In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 330 The players behind the scenes

1999, early spring, Georgia Tech University Conference Center.

Since the afternoon, vehicles have been arriving outside the convention center one after another. This is in sharp contrast to the overwhelming and unprecedented attention during the Super Bowl. Not to mention the fans, even the media has rarely reported on this meeting. Only a few financial media The person applied for an interview pass.

Ethan and Michael Ovitz arrived at the conference center at three o'clock in the afternoon, three hours earlier than the start time of the meeting, but there were still people who arrived earlier than Ethan.

"Ethan O'Connor, right? Your performance in the Super Bowl is so fresh in my mind, it's hard to believe how much pressure and difficulty you faced at that time."

As soon as Ethan entered the conference room, he saw Paul, the league commissioner. At this time, the middle-aged man standing next to Paul took the initiative to speak to Ethan.

Although the Super Bowl was nearly a month ago, some news about the game at that time was released. Ethan’s discussion rate has not dropped but has risen.

First of all, it was because after the official NFL video was edited and released on the TV station, during the game, Broncos head coach Shanahan said in front of the camera: "Unless God is on the side of the Cowboys..." Ethan accidentally added "Son of God" "The nickname.

Other players also bluntly stated in interviews that Ethan was the first to think of the Cowboys' rare fake kick tactic, and it was he who forced the kicker to implement it against all objections.

Coupled with Ethan's shout-out to the players after the third quarter, this allowed the Cowboys, who were already demoralized at the time, to regroup their fighting spirit.

All of this made Ethan the nickname "Son of God". His brilliance in this game was so dazzling that the commentator Madden said on a sports program last week: If Ethan retires this year, He will also be in the Hall of Fame without question.

Numerous discussions have proven that the enthusiasm for Eason somewhat overshadows the Cowboys themselves. Even if the quarterback is the absolute core of a team, this situation is very rare.

Ethan shook hands with the young man. Paul took the initiative to introduce both parties.

When he heard that this man was actually the current owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Ethan was somewhat surprised. In his impression, NFL team owners were almost all like Old Jones, top-tier rich men who became famous in their fifties and established huge business empires. .

The person in front of him was much younger than he had imagined. He had thick hair and looked about forty years old. Compared with many old men, he was considered to be in the prime of life.

He seemed to see Ethan's confusion and took the initiative to introduce: "After my father passed away two years ago, my two brothers and I inherited this club. My name is Taylor Smith."

"The Smith family is the owner of the Georgia Life Insurance Company and has extensive insurance business in the Appalachian region." Paul introduced at this time.

The Appalachian region starts from West Virginia and includes parts of Mississippi, Georgia and Alabama. It is a vast area, but it is the poorest area in the United States. In the eyes of outsiders, it is a bunch of mud-legged hillbillies. And he loves promiscuity (orthopedics). The films The Turn and The Mountains draw inspiration from local conditions.

Taylor Smith shook his head: "It's just some small business. It's still far behind the big names in the entertainment industry who came all the way from Los Angeles. It's not even comparable to the wealthy owners of other teams."

It's more of a fact than self-effacing.

"After the meeting, no matter what the result is, I am willing to entertain you two well. Ethan, don't leave early then." Tyler Smith looked at Ethan: "I heard that Old Jones intends to trade you to other teams. But it seems that Yi Senyi already has his heart set on something?"

As the host of the meeting, he naturally had to act like a landlord, and the second half of the sentence also explained the reason for this enthusiasm.

In the eyes of the team owner, Ethan has changed from a "game manager" to a "game changer", with the ability to change the situation and turn things around. If possible, he is willing to spend a lot of money to bring Ethan to Atlanta.

Ethan responded with a smile: "Thank you Mr. Smith for your concern, but I have decided to join the newly established club, and this matter is no longer within the scope of discussion."

Michael Ovitz, who was silent on the side, felt somewhat at ease when he heard Ethan say this.

If Ethan really signed with another team at a sky-high price, there might not be a need to establish a new club.

For co-operators, mutual trust is crucial. Ethan will not wait for a price at this time. He knows what he needs most. Not to mention destroying this rare trust.

"What if Michael Ovitz cannot get the new special training rights?" Taylor Smith smiled.

It seemed like he was asking casually, but in fact, his smile was hiding a secret.

Imagine that if Michael Ovitz can't get a new franchise, Ethan will have to sign with another team or be forced to lose his job.

"It's very simple, then I will announce my retirement." Ethan said expressionlessly.

Taylor Smith smiled even more: "Really determined."

"Long time no see, Mr. Michael Ovitz."

A burst of hearty laughter interrupted the exchange between the two.

Before anyone arrived, a tall and bloated bald man walked in. He had a hideous and ugly face, and was dressed in gorgeous clothes. He walked in with his arms around the waist of the beautiful female subordinate next to him. He looked like a complete nouveau riche.

He walked straight towards Michael Ovitz and took the initiative to hug him.

"Mr. Ovitz, I haven't had time to thank you for your help. This time I will fully support you and get a new franchise." He put his hands on Ovitz's, looking particularly eager.

After chatting with him for a moment, Ovitz said goodbye to him, and then explained to Ethan in a low voice: "Wayne Huizenga, who used to be the largest shareholder of Blockbuster, was the one who suggested to him to sell Blockbuster to Sumner Redstone. Wayne Huizenga is the beneficiary of this matter, but I am not doing it to help him, but to bring down Viacom..."

Ethan also knew what happened later. Redstone used Blockbuster to finance the leveraged buyout of Paramount.

Michael Ovitz not only failed to bring down Viacom, but indirectly helped, which can be said to be a huge failure.

However, Ethan heard that there seemed to be some grudge between the two bosses, and he wondered if it was related to Michael Ovitz's forced retirement...

Before Ethan could ask more questions, Michael Ovitz took the initiative to change the topic and continued talking about Wayne Huizenga.

"In addition to Blockbuster, he also owns Waste Management, which and its direct competitors handle more than half of the nation's garbage and waste. It is the nation's largest waste disposal provider. In the past few years, he also founded AutoNation, which is Currently the largest auto retailer in the United States. In addition, he owns dozens of hotels and resorts across the United States.”

"In 1990, he purchased the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, the venue for the Super Bowl. He is the main owner. In addition, there are MLB's Florida Marlins and NHL's Florida Panthers, as well as Florida Sports Channel. In terms of financial resources, he is firmly in the top three in the NFL."

All in all, this fat bald man is extremely rich.

It seems that Ovitz is quite interested in the right to operate special training, and he went out of his way to get to know the team owners before attending the meeting.

Next, team owners or agents arrived one after another. Among them, Bob Harlan, who represented the Green Bay Packers, left a deep impression on Ethan.

As soon as Michael Ovitz saw this big-nosed, gray-haired old man in a suit and tie, he took the initiative to walk up to him, hoping to gain support from the other party.

But the other party said very rudely:

"Out of consideration for the development of the league, I will use my voting rights carefully. I am not the kind of black-hearted boss who just wants to squeeze players and cut costs. In my eyes, maintaining a good competitive atmosphere in the league and bringing more to the audience Better competition always comes first.

"This is the mission I have to keep in mind as president of the club and if you want my support it's simple, show me your continued commitment to rugby and not just treat it as a hobby. Hobby."

He crossed his arms and said impatiently.

Michael Ovitz nodded awkwardly, and finally saw this man sitting alone in his seat. The bosses around him did not have any active communication with him, and he didn't care, just sitting there.

"The Green Bay Packers are different from other teams." At this time, Ethan walked up to Michael Ovitz and explained.

The Green Bay Packers are the only club that does not have an actual controller, but is collectively owned by fans, similar to FC Barcelona. And President Bob Harlan is just a manager.

Perhaps he is one of the few team representatives present who has no selfish motives and only focuses on the development of the league.

"Mr. Ovitz, please don't mind. Bob Harlan has such a bad face towards everyone, and he sneers at old Jones's methods. If you are so close to Ethan, it is even less likely that he will have a good face." ." A gentle voice appeared in their ears.

Michael Ovitz turned his head, and a middle-aged woman dressed elegantly and elegantly appeared next to her. She could not tell her age. At this moment, she stretched out a hand for Michael Ovitz to kiss.

"Georgia Frantier, chairman of the Rams, you also call me 'Mrs. Ram'." The woman has a somewhat rich face, a shawl hanging on her shoulders, and dazzling rings on her hands. She has a very good spirit. , the sound is soothing and gentle.

Michael Ovitz kissed her fingertips very gentlemanly.

Mrs. Rahm's smile grew wider: "I have heard of your famous name for a long time. It is our honor and my honor for Mr. Ovitz to join the NFL."

Michael Ovitz looked at her and felt his heart melt.

Also, she looks completely different from Ovitz. A woman with such an appearance can definitely be called a middle-aged and elderly male killer. After separating from Mrs. Ram, Ethan found that Michael Ovitz next to him looked at her from time to time, seemingly lingering.

Seeing this, Ethan had to remind him: "In addition to Mrs. Ram, she also has a nickname, called Black Widow."

Georgia Frantier, the daughter of Miss Lucia Pamela of St. Louis, her father is an ordinary insurance salesman. She comes from an ordinary family, but she has gone from an ordinary opera performer to the actual controller of the Rams and a chic rich woman. The reason for this is not my own hard work, but my previous husbands.

At the age of 15, she married a Marine, who brought her to California and helped her perform on stage.

However, the two divorced not long after, and she continued to perform on the opera stage. Her second husband was one of her suitors at the time, and he cheered for her. However, not long after the two got married, her second husband died in a car accident. After a sudden death, she inherited her husband's estate and quickly married a doctor.

And this marriage did not last long. Her fourth husband was the stage manager of the Sacramento Music Circus. From then on, she became the finale star of the show, and it was not long before she was discovered by the local TV station in Miami. Sure enough, she divorced again, and her next husband was a television producer in Miami. Relying on this relationship, Frantier went a step further and became an actor on NBC's "Today" show. While in Miami, Joseph Kennedy introduced her to Carol Rosenblum, owner of the Colts.

Carol Rosenblum spent ten years divorcing his wife for her, during which time the owners of the Colts and Rams swapped control. This time Frantier finally got his wish and became the wife of a wealthy businessman. Later, her husband unfortunately drowned and died suddenly while swimming. She inherited the Rams and became the only female head of the NFL.

Not long after, Frantier found a new love, a composer, but this time, Mrs. Ram did not marry him.

"Do you want to be her eighth husband?" Ethan asked with a smile.

"Oh God." After hearing these past events, Michael Khan even came down.

After leaving the courtesan, Ethan saw several owners and team representatives coming, such as Jerry Richardson, the owner of the Carolina Panthers, who is a rare NFL player who has transformed into a team owner. However, he only played in the NFL for two years. The funds to found the Panthers were earned from operating the fast food restaurant chain Hardee's.

Next, a large number of people walked into the conference room. The two leaders walked side by side and seemed to have a good relationship.

As the two arrived, almost all the team owners who came before took the initiative to greet them, except for Bob Harlan of the Green Bay Packers.

Next Ethan learned the identities of the two men - John Mara and Dan Rooney, the current owners of the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively.

Both of them have Irish surnames. They originated from the same ancestor. Later, they also relied on marriage to completely merge into one family. Their relationship is even closer than that of Walker and Bush.

The Hollywood actress Ethan is familiar with, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," Rooney Mara, got her first and last name from this. She also has a sister named Kate Mara, who was a subway creation in House of Cards. The dead female reporter Zoe.

The sisters' grandfather founded the New York Giants, and their maternal grandfather founded the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This is a family with a high reputation in the sports world. Under the leadership of the Rooney family, the Pittsburgh Steelers have always maintained a first-class competitive level, and Dan Lue is the chief architect of the "salary cap" plan, and also took the lead in solving the 1982 The players went on strike, which made him highly respected in the league.

The two of them nodded to Michael Ovitz as a greeting, but as for Ethan, they ignored him.

The next one to come was equally important.

The representative of the Hunter family, Clark Hunter, is a middle-aged man about the same age as Tyler Smith. As an American oil giant, this family attempted to monopolize the world's silver futures market twenty years ago. By 1979, it held one-third of the world's silver ownership. At that time, the Hunter family was truly His wealth rivals that of the country. However, after experiencing "Silver Thursday" on March 1980, 3, the Hunter family woke up and began to delve into the field of sports.

In addition to the "American League", the Hunter family is also one of the founders of MLS (football) and also founded the World Championship Tour (WCT).

Although he is no longer that rich, he is still considered to be the top rich man, and his influence in the sports field remains undiminished. As the founder of the American League, this middle-aged man with glasses named Lamar Hunter who looks very gentle has a "veto power" on any NFL policy. He can make most American League players The team follows its own arrangements.

If Michael Ovitz wants to obtain the right to operate special training, he must obtain the approval of the Hunter family and the Rooney Mara family.

The latter one at least nodded to Michael Ovitz, while Lamar Hunt simply ignored Ethan and Michael Ovitz, treating the two as nothing.

"It must be Bob McNair," Michael Ovitz whispered to Ethan.

This direct competitor is in the energy field and may have some connections to the Lamar family. "If this is really the case, things will be difficult to handle." Ethan frowned slightly.

The last group of team owners arrived at the scene at this time, including Ethan's former boss Jones Sr. Behind him were his son Stephen and daughter Charlotte.

Compared with the last time they met, Charlotte was a little thinner and her cheeks were a little sunken. She only glanced at Ethan from a distance and had no other communication.

It is worth mentioning that the owner of the Patriots, Robert Kraft, was also ignored by everyone. Even Ethan could see that everyone disliked him.

It is not difficult to understand the various reasons. Most of these NFL bosses come from the industrial field, or are big players in the sports field like Hunter and Rooney Mara. But Robert Kraft was different. He relied on a series of leveraged buyouts to create the Kraft Group in a very "Jewish" way, and his process of obtaining ownership of the Patriots was not glorious.

To put it simply, he first obtained the ownership of the land surrounding the Patriots' home stadium, and then refused Billy Sullivan to engage in any activities other than football. You must know that a large part of the stadium's income comes from venue rental, which directly affected Billy Sullivan's Team operations are at a stalemate.

Other investors will also face the same situation. Relying on this "pollution plan", Robert Kraft finally bought the Patriot for only about 3% of the price.

Finally, two of Michael Ovitz's rivals show up.

They are Bob McNair, an energy tycoon from Texas. Today, he is accompanied by the local mayor of Houston.

The other was Ed Rosky, a California real estate developer who was also interested in bidding, and with him, there was a stranger.

"What's this guy doing here? Doesn't he know he's out?" Michael Ovitz muttered.

"Do you know the guy next to him?" Ethan asked.

"I don't know." Michael shook his head.

·

With everyone present, the expansion meeting officially started, chaired by league commissioner Paul.

"The bidding for this special training franchise follows the previous rules. The final bidder who gets more than 3/2 of the votes will directly obtain the franchise. Considering that there are three candidates in this bidding, if no one can get it in the first round If two-thirds of the votes are in favor, the candidate with the fewest votes will be eliminated, and the remaining two will compete in another round of bidding."

This bidding rule is somewhat based on the application process for hosting the Olympic Games, but the final winning conditions are much more stringent.

"The following is a report on the special training franchise development plan before the vote by the first candidate Ed Rosky."

The real estate businessman stood up and walked onto the podium, and the staff projected his plan on the big screen behind him.

After listening for a while, Michael Ovitz waved his hand impatiently.

"It's still the same old plan of renovating the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which is unattractive."

But the situation suddenly changed when the strange young man came to power.

"Dear NFL team owners, I am joining Ed Roski's bid on behalf of my father, Marvin Davis, and we will provide Ed Roski with the necessary financial support to help him. Build the necessary stadium and supporting commercial centers!”

As soon as this statement came out, all the team owners in the audience looked at me and I looked at you, and they were all a little surprised.

How could this solid financier of the Donkey Party, the former owner of 20th Century Fox, and the actual controller of Davis Petroleum suddenly appear at this time?

Ethan immediately looked at Ovitz beside him, who shook his head repeatedly.

"I swear, this has nothing to do with me. It's probably not for me." He said uneasily.

Could it be that he is here for the BDW family?

Of course, we cannot rule out the possibility that the big boss may have an impromptu idea. After all, NFL franchises are indeed very popular, with guaranteed profits and steady appreciation every year.

Ethan was not allowed to think too much, and finally the other party announced a team development plan with a total investment of no less than 7.5 million.

With the help of big bosses, the real estate developer's budget almost tripled.

This is already the same as the target amount that Ethan will announce later.

Although the establishment and operation of a team is not as simple as throwing money, at this moment in the bidding meeting, the team owners really only care about money.

More than half of the money was used to purchase "special training management rights", which were eventually divided equally among the 28 teams present. Naturally, whoever gave more money had a better chance of winning.

Next it’s Michael Ovitz’s turn.

Ethan replaced the old man and went directly to the podium. In addition to announcing the latest version of the plan, he also increased the final investment amount by an additional 5000 million, eventually reaching 8 million US dollars.

This price is already a record high in the NFL. Without the support of his family, Ethan would not have such confidence.

Using such a high price in exchange for a future with unclear returns is probably only the kind of person who is engaged in business would make this choice.

Because Ovitz had been fully prepared before, and the price was very sincere, many team owners and representatives nodded frequently and began to prefer Michael Ovitz.

This made the old Jones in the audience breathe a sigh of relief.

After finishing the report, Ethan returned to his seat and as soon as he sat down, Ovitz immediately gave a thumbs up.

"You brat, I didn't expect you to be quite strong." Ovitz said happily.

It is true that I am strong, but I did not say that I would use my own money to raise the bet.

"This money cannot be delayed! If it is found to be cheating, the NFL has the right to take back the franchise rights."

"I'm not trying to cheat, but I'm trying to borrow." Ethan looked at Old Jones not far away.

Although he was far away, Old Jones suddenly felt like a thorn in his back. When he raised his head, he was immediately greeted by Ethan's malicious smile, and he turned his face away instantly.

"Can he lend it to you?"

"The worst case scenario is to let the team settle in Houston." Ethan said nonchalantly.

He had inadvertently done a big favor to Old Jones, and he had to shed some blood this time.

"Insidious guy." Ovitz snickered.

"Compared to everyone here, I'm just a novice." Ethan shook his head and looked around. The big boss here didn't come all the way. These are his "role models".

However, Ethan and Ovitz's relaxation did not last long. As energy tycoon Bob McNair and the mayor of Houston came to power, the situation once again reversed.

"10 billion, I believe this is a price that no one can give! In addition, it also includes a series of local supporting policies in Houston, including additional local tax projects, and low land contract prices..."

The price Ethan shouted just now was already a sky-high price, and the price offered by the energy tycoon was beyond everyone's imagination.

"Where did he find so much money? He couldn't sell all his assets for a team, right? And he didn't have time to do this." Michael Ovitz really couldn't figure this out.

"Unless someone is supporting him from behind during this period." Ethan suddenly turned his head and looked at Ovitz.

The additional conditions proposed by the other party made Ethan feel very familiar, very much like the work of a certain family. If we were to consider asking the mayor to come in person, it seemed that no one besides them could do it.

"You mean, the family bets on both sides?" Michael Ovitz suddenly realized.

Compared with the last announced amount, this time it is exactly $300 million more, which is exactly the amount of investment the family committed to.

"That's right, as agreed at the beginning, the other party will only inject capital after obtaining the franchise rights. The condition for the capital injection is to obtain the special training operation rights, which is not a breach of contract in the strict sense." Ethan sighed.

Although it is not a breach of contract, it is indeed unreasonable.

But from the family's perspective, if you really feel that the team is a high-quality asset, betting on both sides is the safest way.

"It's over." Ethan shook his head.

Catherine obviously didn't know about this, otherwise she would have informed her in advance. This was probably a temporary decision by the family.

Moreover, it is most likely related to Walker III!

He doesn't like himself, so naturally he won't fully support him.

Next season, he will either sign with another team or join a new team established in Houston. Only then will he truly be dependent on others.

"Wonder boy, think of a solution!" Ovitz grabbed Ethan's shoulders and shook him.

"This is not a competition. The rule is whoever can mobilize more money takes the initiative."

With the three-party report completed, the team owners began voting.

Among them, the Rooney Lamar family chose to support Michael Ovitz, but the elder Jones also insisted on the agreement and expressed his approval.

Next, after seeing Dan Rooney raise his hand, most of the National League team representatives chose to support Michael Ovitz.

In the American League, Wayne of the Dolphins also chose to support Ovitz.

As for Bob Harlan, who exercised power on behalf of Green Bay, he chose to abstain.

As for the American League, most people followed the Hunter family and supported Bob McNair.

As for Ed Roski, who was backed by a major financial backer, he only received a few votes, including one from a Bears representative. As the oldest team in the NFL, the family that controls the Bears rarely shows up, and it seems that the focus is no longer on football...

Unexpectedly, the NFL has become so divided... Ethan observed the ticket patterns.

According to the rules, Ed was eliminated and Ovitz and Bob McNair would have a final showdown.

There is a half-hour gap in between, which can be regarded as a final opportunity for the two candidates to add weight.

Ovitz had no trump cards at this time and tapped his fingers on the table irritably. Ethan was very patient, staring at Marvin Davis' son not far away.

"You want to seek his support?" Ovitz suddenly understood, as if he had found a life-saving straw.

Introducing Marvin Davis into the game can not only obtain the right to operate special training, but also weaken the family's control, killing two birds with one stone.

"No, the family will definitely not agree." Ethan shook his head.

Marvin Davis is a big financier of the Donkey Party. How could the family do business in partnership with the enemy? This is obviously impossible.

Next, Ethan saw Marvin Davis' son walking towards Lamar Hunt, and the two had a conversation.

Then, Marvin Davis's son walked out of the field. At the same time, Ovitz's opponent, Bob McNair, also left the field.

Ethan saw this scene in his eyes and then fell into deep thought.

"I seem to understand what is going on!" Ethan's eyes suddenly lit up.

"We will definitely win this special training management right!" Ethan suddenly looked confident!

(End of this chapter)