. Well how does
that effect the team? I replied, I'm not actually sure as he had not
played a varsity down and during informal workouts there was some
difficulty with reads. MJ, you guys obviously knew we would ask about
that and your buddies obviously chose you to deal with it so I'll just
ask you, how does someone transfer to another school and immediately play
football? Well that is way above my pay grade and I have only a limited
understanding of that process. Naturally it all starts with a transfer
and the two school principals decide if the transfer is because of
athletics. Sam and his parents must have presented an impressive case to
Dr. Johnson for Sam and his need for smaller classes and a faith based
education. MJ are there large classes in you school? I replied, I have no
idea as everyone sitting here is in the top academic classes and we have
every AP class covered multiple times. Sam would have been a sophomore
and I have no idea what classes he was in or how good a student he is. I
hope he enjoys the smaller classes and that his faith grows and develops
as he physically and mentally matures. The reporter actually laughed and
asked, do you really believe all that? I took a deep breath and said
said, every one here knows I have a lot going on and what I want is to
win 2 gold metals and a giant Hershey chocolate bar, graduate and move on
to VT. I don't have time to worry about people who aren't here. Then I
said this is an isolated case. A transfer to or from our school is
unusual. With the exception of JJ, I have played with these dudes since
5th grade. I met the freshman QB the other day as his dad took a job with
Highmark. The first time I set eyes on JJ was when he climbed out of an
F-15 his dad was flying. There are schools in this state, schools we will
most likely play at some point. One school will play with players from 5
states. I smiled and said, I better leave it at that. The others were
asked if they had anything to add and Josh said well we have a backup at
QB a freshman the same age as Sam with more experience and we will be
fine, even if we need him. Thankfully that ended the session.


As we walked back to return the jerseys I said, I'm starving how about
burgers and a beer at my place? JJ laughed and said THANK GOD, IM BACK IN
TEXAS. When the guys stopped laughing I said dude, I said beer not beers.
Yup, I was blowing off another afternoon.


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