| By:
Patrick Irving
8/17/2007
It’s an old and sad story, but unfortunately you read about it all the time: Young businessman works hard, gets some breaks and claws to the top of the heap. But that’s not enough. He has to stay on top – and find new mountains to conquer. Everything and everyone in his life that aided in his success becomes expendable. Nothing is sacred in his quest to become – and more importantly be seen as – the top dog.
Relax, we’re just talking about an NFL owner shedding pricy, aging veterans for more cost-effective younger talent. It’s not like the guy’s dumping his wife…
OWNER’S OFFICE, FOOTBALLTOWN, USA – DAY
The Boss sits at his desk as 38-year old Vet peeks his head in.
VET: You wanted to see me?
BOSS: Yeah, have a seat.
Vet doesn’t look thrilled, but he obliges.
VET: So, uh, did you catch that scrimmage yesterday? I think these old legs are finally starting to loosen up.
BOSS: Listen, I don’t know how to…I’ll just come right out and…
VET: Yeah, we’ve been through a lot of these camps together, huh, Boss?
BOSS: We’re cutting you. I’m sorry.
Vet is shocked. Then a smile creeps across his face.
VET: Ohhhh man. You got me! Oh my gosh, that was a good one Boss. You really had me…
BOSS: No. I’m not joking. I’m sorry, but this is for real.
VET: Alright, come on.
Boss just stares.
VET: But I’m part of this team. We’re a family.
BOSS: Oh, of course. I totally agree. You can still come back and visit the boys.
VET: Visit?
BOSS: Home games. Every other weekend.
VET: You can’t do this to me. The fans won’t stand for it. They’ll judge you.
BOSS: I think they’ll find my case pretty credible. You on the other hand…
VET: What?!
BOSS: I’ll just have to show those tapes I made of you last year.
VET: But those are out of context! I was hurt. You know that.
BOSS: Fumbling around; falling to your knees…
Vet puts his hands over his ears.
VET: Stop! Stop it!
BOSS: Just don’t make any trouble and you’ll leave with your dignity intact.
VET: I’ll leave with a lot more than that! What about my money?
BOSS: You’ve got everything that’s coming to you.
VET: But that’s not…
BOSS: Hey, you signed the paper…you made the deal.
VET: I hate you!
BOSS: Don’t say that.
VET: Why are you doing this to me? What did I do?
BOSS: It’s not you, it’s us. We just want to go in another direction.
VET: But what does that even…?
The hot young Rookie pops in.
ROOKIE: Hey, Boss, what time are we…?
He stops in his tracks at the sight of Vet.
ROOKIE: Oh. Uh, I can come back.
VET: Oh, I see. Is this your new direction?
BOSS: It’s not like that.
VET: No, I get it. He’s young. He’s cheap.
ROOKIE: Who you callin’ cheap mutha…
BOSS: Now, let’s all settle down…
VET: What is he, twenty-two?
ROOKIE: I’m twenty-three.
Vet shakes his head in disgust at Boss.
VET: Twenty-three. Well, I can’t compete with that.
BOSS: Don’t make this any harder than it is.
VET: What about all the good times we had? All those games we won?
BOSS: It was great. And I’ll never forget it. But let’s face it, lately it’s been…
VET: I’ll take less money!
BOSS: That’s not it. Please.
VET: What do you want from me? Come on, just name it. I’ll, I’ll…
Vet swallows hard.
BOSS: What?
VET: I’ll go both ways.
Rookie tries to suppress a laugh.
BOSS: That’s probably not a good idea.
VET: What, I tried it in college. I didn’t mind.
Boss has to look away.
VET: But what will I do? I’ve been here my whole adult life?
BOSS: Give TV a shot.
VET: I could never…
BOSS: Sure you could. You’d be great at it.
VET: Really?
BOSS: I’ll make a phone call.
VET: You would do that?
BOSS: Of course. You’ll always be family.
VET: So I can come back whenever I want?
BOSS: Well, let’s stick to every other weekend. I don’t want the guys to get confused.
VET: Yeah. You’re right.
Vet trudges to the door.
VET: Thanks Boss.
BOSS: You bet.
As Vet shuffles out, Rookie plops down in the chair.
ROOKIE: That was pathetic. I’m glad I’ll never have to act like that.
Boss gives him a wink.
FADE OUT: |
