10-18-2021, 01:24 PM
(This post was last modified: 10-24-2021, 11:00 AM by allbetsonjames. Edited 1 time in total.)
"You totally missed that play."
Amari Springer didn't hold back any punches talking to fellow Luchadores safety LaDamien Beck. They usually talk through what each of them saw during the game on long trips home. This trip is a particularly long 16 hour flight back from Bondi Beach, Australia, to Tijuana, Mexico.
"Yeah, I was watching the halfback a bit too long. They ran it three times already and they had the same formation. Never saw the one-on-one on the outside."
LaDamien was referring to the 76 yard dagger delivered from Carter to Demonson to set up for a eventual Buccaneers field goal. The Luchadores had them pinned deep, but they managed to break free for a big gain. The Luchadores would end up only conceding a field goal, but that big play did not help their path to victory.
"It's okay. We beat the shit out of them anyways!" Springer laughed. It's LaDamien's first full season playing in the DSFL, and since day one he has looked up to his partner on the back end. Amari is one of the most skilled players on the team, and that is something Beck has always admired. Raw skill. Something desired by all players in this league but only mastered by some. LaDamien wants to be the best and modeling Amari Springer is his first step.
"You think we can do it next week? We need to win to get in and Kansas City is a tall task."
Springer didn't waste any time in responding: "We can absolutely win. Our defense is amazing and our motivation to make the playoffs has never been higher."
"If you say so. All I know is I'll try not to miss that guy on the outside next time...I'ma head out. This flight needs to end." Beck laid his seat back and rolled over to take a nap.
-------------------------------------------------------
LaDamien awoke to a litany of "Wake up!" The plane just touched down in Tijuana and the coach stood at the front of the private plane to give one final comment on the trip:
"Boys, we did great back there. Great job! Now, before you get off this plane, just remember: our journey is long from over. I didn't start this season just to leave the penultimate game on a high. We have one final game to prove our mettle. I know ... you know ... we can beat any team we line up against. We proved that multiple times this season. I'll keep this short: I need you to focus on one thing and one thing only this week: beat the Coyotes. We beat them, we have a shot of going all the way. Now get out of here and I'll see you all tomorrow."
Amari and LaDamien looked at each other.
"You hear that, Springer? No Tuesday morning strip clubs this week."
"At least I'm old enough to get into a strip club, you punk." Amari retorted. Both laughed, exited the plane, and headed home.
-------------------------------------------------------
After practice the next morning, LaDamien was alone in his apartment when his cell phone rang. Expecting it being a teammate, he let it go to voicemail because he was busy making non-Hobbity second breakfast. When the ring could be heard a second time, he swore under his breath and ran over to his phone lying on the couch.
"Yeah?" he huffed.
"Is this LaDamien Beck?"
"Yeah, it is."
Someone LaDamien did not expect was on the other end of the call: Honolulu Hahalua management. They wanted to talk about the upcoming draft.
"Of course I'd be willing to talk!" Beck exclaimed. "I would love an opportunity to play in the ISFL!"
Beck and Honolulu management talked at length about possibilities and scenarios. They buttered each other up and got a feel for each other and how they would fit with the organization. The last question of the morning was one that LaDamien took the most interest in:
"LaDamien, what is your level of commitment? What will you look like in 5 years: a pro-bowl safety or a burnout?"
Beck was hesitant to respond. He knew he was having commitment issues ever since his accountant told him he needed a second job to stay alive. "Honestly, I don't know. I know I have been an impeccable earner so far, but money issues are catching up with me. I absolutely want to be the best the league has eve seen, but I'm not sure if I have the drive to put in the work."
"Thank you for your honesty. Good talk. Bye."
---------------------------------------------------------
LaDamien couldn't sleep the next two days. He was so restless because the competitive fire inside him was burning so hot, directly contrary to his current trajectory. Honolulu management was right. He was on a collision course with dropping out of the league. His money problems were becoming too great. The problem was, he didn't have the motivation outside games and practice to makeup the extra money to live the life.
LaDamien Beck faced the hardest decision of his life: coast for a few seasons in the DSFL and fade into nothing or put on the work and be the best. The easy path or the hard path.
"I have to do something about this." Beck said to no one but himself. He was alone.
So, he sat down, logged into his freelance account, and wrote a 900 word article.
----------------------------------------------------------
To be continued....
(900 WC)
Amari Springer didn't hold back any punches talking to fellow Luchadores safety LaDamien Beck. They usually talk through what each of them saw during the game on long trips home. This trip is a particularly long 16 hour flight back from Bondi Beach, Australia, to Tijuana, Mexico.
"Yeah, I was watching the halfback a bit too long. They ran it three times already and they had the same formation. Never saw the one-on-one on the outside."
LaDamien was referring to the 76 yard dagger delivered from Carter to Demonson to set up for a eventual Buccaneers field goal. The Luchadores had them pinned deep, but they managed to break free for a big gain. The Luchadores would end up only conceding a field goal, but that big play did not help their path to victory.
"It's okay. We beat the shit out of them anyways!" Springer laughed. It's LaDamien's first full season playing in the DSFL, and since day one he has looked up to his partner on the back end. Amari is one of the most skilled players on the team, and that is something Beck has always admired. Raw skill. Something desired by all players in this league but only mastered by some. LaDamien wants to be the best and modeling Amari Springer is his first step.
"You think we can do it next week? We need to win to get in and Kansas City is a tall task."
Springer didn't waste any time in responding: "We can absolutely win. Our defense is amazing and our motivation to make the playoffs has never been higher."
"If you say so. All I know is I'll try not to miss that guy on the outside next time...I'ma head out. This flight needs to end." Beck laid his seat back and rolled over to take a nap.
-------------------------------------------------------
LaDamien awoke to a litany of "Wake up!" The plane just touched down in Tijuana and the coach stood at the front of the private plane to give one final comment on the trip:
"Boys, we did great back there. Great job! Now, before you get off this plane, just remember: our journey is long from over. I didn't start this season just to leave the penultimate game on a high. We have one final game to prove our mettle. I know ... you know ... we can beat any team we line up against. We proved that multiple times this season. I'll keep this short: I need you to focus on one thing and one thing only this week: beat the Coyotes. We beat them, we have a shot of going all the way. Now get out of here and I'll see you all tomorrow."
Amari and LaDamien looked at each other.
"You hear that, Springer? No Tuesday morning strip clubs this week."
"At least I'm old enough to get into a strip club, you punk." Amari retorted. Both laughed, exited the plane, and headed home.
-------------------------------------------------------
After practice the next morning, LaDamien was alone in his apartment when his cell phone rang. Expecting it being a teammate, he let it go to voicemail because he was busy making non-Hobbity second breakfast. When the ring could be heard a second time, he swore under his breath and ran over to his phone lying on the couch.
"Yeah?" he huffed.
"Is this LaDamien Beck?"
"Yeah, it is."
Someone LaDamien did not expect was on the other end of the call: Honolulu Hahalua management. They wanted to talk about the upcoming draft.
"Of course I'd be willing to talk!" Beck exclaimed. "I would love an opportunity to play in the ISFL!"
Beck and Honolulu management talked at length about possibilities and scenarios. They buttered each other up and got a feel for each other and how they would fit with the organization. The last question of the morning was one that LaDamien took the most interest in:
"LaDamien, what is your level of commitment? What will you look like in 5 years: a pro-bowl safety or a burnout?"
Beck was hesitant to respond. He knew he was having commitment issues ever since his accountant told him he needed a second job to stay alive. "Honestly, I don't know. I know I have been an impeccable earner so far, but money issues are catching up with me. I absolutely want to be the best the league has eve seen, but I'm not sure if I have the drive to put in the work."
"Thank you for your honesty. Good talk. Bye."
---------------------------------------------------------
LaDamien couldn't sleep the next two days. He was so restless because the competitive fire inside him was burning so hot, directly contrary to his current trajectory. Honolulu management was right. He was on a collision course with dropping out of the league. His money problems were becoming too great. The problem was, he didn't have the motivation outside games and practice to makeup the extra money to live the life.
LaDamien Beck faced the hardest decision of his life: coast for a few seasons in the DSFL and fade into nothing or put on the work and be the best. The easy path or the hard path.
"I have to do something about this." Beck said to no one but himself. He was alone.
So, he sat down, logged into his freelance account, and wrote a 900 word article.
----------------------------------------------------------
To be continued....
(900 WC)
Under Construction
Coming Summer 2004
Coming Summer 2004
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