Post by John Anthony on Apr 20, 2007 12:42:53 GMT -6
<-- Developmental Role Play -->
*** Our scene begins in the Beverly Hills office for Bodog Sports ***
John Anthony reclines in his suede brown chair behind his desk glancing over his latest reports for NBA betting lines. He props his feet adorned by his recently polished shoes up and clicks on the wide screen HDTV embedded in the right-hand side wall to catch Sportscenter on ESPN. His spreads had been near perfect lately and the monthly figures should be posted soon. With any luck John hoped to earn some vacation time and start hitting the gym more often. He was knocked out of his daydreams by a knock on his door as Calvin Ayre, CEO of Bodog, walked in. John kicked his feet down and spun in his chair to face Calvin, anxious to hear some words of praise, but none came.
“So let me get this straight buddy; you’ve joined a professional wrestling federation?” Calvin implored. Instantly John could see what this conversation would be about.
“Yes,” he began. “I have, and I’ll continue my work here flawlessly.”
Calvin laughed before replying: “Oh I know you will, I don’t doubt you John. You’re by far the best we’ve got week in and week out. No one has the insights you have in this business, but see, that’s the problem. You’re a sports analyst. A Vegas odds maker. Why in the hell do you think you can also pass as a professional wrestler? As a sports entertainer? As a ‘superstar’?”
John clasped his hands together in front of his face and leaned forward, thinking over his next words carefully. He knew Calvin wasn’t going to forbid him from participating in his new found interest, but this was nonetheless a test of character.
He spit out just one word; “Integrity.”
Calvin cocked an eyebrow before questioning what he ment.
“The sports betting business is an ugly trade. People lose money because of how good I am at my job Calvin. I make the spreads, they bet the spreads, we win money on their mistakes. If I become an entertainer, a ‘superstar’, then it’s my chance to give back, to give them what they want to see without making them place their paycheck on the outcome. Consider it a… donation.”
At that Calvin smirked. “I’ve always loved the way you think John. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your success here then best of luck to you. And don’t forget that if things don’t work out, I’m still trying to bring together Bodog Fights and you’re more than welcome to jump ship.”
“I respect that sir, but we both know when I commit to something, I stick to it. It’ll take time, but with my knowledge and charismatic fortitude I could become the next rising star in POW. I’ll not only be your greatest analyst here, but the POW New England Heavyweight Champion.”
They both exchanged quirky expressions as Calvin could no doubt detect the arrogant sarcasm in John’s claims, but he knew everyone needed a hobby. And besides, if John did become champion he could probably find a way to use it to promote business, and that’s always a benefit to a multi-million dollar organization. Already the ideas began flowing for Calvin as he walked out of John Anthony’s office.
*** Scene fades as John spins back to the TV muttering to himself; “The rising star John Anthony. Now that sounds good to me.” ***
*** Our scene begins in the Beverly Hills office for Bodog Sports ***
John Anthony reclines in his suede brown chair behind his desk glancing over his latest reports for NBA betting lines. He props his feet adorned by his recently polished shoes up and clicks on the wide screen HDTV embedded in the right-hand side wall to catch Sportscenter on ESPN. His spreads had been near perfect lately and the monthly figures should be posted soon. With any luck John hoped to earn some vacation time and start hitting the gym more often. He was knocked out of his daydreams by a knock on his door as Calvin Ayre, CEO of Bodog, walked in. John kicked his feet down and spun in his chair to face Calvin, anxious to hear some words of praise, but none came.
“So let me get this straight buddy; you’ve joined a professional wrestling federation?” Calvin implored. Instantly John could see what this conversation would be about.
“Yes,” he began. “I have, and I’ll continue my work here flawlessly.”
Calvin laughed before replying: “Oh I know you will, I don’t doubt you John. You’re by far the best we’ve got week in and week out. No one has the insights you have in this business, but see, that’s the problem. You’re a sports analyst. A Vegas odds maker. Why in the hell do you think you can also pass as a professional wrestler? As a sports entertainer? As a ‘superstar’?”
John clasped his hands together in front of his face and leaned forward, thinking over his next words carefully. He knew Calvin wasn’t going to forbid him from participating in his new found interest, but this was nonetheless a test of character.
He spit out just one word; “Integrity.”
Calvin cocked an eyebrow before questioning what he ment.
“The sports betting business is an ugly trade. People lose money because of how good I am at my job Calvin. I make the spreads, they bet the spreads, we win money on their mistakes. If I become an entertainer, a ‘superstar’, then it’s my chance to give back, to give them what they want to see without making them place their paycheck on the outcome. Consider it a… donation.”
At that Calvin smirked. “I’ve always loved the way you think John. As long as it doesn’t interfere with your success here then best of luck to you. And don’t forget that if things don’t work out, I’m still trying to bring together Bodog Fights and you’re more than welcome to jump ship.”
“I respect that sir, but we both know when I commit to something, I stick to it. It’ll take time, but with my knowledge and charismatic fortitude I could become the next rising star in POW. I’ll not only be your greatest analyst here, but the POW New England Heavyweight Champion.”
They both exchanged quirky expressions as Calvin could no doubt detect the arrogant sarcasm in John’s claims, but he knew everyone needed a hobby. And besides, if John did become champion he could probably find a way to use it to promote business, and that’s always a benefit to a multi-million dollar organization. Already the ideas began flowing for Calvin as he walked out of John Anthony’s office.
*** Scene fades as John spins back to the TV muttering to himself; “The rising star John Anthony. Now that sounds good to me.” ***
