In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 336 The highest salary

The midsummer sun shone on the outdoor stadium of the University of California, Irvine. Several cheerleaders wearing split feather uniforms seemed to be shrouded in a golden light. They walked out of the aisle, their tall, graceful and sexy figures lined up in a row. Opening, facing the fans present, his upper body swayed slightly, and the white and gold flower balls in his hands began to shake rapidly in a small range. The charming smile on his face was enough to make everyone intoxicated.

Although they did not have any prior training and could only form the simplest one-line formation, these experienced cheerleaders could still easily grab everyone's attention. Apart from anything else, they were all about eye-catching. First-class proficiency.

So much so that even the training players stopped what they were doing and stared at the backs of several people from behind.

The uniform design of the Angel Cheerleaders was redone many times under Ethan's suggestion. Ethan knew what LSPs needed most. The length of the shorts was only a few centimeters below the thighs, and the waistband was lower than normal shorts. , which can perfectly show off the slender waists and outward extending contours of the hip bones of the team members. Several of them have fairly standard childbirth-type figures. In addition to being sexy, Ethan also absorbed the design inspiration of DCC uniforms and added golden lines to the bottoms for decoration, effectively avoiding the kitsch feeling caused by excessive selling of flesh.

In Ethan's expectation, the Angel Cheerleaders were not a group of coquettish sluts that anyone could get into, but rather unattainable stunners with a clear gap between them and other cheerleaders.

Of course, what is unattainable is for outsiders, but for Ethan, it may eventually evolve into the "XX Song and Dance Troupe".

But at this time, Ethan didn’t think too much. He just took a look at the reactions of the people around him and was very satisfied with the appearance of the Angel Cheerleaders, that's all.

"What are you doing standing still?"

Holmgren's roar came to Ethan's ears. This voice woke up the other team members and they quickly continued training.

"Ethan, are these girls too outstanding?" Andy asked worriedly.

Being too beautiful... does cause problems.

In the training camp, most of them are young men who have just graduated from college. Although many of them have girlfriends, they are all at a young age. It would be strange to have such a group of women standing nearby and posing, not attracting attention.

"You don't want to promulgate club management regulations. You can start writing them today. Article 1. No club personnel who are not cheerleaders can have contact with the cheerleaders..." Ethan copied the Cowboys' regulations.

The sensation caused by the cheerleading team's debut did not last long. After all, the fans came here to watch the game, and the cheerleading team's job was initially just to enhance the atmosphere during the game pause, attract the audience's attention, and make the audience less interested. boring.

In the training ground, the running back team's Echilin James hugged his shirtless body and jumped over the obstacle with a leapfrog posture, showing his amazing jumping ability. Then his body turned into a black afterimage and quickly passed through a series of obstacles. The obstacle passed the finish line a full two seconds faster than several other training camp running backs.

And when he stopped completely, he could see the bulging muscles under the dark skin and the bulging blood vessels on his arms like earthworms.

Similar to Ethan, this is another natural physical monster.

As for another super rookie, cornerback Roland Bailey, who was brought to Los Angeles by Ethan with the seventh overall pick, did not pay much attention to the training. Most of the time, he stood there and watched with cold eyes, but he was not interested in focusing on defense. Rhodes was even more indifferent.

"Coach, I think you should stop wasting your energy. It would be good for such a rubbish team to win two regular season games." Roland Bailey shook his head.

Who were your teammates before and who are you now? West Virginia, Alcorn, Wake Forest, these universities are not D1 level at all, right? People who come out of these universities are already losers. Now it doesn't matter if they have to team up with these losers. He ranked first in the physical test!

Why did the Angels choose me? Obviously the Redskins have reached an agreement with him on the draft, and his girlfriend also works in Maryland... Damn it, why did the Angels choose him?

At the draft, he was a little unhappy when he heard that the Angels had selected him, and he carried this emotion into the training camp.

The football from the quarterback team next door flew towards Roland Bailey. He caught it directly, and then kicked it angrily. As if to vent his anger, he kicked the football directly into the audience, causing a scramble from the audience.

The teammates all looked at Roland Bailey. Everyone had heard what he said just now.

"How can you say that?!" Rhodes looked furious.

"Isn't what I said the truth? So what if there is a good quarterback?" Rowland Bailey walked straight to Rhodes.

The two sides immediately fell into a dispute. Rhodes was an iron-blooded coach in the Eagles, so he naturally did not want to see his players saying words that undermined morale.

The dispute soon turned into a conflict. Rhodes pulled Roland Bailey's collar, while the young and energetic Roland pushed Rhodes away.

"Hey, now is not the time to argue!" Holmgren immediately walked over and stood between the two.

"Continue training! Don't look around." Andy waved the players who were looking around to return to training.

At this time, Ethan also came over. Soon, the cause and effect of the matter were understood from the few words spoken by the two of them.

If an ordinary player loses his temper, Ethan will directly kick him out of the training camp. Currently, there are nearly a hundred people in the training camp, and half of them will be eliminated.

But the problem is that Roland Bailey spent a lot of money to bring him to Los Angeles. If he is directly expelled, other teams will be forced to die?

But if major issues are minimized and everyone takes a step back, how will Rhodes' work on the defensive team be carried out in the future? If you comfort Roland today, if someone gets angry tomorrow, do you still need to comfort him?

Moreover, Roland is currently the only draft player who has not signed a contract with the team. The five-year rookie contract total of 5 million is acceptable to both parties. However, Roland proposed an additional 1200 million signing fee, and Ethan did not agree. I am afraid this is the time. root causes of conflict.

At this time, Roland Bailey also saw Ethan, and his ferocious expression calmed down. He adjusted his sleeves and muttered: "He did it first."

Ethan looked at the young man: "You originally wanted to go to another team? Sorry, I'm afraid things didn't work out as you wanted. Haven't you ever thought about why the Redskins chose to exchange the seventh pick?"

The implication is, you don't think the Redskins really want you, do you?

"I..." Roland pondered for a moment, suddenly realizing this possibility, and was speechless for a moment, not knowing how to answer.

"You are right what you said before. We do have many players from the NCAA's D2 division, but they are all the absolute core players of their respective teams, and there are many others just like you. Look at that..." Ethan Pointing to Mike Rooker not far away.

"He's from the University of Nebraska. Defensive tackle Roderick Coleman is from East Carolina, linebacker Brendon Ayambadejo is from UCLA, and those are D1 teams. That includes me. , I’m from Alabama, you think this Angels team is not worthy of you?”

It is understandable that young people are arrogant, but Ethan did not criticize the other party like Rhodes did.

Seeing that Ethan had moved himself out, Roland Bailey, a graduate of the University of Georgia, quickly shook his head. He has been living under the "red shadow" during his freshman and sophomore seasons. Ethan O'Connor has been regarded as a big devil in the entire Southeastern Conference, and no one wants to touch him.

"But having said that, it is a good thing for young people to have confidence, but don't be arrogant. Many people will teach you this again and again in the future." Ethan patted him on the shoulder.

"Do you think your strength is much higher than those here? Why don't you compare with me, just your best speed!" Ethan stared at him.

In physical testing, both positions, cornerback and wide receiver, had the fastest average speed.

The top ten results were all created by players in these two positions.

The average speed of the quarterback ranks fourth from the bottom, only better than the three forward reload positions, and even worse than the defensive end.

Ethan proposed to compare his speed with him, just like asking an ordinary person to compare pitching with him.

To be honest, Ethan himself was not sure, as the other party was the creator of the best result in this year's physical test.

"Are you sure?" Roland Bailey asked fearfully.

"Don't think that since you are the team manager now, I will let you go." He added.

"Feel free to come over here."

Compared with Emmitt Smith last year, Roland is faster, and Ethan is only 23 years old and is still at the peak of his physical fitness. Compared with last year, his speed and strength have not declined at all.

If it were another two years, he probably wouldn't be able to compete with Roland like this, but this year, he still wanted to give it a try.

Just like last year's training camp, the speed contest between the quarterback and cornerback attracted the attention of everyone, including the audience. The field was cleared, the players stood in a circle, and fans not far away raised their hands. With the camera in hand, the training camp ends and enters entertainment time.

The angel cheerleaders on the side also stopped moving at this time, like a plant that was wilted in the sun, Belinda weakly fanned the wind with her hands.

"It's so hot." Belida complained. The uniform was beautiful enough, but it was wrapped in a bunch of feathers in the summer and was not breathable at all.

At this moment, not only her, but also everyone else was sweating, especially the areas covered by clothes. In addition, the feet were wearing a pair of thick boots that were not breathable at all, which was really uncomfortable.

"I have to go back and change my underwear and put on some sunscreen." Belinda handed the bouquet to Christine beside her, turned and walked towards the passage.

And when she came back after doing all this, the speed competition between Ethan and Roland Bailey was over.

"What did you see? Why this expression?" Belinda was puzzled.

"It's nothing." Kristen shook her head, secretly thinking that Ethan was really a monster, and then threw the flower ball to his teammates.

The one who was most surprised was Roland Bailey himself. He froze in place after the game, and couldn't figure out how a quarterback could run past him.

"Do you still feel that others are dragging you down?" Ethan asked.

"I don't think so." Roland Bailey shook his head quickly and grinned.

"Then let's talk about the mistakes you and Rhodes made." Ethan looked cold and called Rhodes to his side.

"Rhodes took action first and deducted part of this month's bonus."

Rhodes didn't say much. He admitted that he did have a bad temper.

"Roland Bailey publicly undermined the morale of the team, made remarks that were not conducive to the team, openly contradicted the coach, and deducted one-third of his monthly salary in accordance with the fines stipulated in the contract. Is there a problem?"

"I...I haven't signed the contract yet." Roland said quietly.

"Then do you have any questions about the contract?"

"Signing fee..." Roland's voice became softer again.

"500 is too high for a rookie. Five years is a guaranteed contract for a rookie. I can only give one million W."

"This is also..." Roland Bailey noticed Ethan's gaze, but he still didn't say the remaining half of the sentence.

Ethan personally took action, and this time it was considered that Roland's contract was settled. As for other draft players, they all signed with the team before the start of the training camp. Except for Roland and Echilin James, whose annual salary exceeds 200 million, the others The annual salary is between one hundred and two hundred, and under Armstrong's careful design, there are many floating clauses in the contract. That works out to almost $ million.

The total salary of the remaining dozens of players this year is almost 10 million, which adds up to 20 million US dollars.

This year's hard salary cap is a full 5730 million US dollars, and the remaining million... Of course Ethan is trying to find ways to put it in his own pocket. As a player, he will never go on the field to work for Ovitz in vain. Bar?

Before the start of the training camp in the afternoon, Ovitz appeared on the scene. As a boss, according to the rules, he must show up at least once to participate in the training camp's press conference and reveal the team's goals for next season to the media present.

Ovitz was too lazy to do this kind of thing, so he left it to Ethan.

"Mr. O'Connor, I noticed that the Angels cheerleading team seems to be particularly popular. You seem to want to build the Angels cheerleading team into a benchmark group like DCC. Can you share with us your relevant ideas?" Bonnie was sitting in the audience. · Bernstein asked at this time. "You are right. As a former Cowboys player, DCC left a very deep impression on me. The West Coast and even the American League need a cheerleading group that can compete with DCC."

"So, you hired DCC captain Kelsey?" Bonnie Bernstein raised her eyebrows.

"This is not a poaching. At the end of last season, Kelsey was fired for violating DCC regulations. She had a very good relationship with me personally, so I brought her to Los Angeles."

"Then can you tell me what is the specific relationship between the two of you? Are you dating?"

"Sorry, this is my private matter." Ethan shook his head.

At this time, he missed Penny a little, but she was not here today. He didn't recognize the blonde female reporter from FOX Sports today at all.

Moreover, American League games are not broadcast on FOX, but on CBS. This year is the second year of the new NFL broadcast contract. In addition to Fox and CBS, ABC gets Monday Night Football, and ESPN gets Sunday Night Football.

Unless Penny's job changes, she won't be able to come to the East Coast for the time being. Michelle also continued to be active in the Midlands.

"Ethan, what do you want to say to the fans?" asked the blond female reporter from Fox.

"The Angels' training camp is open to everyone. We have prepared delicious food and rich activities. We hope that more fans will come here to visit." Ethan said.

The number of fans present today did not meet expectations. Eason estimated that it was only one-third of last year's Cowboys training camp. Although this number is already a very good result for a new team, returning to the league this year Not many people paid attention to the Cleveland Browns training camp. But Ethan still felt it wasn't enough.

Looking at the training camps of the other three teams in Southern California, none of the Angels can compare.

If he had to choose, Ethan would actually prefer to go to Houston. There are too many teams in small Southern California. Now with the Angels, there are four. There are only so many fans, and they are divided among these four. , and how much can be left? But there was nothing that could be done about it. Ovitz essentially only agreed to let the team settle in Los Angeles because of the land.

As for the solution, it's very simple. Just let other teams replicate the Rams' desperate "escape" from Los Angeles.

"So, Ethan, what results do you expect the Angels to achieve this year?" the blond female reporter from Fox then asked.

"We are a brand new team and everything has to start from scratch. This is not easy for us. Being able to reach the playoffs is already a very good result for us."

After the press conference, Ethan approached Ovitz and asked for money.

"One hundred and fifty rooms must also include catering for each staff member and the rental fee for the venue. The training camp lasts for one month. 150W is already very small. We cannot allow the team to move to an outdoor park in Los Angeles to conduct the training camp. Right?" Ethan spread his hands and said helplessly.

Ovitz reluctantly agreed. The California local GOV is not a bunch of idiots, and there is no way to be careless in team operations.

As for the salary cap, he didn't say much. This part of the investment was already determined when he got the franchise.

The salary cap is set based on a certain percentage of the league's annual revenue. In other words, the team can make a part of the profit no matter what, and the share next season will be enough to cover this year's salary cap.

Next, Ovitz talked to Ethan about income.

"Twenty-five million? You are really a lion!" Ovitz exclaimed.

The previous player contract Ethan signed with the Cowboys was 900 million per year, which is nearly three times the amount.

"Including me, the entire team's salary is only 4500 million, which is not much compared to the salary cap. The extra expenses are responsible for the team's daily expenses, and you make a lot of money." Ethan said shamelessly.

Part of the so-called daily expenses is the salary for Catherine, Grace and others, including Kelsey and the others.

"Don't just think about making money. Your price is the highest in the league. If you can't achieve the desired results and can't even make it to the playoffs, then I have to reconsider our cooperation." Wiz changed the subject and stared at Ethan.

Although Ethan can obtain shares after retiring and enjoy dividends during this period, it does not mean that he must be an Angels player, nor does it mean that he can always receive super high salaries.

Ovitz also has his own account in mind. With the current investment, if the Angels can enter the playoffs, it will be a huge victory. No matter how you calculate it, it will not be a loss.

Otherwise, he would not agree to Ethan's terrifying appetite.

Ethan nodded. Ovitz finally put forward performance requirements. Next, he should think carefully about how to bring this new young team to the playoffs.

That night, Grace came to Ethan with a bill. These players spent thousands of dollars every day just doing laundry.

"Discuss with the laundry room and let them erect a billboard on site. As a 'cleaning' partner of this training camp, this account will be used as compensation for the Angels." Ethan thought of Charlotte's time with the Cowboys. Things we did in training camp.

Although it is impossible to receive team sponsorship, training camp sponsorship is still possible.

Ethan then called Lisa and asked her to try to find some business cooperation.

Then, Kelsey found Ethan again, took the Angels cheerleading uniforms, gave her feedback, and asked him to find someone to modify the design.

Ethan wrote this down and asked the team members if they were properly placed.

The cheerleaders, like the players, all live in school buildings provided by the school, but they are not in the same building.

Like other players, Ethan also lives in the dormitory, and at this moment, Andy's footsteps can be heard patrolling outside.

"If nothing happens, you can leave. Good night, Kelsey." Ethan kissed Kelsey on the face and then pushed her out.

At this time, he must take the lead and lead by example. There should be no women in the room overnight.

"You should also go to bed early." Kelsey closed the door.

Soon after, Ethan received another transoceanic call.

"How long has it been? Why haven't you come to London yet?" A familiar complaining voice came from the other end of the phone.

Ethan has received calls from the other party every other week in the past few months, but this year Ethan is different from the past and is extra busy, so he keeps putting it off.

"If you don't come, I'll go to Los Angeles, right? I know where you are!"

"I'd better go there." Ethan said quickly. It’s okay for “Mormons” to deceive Americans. Giselle doesn’t want to do that, and I haven’t told her anything until now.

It just so happens that the first half of the training camp, including the first two preseason games, is more for the newcomers to practice. There is no need for me to play, so I leave it to the three coaches.

"You're finally here!" Gisele Bundchen on the other end of the phone breathed a sigh of relief. Now she only has a slight accent left.

After three days of training camp with the team, Ethan handed over the reins to Catherine and told everyone that he was going to a modeling agency in London.

Modeling agencies are essentially an extension of sports agencies, and sports agencies are as important to Ethan as sports clubs. Because of the early layout and the key figure of Gisele Bundchen, the modeling agency was ahead of the sports agents. The only thing to blame is that "Douzi" and Ronaldinho grew up too slowly...

·

On August 8, the Los Angeles Angels faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from afar at the rented home Rose Bowl Stadium.

Although it was the first preseason game, and although Ethan did not show up at all, the Angels did not dare to neglect. Not only did the three coaches jointly prepare detailed offensive and defensive tactics, but also used the hottest West Coast offense at the moment.

Holmgren was originally a student of Bill Walsh, the founder of West Coast offense. When he was with the 49ers, his head coach was Bill Walsh, and Andy was a student of Holmgren. The two of them can say that Both were deeply influenced by Bill Walsh.

In terms of defense, Rhodes also used a special defensive system, pressing defense, trying to compress the opponent's passing space.

As for the Angels' player lineup in this game, except for Ethan, it can be regarded as the main force. Led by two rookies, they strive to get off to a good start.

And the results turned out to be the opposite of what the Angels expected.

If the defensive team can still achieve some results by relying on a relatively solid forward line and the abundant physical strength of young people, the Angels' offensive team can be called poor.

First of all, there is the tension. The few people on the offensive team who have experience in NFL games are all substitutes for other teams.

Secondly, there is a lack of experience. Facing the slippery and oily defense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this group of recruits could not find any chance at all. After the running back was marked by the line position, the Angels fell into an all-round misfire.

The last point is even more fatal. The West Coast offense emphasizes quickness and a large number of short passes, which requires sufficient tacit understanding. The Angels did not have a tacit understanding, so they were unable to produce several effective coordinations at all.

In the end, they only relied on Cunningham's kicking to get a precious and pitiful three points.

Tampa Bay only used an old lineup with new ones, and easily scored 30 points. If Tampa Bay hadn't sent more rookie players in the fourth quarter, it would have scored more.

"This is too close." Immediately after the game ended, Ethan, who was far away in London, received a call from Andy.

He knew he would lose, but he didn't expect to lose so miserably.

Fortunately among misfortunes, this game can shave off the arrogance of these young people.

It's also thanks to Ethan that he handled the contract in advance, otherwise Roland's willingness to sign the contract would be even lower.

"Giselle, I'm afraid I have to leave early! The team needs me now."

"Ah? You've just arrived and you're about to leave!" Giselle's face immediately drooped. She was looking forward to the stars and the moon to bring Ethan here. Now she's leaving right now?

Ethan had previously said that he would accompany him to New York Fashion Week, but in the end he didn't show up at all.

Although a little angry, Giselle also knows the problems Ethan is facing now. He is managing a team, which is a big challenge for him. There is also pressure on the team's performance, so it is natural to go back. should.

"I'm sorry, Ethan, I shouldn't have pestered you to come over." Giselle apologized to Ethan.

"No need, I broke my promise first. Besides, no matter how early I leave, I still have to stay in London for two days, right? I've already come here." Ethan said.

"That's great!" Giselle, who was fully armed and wearing sunglasses, hugged Ethan.

(End of this chapter)