Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2021 14:31:02 +0000 (UTC) From: Mike Simmons Subject: It was always about the bets 273 There wasn't a lot of time as I needed to be back at 5:30 for pizza and soft drinks. The football boosters paid for that and worked hard to raise the money for that and a lot of other things. I drove to South Park about 10 minutes away and I went to a spot and watched people play golf. I was thinking life was so much simpler when I played here. Then I thought about my meeting with Dr. Johnson and what I had agreed to do. That meant reigning everyone in, but at what cost and how to do that. I had played football since 5th grade and it was a lot of work but always fun. Now it wasn't, what had changed? Was it work or expectations or what and did I want to do this anymore. Right now I felt it was an obligation more than anything else. I actually thought about just sitting here all night and not showing up at all. I looked at the time and it was 5:00 so I jumped into the car and was back at school with 5 minutes to spare. Inside the cafeteria the place was a quiet as a funeral home and I really needed to think so I grabbed two slices of pizza and an iced tea and went to the field and sat in the top row of the bleachers. I was only there a few minutes when a coach Weston asked Mike, can I join you? I looked up and smiled and said sure but you never need to ask. Mike, when I saw you had left the cafeteria I knew you would be here. Coach, I'm not sure I can fix this. Coach first it was the Sam drama all summer, then the transfer then the QB issue and Wyatt being so fucking good and yet helping Jim. Then here is the difference in the staff and the fact that we as a team have matured and grown up. Finally, we don't communicate with your staff and you staff doesn't communicate with us. I find that odd because you have given them more control. Ok Mike, that's very accurate but where should we go from here, both sides have their backs against the wall. Coach let's try this, you and I deal with each other like we always have, actually like we are right now. You reign in your staff and I'll reign in the team. The "purple flu" group doesn't play until we are down 2 scores. The JV quarterback starts the first quarter and then you manage the quarterbacks the way YOU have all year. They will run the plays your OC sends in until you feel they are not producing and then free up Jim and Wyatt. Coach, I have to tell you this isn't fun for me anymore but I'll do my best to finish the season drama free. Coach, just so you know I promised Dr. Johnson I would try to deal with the team. Coach, one last thing. Mike, what's that? I want the same work load I had last year. I love defense but it will help me deal with Jim and Wyatt. Coach said deal and have fun tonight. Coach, thanks and at 6:30 would you please ask the guys to join me on the field. Oh and please ask JJ and Josh to join me ASAP here. A few minutes JJ and Josh arrived and I told them I made a deal with coach and needed their help and support. I explained the compromise and they agreed and I saw the team heading towards the field and JJ, Josh and I joined them at midfield. They formed a semi circle and I explained the situation and the compromise and asked that we all work with the coaches to make this the season we all want. There were a few questions and someone yelled ONE FOR ALL and the reply was a resounding ALL FOR ONE and then I heard ALL FOR ONE and looked and it was the coaching staff in the bleachers watching us but out of ear shot. Then I noticed the National media which was following us and there were cameras and a reporter. I thought shit, more fucking drama and I hurried to the locker room. All I wanted was my routine and I would try but the network people would be all over me. I quickly changed into game pants and pads and had a grey tee on and took my usual pregame seat on the bench and thought damn, I have never not started a football game. The weather was great and I was relaxing and then the reporter from the network saw me and headed over. He sat down and asked, it seems like there is a good bit of drama around the team. I smiled and said, well you can easily reach that conclusion. So Mike, is it serious? I shrugged and said well more than the usual. How about you chat with coach and if he agrees him and I will talk with you after the game. Trust me it will be worth waiting for? He said an exclusive and I replied, please talk with the coach. Then I went to the field house and threw on a game jersey for warmups. I skipped the shoulder pads and just went thru the motions as there is no need to warm up if I wasn't playing for at least an hour or more. Back inside while the band did their thing I put all the pads on and when it was time it was business as usual. Run thru the cheerleaders, captains to mid field, Jim called TAILS as instructed and it wasn't. They deferred and we took the ball. The kickoff went well and we had the ball on the 31 yard. The offense ran onto the field and Clark was getting the play from coach Dobis. When Clark ran into the huddle there was an audible gasp then dead silence. It was so quiet it was scary. I was feeling sorry for the kid as his first varsity start what a memory. JJ sat beside me and I said off tackle and he said no shit. The play went off left tackle for no gain. The second play was the same but the back hit the hole spun and started around the right end and managed 2 yards. The third play was a pitch to the back and another 2 yards. 4th down and 6 so we punted. Thankfully it was our usual punter and we simply exchanged field position. With the linebackers and JJ on the bench it was 70 yards in 11 plays and we were down 7 - 0. In the meantime I found Clark and told him he did everything right and he asked if Dobis was even watching the game they had 11 people within 10 yards of scrimmage. I found the offensive line and asked what's up? They said shit play calls, 9 people can't block 11. Clark was back in and under center I heard Blue 26 and I jumped to my feet as it could be active audible and sure enough he threw a perfect screen pass and the back caught it and was crushed and the ball popped out and they recovered. 6 plays later we were down 14 and the crowd was absolutely loosing it. They kicked off and we again had the ball near the 30 and again it was a run play for no gain. The quarter ended and coach Weston said Mike you are in at full back, Todd halfback and JJ wideout. Clark, fake a pitch to Todd, Mike block like you mean it and JJ cut across to that side and Larry you cut across the middle in the opposite direction and Clark get Larry the ball and let's see what happens. What happened was that Clark in the huddle said Red active and under center he looked around and led Blue 26 and ever player on the other team shifted 2 steps left. The ball was snapped and a fake pitch and a pump to JJ and the ball was lofted towards Larry and there wasn't a defensive player wishing 15 yards and with the extra point it was 14-7 the place was going nuts and I turned to congratulate Clark and he was stretched out on the field. Then I saw a yellow flag at his feet and Clark sat up and asked what happened? I helped him to his feet and said you just threw your first varsity TD pass. With that he simply knelt down and I waved for the medics. The kickoff was actually funny and moved up 15 yards for the penalty it sailed right through the uprights. Rod asked if he got points for that and the official just laughed. With JJ, Josh, Chad and I on defense, things changed. Their possession started on the 20 and it was 4th and 18 and they punted. JJ returned the punt 15 yards and we had great field position but the drive stalled at the 26 yard line and coach sent Rod in to try a 42 yard field goal which was easily good and would have been good from 50. The half ended with us behind 14 - 10. In the locker room coach met briefly with the staff and then he said, listen up we had a deal and I have lived up to my part, when are you guys going to start playing. Yeah, it would be hard to criticize the overall play but you have no intensity or passion. Coaches rarely win games players win or lose so what happens in the second half is on you. Wyatt, you are in at QB and I'm calling the plays so keep the freelancing to a reasonable level. You could feel the tension evaporate and the energy flow into the room. Then coach shocked the shit out of us when he paused and yelled ONE FOR ALL. There was a moment of silence as we processed what happened and we screamed ALL FOR ONE and charged onto the field. I found Wyatt and said dude, please be careful with that blank check you just got. He smiled and said, want to bet I got this? I shrugged and said not tonight. We kicked off to start the half and naturally they were starting on the 20 yard line. Rod's kick went through the end zone. Well it was the start that would define the half. I stopped them for no gain, on play one. Chad threw the back for a loss on second down and there was a QB sack on the next play and they were now on the 8 yard lines and punting. The snap to the punter was a bit high but controlled and the timing was enough that JJ dove at the feet of the punter and damn, it must have hurt because the ball and the punters foot arrived at JJ stomach at the same time and in the fight for the ball it squatted out the back of the end zone for a safety and 2 points for us and we now trailed 14 - 12. Well the game couldn't be more lopsided as we scored in a quarter and a half 30 unanswered points and they didn't have a first down until late in the 4th quarter. Jim was in mopping up and I asked Coach, where was Clark and he said medically not cleared, concussion. So the final was 40 - 14. We did the song ant tonight for the first time the coaches joined us. It was then that I noticed coach Dobis wasn't around. On the way to the field house coach said Mike we need to deal with the media so chat with you parents and get to my office ASAP. I took my game verses off and shoulder pads off and found Dad, Megan and the Major and Wyatt's dad. I looked at Megan and asked so where is Ashley? Oh she is watching Cole and Jessica and I laughed so hard. Dad said explanation and I said, I'll be home in an hour and I tell you the entire story. Dad, said well I'll need an explanation as to why you are home after a game. I said sure but coach and I have an interview with the national media. See you soon. It was immediately clear that the coach!s office wouldn't work with the camera crew a reporter and the local media. We simply moved to the field and coach and I were given microphones which were simply attached to our shirt and additional lights were turned on and coach asked, what can we do for you guys? Well it appears it has been a couple of unsettled weeks and a lot of tension care to explain? Coach said well I'll deal with the staff and our portion of the question and I'm sure Mike will do the same for the team. The national guy asked so what happened at half time that turned the play around? Coach said not much, I reminded everyone about the agreement we reached earlier and the day and asked the team to live up to their end. Mike is that accurate? I said mostly and was immediately asked what will it take for you to be more open and forthright? Well, for you to ask questions that don't require a one word answer. I got a wicked look and I asked so will you edit that comment out. I got a smile and he said nope. So Mike, what changed the team's attitude? Well coach's comments and the fact that he was calling plays, that the quarterbacks had the ability to change plays was reinstated and then when he finished he said the magic words. Mike, don't tease us what were those words? ONE FOR ALL. I started the Musketeer thing as a lark at the start of volunteer workouts, which we conduct on our own. It grew and united us like never before. We as a team treat every athlete as one of us, no matter what sport. This team is different we are united for workouts, practices and games. Tonight for example you couldn't find a team party anywhere in the district. We each go our separate ways. Small groups of two or three and the girls or not. Each doing our own thing. This week was hard and very unique. Coach was this a hard week and if so why? I laughed and gave the reporter a thumbs up. Coach said well as a staff we are very experienced and tend to do things the way we always have. Simply say what you want and the players simply do it. Since last season this team has changed in ways it is hard to imaging. We have a player on the team who is number one academically in each class, freshman through seniors. They are street smart, football smart and push every boundary there is. This week as every week does started with a quick review of the Central game then a review of today's opponent. Immediately there was a problem as it wasn't taken seriously. Wednesday 7 players, mostly starters, took the day off school and didn't practice. Collectively they were dealt with and as coaches through that was the reason for the drama. Turned out that it was a dispute between the Offensive Coordinator and his quarterbacks and he grounded them and that's why you saw Clark start tonight. The Musketeer thing kicked in and it took the school principal to meet with both groups and lay us both out. That resulted in Mike and I reaching an agreement. He sold it to his guys and I sold it to most of mine. Coach with the starters in for the second quarter what was with the slow start? I knew I needed to answer that so I said, well that's a two part question as there was no slow start on defense. Offense it was pedestrian play calling and some push back on the treatment of the quarterbacks. I was playing both ways and was playing hard and getting beat up. However it needed to be what it became. The second half offense was a response to coach's reminder and different play calling and freedom for the quarterbacks. Coach will you be calling the plays the rest of the year and coach simply said correct. Mike were you absent from school and practice on Wednesday and I simply said yes. We're you sick? No, thinking I needed to clarify that I said I had a meeting in Annapolis and flying lessons. Mike don't you already have a pilot license? Yes but I just bought, well my company bought the latest Cessna Citation VI and I want to be jet certified when it arrives in early February and it has a special tail number but that's for later. There were 6 or 7 more questions and coach said thanks and ended things. On the way to change I asked for Clark's address and said I would stop by tomorrow and check on him. I took a very quick shower and drove to my place and went right to the house and the door almost hit me as Cole and Jessica came flying out. Cole stopped and said don't ever offer to babysit all that kid does is eat, shit and cry. I laughed they were quickly gone. Inside I found dad and Megan watching TV and Megan had a wine and dad his scotch. In the refrigerator I found iced tea and poured a glass and joined them. Megan asked so where were the girls tonight and I said well I'm guessing she, like me is reviewing the lyrics to the 50 ways to leave your lover. Megan almost spilled her drink, laughing. There were lots of questions about the game. Megan said, not only was it unfair to Clark you could have gotten him hurt and he should have been in at the end? I said sadly you are correct on both accounts as he has a concussion. However, soon you will hear that the coach responsible for most of the drama isn't around anymore. Then the news came on and I stayed to watch the sports. The high school sports started differently with "Breaking News" a reporter standing in our stadium said after a very different game tonight the Offensive Coordinator of the defending district champs resigned after the game citing a player revolt and a gutless head coach. Head Coach Chuck Weston refused to comment citing district policy. Then the reporter said that Coach Weston and all everything football player, Mike Simmons had a lot to say in a 30 minute interview which will air on this station Sunday at noon. I asked so what time is the baptism and Megan said well after the noon mass but your ass is all mine starting at 11:15. Well there is no way I'm going to the damn club without seeing that report. I'll record it and stop and speed through it on the way to the club. Dad said Mike, no worries I'll have the club do that and Megan said Michael you are not turning this into anything more that a Baptism. I laughed when dad said, yes dear. I said good night and Megan said, oh I forgot suit and tie tomorrow. It was my turn and I replied yes dear. At my place I was surprised that the door was unlocked and sitting on the loveseat was JJ. I said, I didn't know I had a roommate. JJ laughed and said well he isn't here much but he let me in and said he would be awake by lunch and don't wait up. So why the visit? Well there are a lot of reasons, your interview tonight with the coach, the game, the girls and your cock and my ass. Ok, let's start with the last item on you list and I leaned in for a kiss and JJ pulled away. I looked at him and he said, I don't give a fuck about the first two but we need to talk about the girls. Hold on I'll need a beer. MJ make that two for each of us. I handed him a beer and sat down. MJ, I broke it off with Terri tonight. JJ that's hardly newsworthy. MJ, let me finished, then she said Mary Ann was done with you and that the two of them were going to come OUT, in school on Monday. Well that will take the attention off Carrie. JJ what does that mean for us? MJ, Terry says nothing but we were both fucking lesbians and they pretty much dumped us. Mike we won't have dates for Homecoming. JJ, will you be my date and he laughed and said neither of us are ready for that. I said correct now let's get to the last item, but in the bedroom I don't want to deal with Jace. We grabbed the beers and went in my room and stripped each other and as soon as we were nude JJ kissed me and as I stood there he worked his way down my chest and got on his knees and swallowed my cock and I was in heaven. Then he stopped and turned me around and started to eat my ass. I was so horned up I pulled him to his feet and we were making out and I sat him in a chair and got on my knees pulled his legs around my waist and stood up. That was easy as I worked out with more than he weighed. I lifted him higher and lowered him and my cock slid into his ass. Realizing this wasn't a good way I pushed him off and he landed on the bed and I flipped him over pulled him to his knees and dove balls deep and pounded his ass until I was ready to shoot and I grabbed his hips, pulled him towards and held my cock there till I shot my load. I flipped him over and we made out and eventually fell asleep in each other's arms. We were stirred awake by a lot of noice and I guess Jace was home and was more than a little drunk. We laid there together and I started to kiss and make out and went right to JJ cock and sucked and licked and played with his cock and when I tasted precum I went to town and when he shot a load I swallowed it. When we kissed JJ stopped and said you didn't save any for me. With that he got up and dressed and leaned down and kissed me good night and quietly left for home. I fell into a deep sleep and was amazed how late I slept. I got up and put coffee on and I jumped into the shower. I dressed in gym shorts and went for the paper and it was at the door again. I poured a cup of coffee and turned to the sports. It didn't take long to find an article. Hell it was in the main sports section. Coach and Star reveal the difficulties in dealing with each other in a candid and sometime blunt conversation. What is even more important the entire uncut interview will air on ABC on Sunday at noon. A veteran coach details the struggles dealing with a very tight team that is smart and as tough as they come. Mike Simmons went on to say that while this is a tight and very close team they are individuals and have lives outside of football but don't mess with them as a group. There was even an explanation of the Musketeer motto and that it applied to every athlete regardless of sport. Mike went so far as to suggest that a nationally know reporter ask better questions and challenged him to not edit the comment out. Then two things happened at the same time, dad walked in and my phone rang. I pointed to the coffee and dad nodded and I looked at the New York area code and said good morning Diane. She laughed and said, I just called to say thanks, I just saw the interview and you let a little of you slip out. Oh and the entire sports department is laughing about you ask better questions comment. Hell, Diane you should know how that feels. Why didn't you make him draw it out of you? Diane, I didn't think you had more time and I didn't want anything cut. Well Mike actually I'm calling to see if we can do a follow up. Diane, I would love that and how about in a couple of weeks as we will have have the building half occupied. She said that works and I'll schedule it with the Major. I said thanks and enjoy your day. Dad sat down and said well after reading the paper no wonder you wanted to see the interview before you went to the club. Dad, I knew it would be on the network and I want the message sent that high school sports need to be fun and are not the only thing in life. Mike, if I could I would get you out of the club part, I just can't. Dad, just that you said that means a lot. I know things have been different between us and it's me growing up and pulling away. It happens to every senior and moving to the apartment sped that up. Hell, I'm good and I'll do anything for my sister. Mike, I totally understand and you are doing so much for me and the company I can hardly believe it. Dad stood up and we hugged and he looked at me and said, get a damn haircut and I laughed out loud. He left and the door open and dad stuck his head in and said, blue blazer and shirt with grey slacks and no tie. I laughed and asked are we going to Kennywood. I refilled my coffee and started to read the paper and the scores. I was glad to see that Sam had had a better game and his team had won. Central had a tough game and there was mention of an injured QB. I just finished the paper and thought dad had a point about a haircut. I went to my room founds jeans and a tee and started for the car. My phone rang and it was Mary Ann and I answered with so I hear you are breaking up with me. Mike we broke up with each other right after the somewhat kinky sex. Mike if I was into dudes you would be perfect, I'm just not and I'm tired pretending. Mary Ann good luck with the announcement next week. So Mike you are well informed and I guess JJ had your cock out of his mouth long enough to tell you all this. I said well let's not be vulgar. Mike, I was kidding and we won't OUT anyone as it is a very personal choice. Well Mary Ann I really hope it goes well. With that I drove to the mall and Colton was busy for the next 30 minutes and I told him to save my space and I would be back. I went to the food court and got some coffee and simply sat at a table and took in the sights. I was unhappy with the vailed threat MA sent and it will be a long time before I let a chick get that close to me. Back at the hair salon Colton asked, so are we fighting again? I said nope you are doing what I want which is a trim that fits inside a football helmet. He looked at me and asked, when did you shave last? I said Thursday night and he said well you could try that scruffy look. I said, I know but a big family picture day tomorrow. With that I got a shave and a trim and it was great and refreshing and no argument. Back at my place Jace was sitting at the table drinking coffee and reading the paper when he saw me he said I hope when I came in last night I didn't disturb you and your friend. Jace it was fine but what brings you here this weekend? Mike, I simply need a break and Jack picked me up yesterday and we both got smashed. He will take me back Sunday night after the Steeler game. Jace how is your brother? Mike madly in love with Riley and his damn toys that you pay him to play with. Jace, how are the grapes? Jace laughed and said Charlie is providing TLC and business is good and harvest in two weeks. Little Charlie is spending the weekend and David just dropped him off. Jace, I have a rare free day so when you are feeling better we can hang out but I have a paper to write for English. I had to select a poet and that was easy as the only one I liked was Robert Frost. At first I considered "A Road not Taken" but ultimately selected "Stoping by Woods on a Snowy Evening". I read the poem 4 times and pretty much had it memorized and would figure out what it meant for me. I already realized it wasn't as simple as presented, but then again Frost never was. Having spent an hour on that, I went to the house to see what bday Ashley was doing. Naturally she was eating and this time a bottle. I asked if I could take over and Megan handed me a rag, a diaper, the bottle and Ashley and said have fun. PLEASE SUPPORT NIFTY IT IS BOTH EASY AND NEEDED. SORRY FOR THE LONG SPAN BETWEEN POSTS, BACK ON TRACK. THANKS FORMTHE COMMENTS.