Date: Wed, 23 Nov 2022 14:42:24 +0000 (UTC)
From: Mike Simmons <illuminati12353@yahoo.com>
Subject: It was always about the bets 357

I asked Liam if it was the Bishop on the line or one of his people. Mike,
it is the Bishop, I smiled and said thanks. I sat at my desk and picked
up the phone (in every Catholic Mass we pray for our Bishop. In this case
we pray for Donald our Bishop) and said good afternoon Donald my Bishop,
how can I be of assistance? The Bishop laughed and said well that's a
first. Sorry Bishop, sometimes I'm just an ass. The Bishop laughed and
said, well I seem to bring that out in you. We both laughed and then he
said Mike, we have a problem with the basketball team and I would like
you to meet with them with me. Why what happened? Well Mike, it had to
deal with teabags. Bishop, Lipton teabags? The Bishop laughed and said
Mike, I'm not that out of it and neither are you. This hazing is
unacceptable, crude and yes sexual. So after you suspend the program,
what am I to say. Mike, we simply postponed the game tomorrow night and
we need time. Bishop, I am not going to be part of this being covered up.
Heck we had something much less serious and collectively we ONED the team
and no one went to one of their games, people were suspended and you want
time to punish a team whose members watch as some poor kid had testicles
dipped in his mouth. Mike, what do you mean by ONED. Bishop have you
heard the saying Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno? He laughed and said
yes. Well for us it means that we respect each other, work together and
have each other's backs. It grew and impacted every aspect of our
building. Mike, please tell that to these guys. I was quiet for a few
seconds and I said well under one condition. Mike, what do you need? The
team seated in the front row of the auditorium and the Junior Class, all
of them, behind them. Mike, that works and can you do this tomorrow? I
looked at my schedule and said yes, will 2:00 work and the Bishop said
how about 12:45 right after lunch? I said sure I'll be in the building
at 12:30. The Bishop said thanks, I'll see you there. Then I said Bishop
just a suit and no regalia. He laughed and said, don't you dare come in
a suit. I laughed and said, no worries. I hung up thinking I wanted to
say no, but I knew that was just a waste of time as Megan would weigh in.
I simply went back to the financial information, concentrating on my
investments.


I was quickly bored and looked over at Liam's office and he wasn't in
and I thought that I should expect more of that. I went down stairs to
get some coffee and chatted with people. I liked that and should do it
more often. Back in the office I started to think about the task I had
tomorrow. These were guys my age who either didn't know me or if they
did didn't like me. The football rivalry would be center stage. On the
way back to my office I saw dad was in and I went in and sat down. Dad
smile and said, well hello stranger. I see that you are taking control of
your finances. I smiled and asked, is that a problem? Dad shrugged and
said son, it's about time and as usual you are taking no prisoners. The
financial advisor you fired today I also my guy. Dad, he ignores me and
the investments are very conservative.  Mike, why so abrupt and no
notice? Dad, it eliminates games and when it's over, it's over and Tim
included an explanation. Mike, now what? Jordan and Tim are working on
that and it might take time in the meantime I'm set. Dad, just so you
know I'm most likely change banks and I'll need your signatures on the
new accounts. Michael, please think about that as that back service me
well when I started just talk with them and set it up however you want. I
smiled and said thanks dad. As I was getting up to leave I said there is
a thing at school celebrating the D1 recruits we have and it's at 2:30.
No pressure as I have the noon Cessna thing and I'll be pressed for
time. After that I'm going to the Winery for the weekend and check on
things but mostly relaxing. Ok Mike, I'll be at the school thing and if
necessary I'll limit the time for the jet delivery. I thanked dad and
went to my office.


I went my office and instead of looking at the financials I simply kicked
off my shoes and sat in the club chairs and put my feet up on the Noguchi
table and leaned back thinking about the talk I would have with a group
of people from an elite private all boys high school who only knew me as
afoot all player. Heck, most of them wouldn't know me as that. At first
I wanted to find something that we had in common but we were very
different and I began to play up the differences. I was getting nowhere
fast and when I checked the time I was amazed it was almost 6:00. I
packed up and drove to school. I was sure there would be a basketball
game. When I saw the parking situation I almost just left but I needed to
relax and this would help. Inside there were two parents sitting at a
table, selling tickets. I said, good evening ladies and opened my wallet
and took out my student ID card and $5.00. Both ladies laughed but took
the class and returned 4 one dollars bills. To the left there was a
curved hallway with a glass wall that overlooked the stadium and as there
were a few lights on I went over for a look. This was a great view of the
stadium and I knew that School Board members would watch the games from
here and have food brought in. I just looked for a few minuted and as I
was leaving I saw pictures on the solid wall. Looking closer there must
have been 40 or 50 pictures. It was the District HOF members. I started
to look and there were very few athletic member, lots of successful
business people and a few local political people. Then I saw a US Senator
Orrin Hatch, R Utah. I smiled and thought that could be useful and
thought that tomorrow instead of History, I would go to the library and
find out about him. All of a sudden Doc Johnson appeared  beside me and
said Mike, are you looking for a place to put your picture? Doc, what do
you know about the Senator? Mike, he is still in the Senate and is big
time. He stops by occasionally as he has family in the area. All I really
know is what was in his HOF Bio. Mike, I have copies of all these people
in my office, I'll get you a copy. I said thanks and I'll be elation
pizza. Doc laughed and said, I'll be right there. I said thanks and
headed to the refreshment stand.


There, I ordered 2 slices of pizza and a Pepsi and sat at a table. The
information about the Senator would be helpful and now I needed something
from Central.  Just then I saw Coach Weston and waned him over. We
chatted a bit and then I asked if he knew the AD at Central well enough
to call him tonight? Mike, what's up? Well I have a talk to give at
Central and I would like the name and information on a famous alumni.
Coached laughed and said Mike, that's easy and no call necessary. Have
you ever heard of Donald Thomas Schaefer? I shrugged and said, nope.
Coach went on for 15 minutes on the guy. I was in awe at all he had done
at Notre Dame and in business. Like the Senator Don had family and his
dad still lived in Greenfield. While we were talking Doc walked by
talking with a Board Member and simply laid an envelop on the table.
Coach just looked and asked if I was watching the game? I smiled and said
nope, all I wanted was pizza. Coach laughed and said don't be a
stranger. Coach, just pull me out of class, thanks for the help.


I drove to my place and grabbed a beer and started to read about Senator
Hatch. Then I scribbled some notes about Don Schaefer. I took a drink of
the beer and thought, fuck all that because of a random trip to a
basketball game that I didn't even see. I then chose clothes for the day
tomorrow and I selected black jeans, and a light grey crewneck and
selected a black leather jacket. All that was left was casual black shoes
which were easily found. With that all that was left was a very hot
shower and a shave. Once that was accomplished and I was dried off I set
the alarm and jumped into bed. Sleep didn't come easily but it gave me
time to put all this information together and when that happened I simply
drifted off.


The morning run was great and Cole asked JJ if he would help with the
trip to Pebble Beach and asked he wanted to brink Kathy along. JJ said
that he thought that might be a bit much this early in the relationship
but he would check and talk with MJ about it. At JJ's house I hung back
and Cole simply kept going to his place. Once we were alone I asked if
Kathy would be going to NY Friday and that I hadn't asked Winnie as if
Kathy doesn't go we could be together as Jessica and Cole would be at
his place. Mike, I asked and am waiting for an answer and she is aware of
the number of bedrooms. Fuck, I even told her nothing wouldn't happen
that she didn't want to do. She needs to tell me today in school. We
hugged and I went to my place, took a hot shower and drove to school. I
went straight to English and was handed an note to report the the
Athletic Office. I laughed and headed to see what this was all about. As
I got to the small hallway beside the old gym which lead to the Office I
heard JJ yell, Dude hold up. Once we were together he said MJ, slow down
I don't get called out of class that often and whatever this is I want
it to take some time. When we entered the office Nancy pointed to the
conference room and added, I need to talk with you guys when you are
done, be polite. I said, yes mam and JJ and Nancy laughed. At the
conference room the door was open and we stood there seeing Coach B, head
coach, Coach Conn, defensive coordinator, Coach Lou, linebacker coach and
Coach Wade, defensive backs coach. JJ was so excited, after we sat down I
just watched. JJ immediately said, well with all the defensive coaches
here I guess you have decided that I will be playing defense. Coach B
said, Jim that's you decision but in looking at what we have coming
back, we need more help on defense. Jim, you are are a natural safety but
will have a lot of work to do on technique and you will no longer be the
fastest player on the field. There is the added benefit in that you can
actually catch. JJ was all smiles and said Coach that works for me.


With that all eyes in the room turned to me and Coach Conn said Mike, you
have been unusually quiet? Coach, I'm just trying to figure out why I'm
here. There was no response so I asked coach, why am I here? Coach B
laughed and said Mike, I have been aware of you since 8 th grade. You
were a great athlete with football smarts and great grades but
undersized. Mike, Western PA is a hard place for us to recruit. Heck mots
kids go Pitt, PSU and Notre Dame. When I saw you play in 8th grade all I
saw was a linebacker and when you started to grow I was jumping for joy.
Mike we were determined to get you and here we are. I wanted to talk with
JJ and you are here so that I could welcome you to the program. With that
Coach stood up and extended his hand. I stood up, walked around the table
and pulled him into a hug. I whispered thanks for trusting me. When we
separated Coach looked at JJ and said, I'm always honest with my players
and I think you know I saw a lot of potential and your Principal, in
Texas, went to bat for you big time. He said you had remarkable athletic
ability and were one of those kids who managed to fit in and that while
beside Texas Football Player in the dictionary there could be your
picture you were one hell of a student. He said that with his background
and family you would fit in. As a worst case I saw a good kid who at
would be redshirted and by his senior year contribute. JJ, thankfully
your better angles took over and now I see you as a top recruit who will
have immediate impact. JJ laughed and asked, so that's it, thanks and
welcome aboard and nothing else? JJ, there is nothing planned but if you
guys want to show up on Saturday and sign those letters we would
appreciate that.


I looked at JJ and said Coach, we have plans for the weekend but we will
work it out and our girls might be along. JJ said, Uno para todos y uno
para todos. There was a moment of quiet and coach Lou said I was
wondering when that shit would start. Just remember you will earn
whatever happens. I smiled and said, yes coach. Coach B then said, guys
let us know by Thursday. JJ asked so how man recruits are getting this
invite? Coach smiled and said our basic core of 6 and yes we will have
press there. With that hands we're shod and JJ and I started back to
class. Nancy stopped us and said guys, I need help with the damn
basketball playoff tickets again. I smiled and said whatever you need but
make sure you get enough George's this time. Just let us know. As we
walked to what would now be the middle of second period JJ asked MJ, now
what? I shrugged and said, let's figure that out tonight, I have a busy
day. JJ went to class and I went to the office and signed out for work.


I drove home and immediately put coffee on and made scrambled eggs and
toast. As I ate I reviewed what I wanted to accomplish in talking with
the juniors. When I finished, I checked the time and figured that if I
cleaned up and left I would be at Central with 30 minutes to spare. It
was a quick cleanup and grabbed a black leather jacket, jumped in the
Mustang and took the back way to Oakland. I found a visitor parking space
and parked besides a black Cadillac and knew that the bishop was there. I
walked the few feet to the steps leading to the front door when I entered
I just laughed as there was a cardboard sign with an arrow and the words
OFFICE. What I saw next was a collection of pictures on the wall and sure
enough was Mr. Schaefer. At the office, I introduced myself to the lady
sitting at the desk. She said Mike, the Bishop is waiting for you in the
conference room. In the conference room I was warmly greeted by the
Bishop who introduced me to the headmaster. We all sat down and the
Headmaster just started to talk about the school and it's place in the
region. The Bishop just sat there watching me and I let it go for a while
and finally I said Brother Mathias, I have heard enough, I am not a
recruit to your school and I know who and what impacts this community and
to be candid your school simply has minimal impact. Now if you choose to
listen to what I have to say, you will find me respectful and absolutely
honest. I'm sure there are many things that I say will that will upset
you but I am sure that if you think about it you would receive some
value. With that I looked at the Bishop and said Donald my Bishop can we
get started. He laughed and said Mike, I'm actually starting to enjoy
that but your right let's get started. With that we all got up and the
three of us headed to the auditorium.


At the auditorium the Headmaster lead us to the stage where there were 3
club chairs, 2 tables and a bottle of water for each of us. The Bishop
quietly said Mike just put up with it till it's your turn. The Bishop
simply sat in a seat and had me sit beside him, which put me in the
middle. Mathias was clearly upset but had no choice but to go along. A
minute later the curtain went up and all I could see was a dark
auditorium. With that the Head aster stood up and said good afternoon
gentlemen, as you know the Bishop needs to meet with you and he has
brought a guest. Before we start we should start with a prayer to Our
Lady for guidance, support and forgiveness. Then he said Hail Mary, full
of grace and everyone joined in. The Bishop stood us and said thanks for
being here today and as a class you are not involved in this mess. My
guest asked to talk with the Junior class as well as that group now
sitting in the front row. Then the Bishop said Mike and I have a unique
relationship. A few months back he got the better of me at a party
celebrating the Baptism of his sister. I went to school with his stepmom.
We have checked each out and yet we both have both have have private
lives. So I'm going to spend a few minutes telling you about Mike and
then turn this over to him and hopefully you will find the time enjoyable
and I know you will learn something. That few minutes turned into almost
10 and I was embarrassed and actually zoned out. I was jarred back to
reality when I heard, gentlemen it is my great pleasure to introduce
Michael James Simmons, Jr. I smiled and said, Donald my Bishop, you are
certainly well informed as I want aware I did some of those things and
thanks for the kind words. Still sitting in the chair, I looked out into
the darkness and said guys I am simply Mike Simmons so please call me
Mike. The Bishop laughed and said gentlemen, don't buy that as there is
nothing simple about Mike and there was some laughter. With that I stood
up and walked down a few steps and immediately a spotlight shown on me
and I took two steps and stopped. I had no microphone but being heard was
never a problem and I shouted as loud as I could, "Out, damned spot!
out, I say!". The place erupted in laughter and when it was quiet again
I said well, I'm glad you guys have read or studied Macbeth.


I almost had things where I wanted them but in a raised and less dramatic
voice I asked, would the person with the spot remover please turn on the
lights so we can see each other? Immediately the lights came up and there
was applause. Now I was standing in front of 14 students all dressed up
in shirts and ties. I smiled and said well at least you clean up well.
The Bishop dragged me here today to talk with you and I dragged the
Junior class here to help them clean up the mess you created. So, whose
idea was this? 14 hands went up. Ok, who selected the victim? 14 hands
went up. Who held the victim down? 14 hands went up. I said well we could
go on like this but I have to tell you the Spartacus defense has never
worked well and it will not work this time. You see once this was
reported to the Headmaster, he is required by state law to report it to
the police. He picked up the hem of his cassock and punted to the Bishop.
I'm just saying that's what he did as it was easier for him to do that.
The Bishop quickly gathered some information and I would bet he has met
with the victim and his parents. Today, very shortly in fact, will start
the one of the most trying times of your lives. What you have done with
one careless act will leave a scar on the reputation of this proud
institution. Most importantly you will have ruined your lives and the
life of your victim. He will leave this school and return to his public
school. There, even if accepted, he will know know that everyone will
know why he came back. Each of you could be required to register as a
sexual offender and instead of Pitt or Harvard or CMU, community College
might be executable. My only suggestion to you is to be sorry for what
you did and actually mean it and to beg forgiveness. Also, understand
that your school and you Bishop have very few options. Thrust your rents
and the attorneys that provide. I know some of you are less guilty than
others but grow a set and do the right thing. Lives have been changed and
not for the good, please fix what's left.


I moved my attention to the Junior class and said guys, I just want to
talk. Like every Junior Class in the country you are a bit past halfway
through the toughest year in high school. This is the last year that
grades really matter and this year they really matter as you fill out
those damn college applications. Among other things Summer will be filled
with college visits with families and friends and things at home will
begin to change as you start very gradually to pull away. Unfortunately
the actions of these characters and I pointed to the basketball team,
have added additional responsibilities to you all. You need to reconnect
with the past traditions of this place, reach out to outstanding alumni
and get them back here, make them feel important and prove to them, that
what happened here was a one off. If it was me I would look at the
pictures on the wall as you come in tomorrow and start there. All of a
sudden a guy stood up and said Mike, I'm Paul Adams and I am the class
President, I'm not sure you realize how hard that would be to
accomplish. We would need permission. Paul, so if a bunch of students
asked to be able to invite a distinguished alumnus here to talk to you
the headmaster would say no, we can't do that. So Paul, what is the
response? Well we just go to class. Mike, at your school what would be
the response? I laughed and said well we would seek an explanation and if
it wasn't satisfactory we would do what we call ONE them.


Paul looked at me and asked you what? Paul do you know what "Unus pro
omnibus, omnes pro uno" means?  Paul laughed and said Mike, so what does
the Musketeer thing have to do with this. Well Paul at our school there
are expectations of us and they were ramped up a couple of years ago and
by the time we were rising Juniors we began to expect the administration
and staff to live up to our expectations. You see what they demanded of
us we demanded of them. If someone was treated unfairly we reacted as a
unit. You see individually we gave our all to the group and the all
returned the favors. There are a lot of examples and time does not permit
all that detail but the best example and easiest to see is our football
season. There was drama with coaches, people leaving and people coming
in, playing time issues, heck we won the state championship game with
only 3 coaches and I'm not sure we needed that many. Paul, I will be
glad to talk with you personally and I went over and handed him my
business card. Then I looked at the group and said cooperate when you can
and over or under cooperate when appropriate. Thank You. I started back
to the stage and heard the headmaster say Mr. Adams, I'll need to see
what you were just given. When there was no reaction the Headmaster said
Mr. Adams, now would be a good time. Paul stood up and said Brother
Mathias, with all due respect, that's not happening so you might as well
just have your secretary call my dad, by this time he knows the way.


With that the Bishop went down and stood in front of the 14 and said,
Mike was right, Brother Mathias punted and I am legally bound to report
this, which I did earlier today. Your parents are here and the City of
Pittsburgh police will be conducting a complete investigation and each of
you will be required to cooperate. Mike was also right about the
Spartacus Defense, it doesn't end well. I will not elaborate on that
story because you will have a lot of time on your hands as you are
suspended from school, pending a report from the DA. Then the Bishop
looked at the class and said there are two options. First, I invite the
officers in and that group of suspects can be escorted out of here in
cuffs. Second, they can quietly walk out, join their parents and proceed.
Paul stood up and said Bishop, there is very little difference as in both
cases there is a walk of shame. Paul smiled and said, Bishop you know
that. I would let them simply walk out with the understanding that we
will deal with any drama or demonstration and he simply sat down. The
Bishop looked at the 14 and said, on your way. Once back on stage the
Bishop said Brother Mathias, thanks for thee hospitality and I will be
replacing Mike as a Commencement speaker. Brother Mathias Looked at the
group and said, gentleman back to class and Mr. Adams I'll see you in my
office. No one moved and Brother Mathias sternly said class, now. Then a
student said Brother Mathias, your office is too small, so as we are all
coming, we should stay here. I looked at the Bishop and said, I don't
know about you but I'm out of here? We walked to the office and I asked
if he was interested in an early dinner and he said, Mike another time as
I need to be here as the Headmaster was replaced by his Abbot. I laughed
and said well thanks for a fun day.


I headed home and Cole and I pulled into the driveway at the same time.
We exchanged hugs and I said Cole, we need to talk, your place or mine?
Cole laughed and said MJ, I talked with JJ and I'm aware of what you
have to do. Jessica and I get enough alone time and I need to practice
and that is easier here. Inside I found dad and Megan enjoying a drink
and it was cool as there was no nasty words, I was really glad for dad.
Cole went upstairs and I fixed a drink and joined dad and Megan in the
game room. Cole came down, grabbed a beer and said mom, I'm home this
weekend as MJ has to start earning his ability to start. I laughed and
said well JJ sees it that way, I don't. Then Cole said MJ, I hope you
take a couple of minutes and look back on what you have accomplished on
the football team and what it means to you, well should mean, to you and
this community. Cole, don't you have practice or something to do with
Jessica? MJ, I'm here with you guys, what could be better. Megan and I
had a radar warning at the same time. So Cole, how is Jessica? MJ, she is
fine and we will be spending a lot of time together next week, just
relax. Colleen appeared, shook her head and said well it's dinner and I
hope no one is hungry as it's hard to cook not knowing how many. I got
up, gave her a hug. She smiled and said lad, that is great but doesn't
make more to eat. It turned out that there was enough food and with
desert we were good. It was a fun time and Cole appeared to be good so I
said guys in case the school checks I'm sick tomorrow. Actually, I just
need a day and the weekend was to take care of that. I'm even staying
away from the office. I need to talk with the bank, I need a haircut and
I need to do nothing. Right now I need to talk with JJ and Winnie. Thanks
for dinner and I went to my place.


 I called JJ and he was still so excited and he went on and on about how
great the meeting was. When he finally stopped is said JJ, it was a great
meeting but there were no hard promises and while we are in a great place
we still have to earn it. JJ laughed and said dude, I get it but for
Christ sake enjoy this, just this one time. Ok, JJ I get it but this is
complicated. There is no way I can go there and not take Winnie. MJ, why
is that complicated, let her take a friend. JJ what about Kathy? MJ, she
will come and if we stay over her rents need her to have her own room.
Damn JJ that's 3 rooms. MJ it isn't as I'll stay with Sean so it's 2
rooms for 2 nights. We can afford that and the girls will adjust. Hell, I
don't even know if Kathy and I are a thing and hanging with Sean might
lead to something. JJ, just don't go Texas on me and we do have to earn
shit. So JJ, what you thinking about the timing of the trip. MJ, the
earliest we can get out of here would be 6:00. So I guess we could grab a
bite to eat and then check into the hotel. I'm sure there would be a
party and we can sort that out. I'll call Coach tomorrow. JJ, that's
great but I'm taking a day tomorrow no running, no workout, no school. I
need a haircut and to have a chat with my bank. We talked for a few more
minutes and then hung up.


I immediately called Winnie and she asked, so where have you been all
day? Well I was in school but didn't make any classes and then I went to
Central with the Bishop. Winnie, it's complicated and we can talk about
it later, it did however change our plans for the weekend. Well Mick, am
I still invited? Sure babe if you want to go. Winnie I wasn't in class
as the 4 VT coaches had a request for JJ and I. They want us to comedown
Friday and on Saturday sign those damn letters at a public press event.
She laughed and said, I'm all in but is JJ taking Kathy? I said yes but
separate rooms. Mick, Kathy and I have been talking and there might be a
separate room available but she won't be in it. He has been a perfect
gentleman so fat and she wants to see what that cowboy is really like and
she has been interested since he entered the building. Winnie, one last
thing I'm taking the day off to deal with some financial things and need
a haircut. She laughed and said well you have needed a haircut for weeks.
I laughed and said good night and we hung up. With that it was a shower
and I jumped into bed and it was great no alarm and a free day.


Thanks for your patients and I a know this has been a long time coming.
Early October I had COVID. Yes I have every shot available but it was a
nagging cold and no energy. Then on Election Day 11/8/22 I took my
grandson to the zoo and three days later developed RSV and that kicked
the shit out of me. No energy, no interest in anything, no appetite. I
did have a headache, wicket cough and a runny nose. Yes, I'm feeling
better yesterday and better yet today. Thanks for reading and for the
comments. I plan to finish the story in a more timely manner. Thanks,
Mike.


Please, if possible remember Nifty during this Holiday Season.


HAPPY THANKSGIVING