Champions Creed

Chapter 119 Chapter 118: Truth and Shark (asking for monthly ticket!)
Roger walked into the general manager's office angrily. Inside the room, general manager John Gabriel and team equipment manager Jacob Diamond were discussing work matters.

Gabriel, who was sitting and talking to someone, stood up when he saw Roger come in.

The adult world is so realistic. Your value determines other people's attitude towards you. Moreover, people will not mind changing their attitude directly in front of you.

"Roger, what's up?"

Roger first looked at Jacob Diamond, the equipment manager who had a good relationship with both the Sharks and Roger. "Jacob, sorry to take up a few minutes of your time." Roger then handed Gabriel a copy of the Orlando Sentinel. "John, have you read the newspaper? What's going on?"

John Gabriel took the newspaper and said calmly, "A dancer revealed that Shaq's legs are only 10 centimeters long? Haha, this news is quite funny. Tell me this is not true, Roger."

Roger didn't laugh: "You know that's not what I'm talking about."

"Oh, I saw that stupid vote, too. I share Mr. DeVos's assessment that this damn newspaper should be kicked out of Orlando."

"Which newspaper would mention a contract extension at the beginning of the season?"

"I don't know, but Shaq's contract extension has always been a hot topic."

"I think it's more like a knock."

"What do you mean?" Gabriel looked up at Roger, his eyes becoming much sharper.

"Okay John, you're not the only one with friends in the media, I've heard everything that happened. Stop doing this, you're messing up my team! Shaq did go a little too far, but we'll take care of his business ourselves, without management getting involved!"

Roger certainly knew what Gabriel had done. He used the media to give the Sharks a reminder and some pressure, and then the Sentinel could get sales, achieving the best of both worlds.

Everyone wants the shark to get serious, but that's just stupid.

John Gabriel almost couldn't help laughing.

Your team? Kids will be kids.

This team belongs only to Rich DeVos. Even if it belongs to someone else one day, it will be the next owner.

"Roger, I don't know what you are talking about. You rushed into my office for no reason and said some inexplicable words to me. I have never disrespected you, but your behavior is really disrespectful to me."

"Putting your hand into the locker room is the greatest disrespect. It doesn't matter whether you admit it or not. I just want to tell you to stop doing that. Have a nice day, John."

After saying that, Roger walked out of the office.

John Gabriel sat back in his boss chair. This conversation was not fruitless. At least Gabriel knew that Roger stood on Shaq's side.

He couldn't be his own man.

"Jacob, where were we talking about just now?" Gabriel didn't even look at the equipment manager in front of him.

He is a man who can clearly distinguish between classes and friends and enemies.

Roger returned to the locker room and found O'Neal angrily tearing up the newspaper in his hand.

"Asshole, asshole! The Sentinel is on my blacklist forever!" The Shark was very angry because in today's "Orlando Sentinel", 65% of fans voted that the team did not need a high salary to keep Shaq, and having Roger was enough.

This is why Roger was so angry. He didn't know why the management would do such a suspicious thing when the atmosphere in the team was just right.

Of course, Roger couldn't tell the Sharks about this directly, as this would cause a confrontation between the Sharks and the team, which was not the result Roger wanted.

All he could do now was to remind John not to cause trouble again and calm the baby shark down.

"Me too, I will never be interviewed by the Sentinel again," Roger echoed.

"I knew you would stand with me! But is this vote real? Do Orlando fans really think they don't need me?"

"This vote is not transparent at all. God knows if they just made up the numbers. Don't worry about it, Shaq."

"I also think that with my personal charm, 99% of Orlando fans will definitely love me, hahahaha!" Shark said confidently.

In any case, the Sharks' emotions have temporarily stabilized on this matter. After all, it is not yet a sensitive period for contract renewal, so the impact of the vote is not that great. But if this happens again during the offseason contract renewal, it will be much more troublesome.

But right now, it's clear that it's not just the media that's worrying the Sharks.

Of the ten sentences Brian Hill said during today's training, almost half were cursing the Sharks.

"Idiot, hurry up, you're more slow than my mom!"

"God, you're still drinking soda? Do you want another cheeseburger? And two fries on it?"

"Look, the great Shaquille O'Neal ran a few times and then stood on the court with his hands on his hips, panting heavily. With your current health, you can't even play for 15 minutes!"

Brian Hill was already dissatisfied with the Sharks' previous lax attitude and was already furious.

So now I just can't stand anything he does.

After the first day of training, O'Neal wanted to give up. He told Brian Hill: "I think there will be no problem even if I play in the game directly. Body fat percentage is not important at all! I don't need physical training, I don't need to lose weight, I just need to play! What determines the outcome of the game is the score, not who has a lower body fat percentage!"

Brian Hill was too lazy to argue with the Shark: "Until you lose weight, you should let Roger play with your photo frame."

"Ah! Kill me, I've had enough!" O'Neal rolled on the carpet in the locker room like a giant baby.

Really, it's hard to imagine a 23-year-old 3-foot giant throwing a tantrum on the ground like a -year-old child who didn't buy him an excavator.

However, this trick is completely useless against Brian Hill. He is not a coach like Phil Jackson who would allow the Sharks to be lazy.

Seeing Brian Hill walk out of the locker room, O'Neal, who was lying on the ground, sighed: "What a heartless man, he just walked away with his pants up."

Roger squatted down and patted his chest. "Hey man, we all know that you can kill everyone as long as you are on the court, but you can't do it like this. You are too heavy and you will get injured easily. Your physical fitness is really not up to the requirements of playing in the game. You have to be serious. You have been too indulgent in the past month."

Roger criticized him with a statement that the shark could accept.

"Man, I've been holding on for so long, I can't hold on any longer."

"Uh, last long? Isn't this just your first day back for training?"

Roger felt that the reason why Shark was so resistant to training was not only because he was lazy, but also because Brian Hill was always pushing and nagging him, which dampened his enthusiasm.

To put it bluntly, you have to coax him into practicing.

At least at this stage, Roger still has the patience.

So the next day, Roger suggested to Brian Hill: "Why not let my trainer Joe train Shaq alone? You know his level. It only takes 20 days for him to get Shaq back to the state where he can play. During this period, you can also focus on the team. On the 13th, we still have to play against the Bulls."

O'Neal and Brian Hill accepted the proposal very readily. It seemed that their dislike for each other was more serious than Roger imagined.

Shark began to receive training from Joe Abunassar, and Roger also lent his chef to Shark.

To be honest, eating nutritious meals is not a painful thing. As long as you are willing to spend money to hire a chef with sufficient skills, you can still make nutritious meals delicious.

The fishy smell of abalone can be turned into delicious sashimi under the processing of top chefs.

O'Neill complained to Roger every day, calling Abunassar a cruel fascist.

But at least he was training seriously.

See, how important it is to be with the right person.

The Shark, who only exists in the photo frame, is being resurrected, and the Magic's journey has not stopped.

In the next few games, the Magic maintained a stable record.

Although they were upset by the Portland Trail Blazers on December 12, it was not a big deal.

At the post-match press conference, no one asked Roger about his loss today.

Almost all reporters' questions revolved around one topic - the Chicago Bulls.

"Roger, there are 10 days until our second game against the Bulls this season. Do you have anything to say?"

"There are still eight days until December 12th. Do you have anything to say? It's just an ordinary day. What do you expect me to say?" Roger asked back.

"How do you evaluate the Chicago Bulls' exaggerated record this season?"

"They played great, but it's none of my business."

"The last time, the double-team tactic of 'Dr. J-Flying Pig-Big Bird' was very successful. If a conflict breaks out again, what tactics will you use to ensure victory this time?"

Roger's eyes lit up. He had to say, this was the most interesting question today.

"To be honest, I have never thought of this tactic, but if a conflict breaks out again, Scott will definitely use the Dunkirk evacuation tactic."

The reporters all laughed and the press conference ended in a cheerful atmosphere.

Today's press conference also reflected one thing, that is, the second game between the Bulls and the Magic is really attracting much attention.

Until then, all other games seem unimportant to fans and media.

On December 12, there are 6 days left before the second game between the Magic and the Bulls.

That evening on SportsCenter, John Anderson was discussing Roger's chances of becoming the scoring champion.

"In yesterday's game where the Magic defeated the Clippers, Roger scored 19 points with 13 of 68 shots and a shooting rate of 38%, which is almost the same as that of a center. So far, Roger can average 32.7 points per game this season. Although it has declined compared to last week, he still dominates the top of the scoring list. In seven days, can we see Roger score high points in front of Michael Jordan himself?"

On December 12, there are 7 days left before the second game between the Magic and the Bulls.

The Chicago Bulls easily defeated the San Antonio Spurs, who were ranked first in the Western Conference last season, at home and still failed to suffer their second defeat of the season.

Rodman played for 40 minutes and grabbed 21 rebounds. The worst part was that he double-teamed David Robinson very aggressively!
Last season, he was timid when they double-teamed Dream, but this season, he turned around and double-teamed the General and struck hard.

The main point is to make Popovich mad.

Of course, it was still Michael Jordan who decided the victory.

He scored 37 points in the game, playing with the Spurs' defense. After the game, Michael Jordan smiled brightly in front of the camera:
"Are you worried that Roger will take the scoring title? To be honest, I don't remember how many times I've won the scoring title. I never try to get it, but I always get it. Every year you say someone can break my monopoly on the scoring title, but except for the year I wasn't there, no one has been able to do it. Forget about the scoring title, he should think about how to keep what he has."

There is no doubt that Jordan was referring to the championship.

This year's Bulls are completely different from before, and anyone can see it.

He is eager to get a real victory in the second fight 6 days later!

On December 12, there are only two days left until the second game between the Magic and the Bulls.

O'Neal went to New Jersey with the team for an away game, but he did not go to play in the game. Instead, he took the time to visit his grandmother in Newark.

Roger walked with the shark. Grandma Odessa was very weak at this time, but she still tried to smile: "Don't worry, kids. I just feel tired all the time. I just need to take a rest."

Afterwards, as Roger waited for the shark in the living room, he heard O'Neal arguing with his personal doctor in another room.

"Listen, I have plenty of money. No matter which country you invite experts from, money is not a problem!"

"Money is not a problem Shaq. Time is a problem. Spend the next Christmas with her."

"Assholes! Half a year ago you said she wouldn't make it through 1995. After I increased my investment, now you're saying she won't make it through 1996. You just want money! I'll give it to you, I'll give it to you! But I can't leave her!"

"Shaq, believe me, it's really not about the money."

Roger sat in the living room and did not go in to interrupt.

At this time, a nurse ran out: "Sir, Grandma Odessa wants you to come in."

Roger was stunned for a moment, then walked into his grandmother's room.

O'Neal's grandmother was a Catholic who never swore, never spoke loudly, and always had a Bible at hand.

She smiled and waved, allowing Roger to come over to her.

Roger leaned over and put his ear close to his grandmother's mouth. She asked Roger in a weak voice: "Is Lashawn good? Didn't he cause you any trouble?"

O'Neal's full name is Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal. His middle name was given by his grandmother, which means warrior.

"No, of course not."

"He is a naughty boy, but really not a bad boy. If he causes you trouble, come and tell me and I will help you teach him a lesson. But you must not have any conflicts. I don't understand basketball, but I know it is a game that requires cooperation among many people." Grandma said with a smile.

"He won't cause me any trouble. He and I are the best partners."

Because they were visiting their grandmother Odessa, Roger and Shark didn't arrive at the stadium until half an hour before the game, but this didn't affect anything.

As usual, Roger scored 33 points to lead the team to win the game, and O'Neal waved the towel 50 times, not once less.

On the bus back to the hotel that night, O'Neal suddenly told Roger: "We must successfully defend our title. I don't want her to see me fail."

December 12th, there is only one day left until this battle that has attracted nationwide attention!
Early this morning, Roger asked someone to clean the house thoroughly because an important guest was coming.

At the end of the afternoon training, O'Neal planned to go home with Roger.

But when Shark heard that Roger was going to the airport to pick up his French teacher, he suddenly became curious.

So, once again, he squeezed into Roger's Porsche.

"Okay, great, Shaq! Excuse me, where should my friend sit when he gets on the car later!?" Roger was very helpless on the way to the airport.

"Don't get excited. I'll just go see who your French teacher is, and then I'll take a taxi home. Is it Letitia? The French model?"

"So what?"

"Then I must tell her about your adventures with Snow White."

"asshole!"

Arriving at the airport, Roger and Shark quickly picked up Leticia.

Shark bent down like a gentleman and kissed the back of someone's hand: "Welcome to the magical world, miss."

Roger quickly pushed him away: "Shaq, you can go home now."

"Okay Roger, you don't have to send me off. But don't study too late today. I know you're a hard-working person, but we still have to face the Chicago Bulls tomorrow."

O'Neal took a taxi home, and all the taxi drivers at the airport were willing to give him a ride for free, as long as he signed an autograph.

Halfway through the journey, Shark saw a silver Porsche parked on the side of the road, so he quickly asked the driver to stop the car.

"No way, again?" O'Neal almost laughed out loud when he saw Roger waiting for rescue on the side of the road.

"Every time you ride in my car, it breaks down!" Roger was speechless. He felt that he and O'Neal would never be able to experience the joy of riding in the same car in their lifetime.

"Can you blame me for this? Shit, what happened?"

"After I parked the car, it wouldn't start."

"Go away, let me take a look."

"No! I don't want the engine to fall into the lake, and you still haven't paid for the wheels!"

O'Neill pretended not to hear about the wheel hub and began to check Roger's car: "You haven't driven this car for a while, right? I told you to buy fewer cars, but you didn't believe me. You only have two legs and two hands, you can't drive so many cars."

At this point, the Shark recalled the scene of Roger's pants being pulled open to celebrate the championship last season, so he added: "Well, maybe three. In any case, a car can easily break down if it's been stored for a long time, with low battery and flat tires."

"Damn it Joe, I clearly asked him to take my car for maintenance regularly!"

"Well, your dear Joe is training me recently, so you can't blame him. I'm not saying anything bad about you, but old Joe is almost like your full-time butler, but he's just a trainer, maybe you can find a personal assistant or something."

"Good idea Shaq, but it's probably too late now."

After checking the car, clever O'Neal scratched his head and came up with a solution: "Hey, you don't want to wait here with your French teacher for a tow truck, do you? How about this, you guys get in the car and I'll help you push it from the back."

Roger:? ? ?
"What are you standing there for? Get in the car, I'll show you the power of Superboy!"

Roger blushed as he got into the car with Leticia, stepped on the clutch, shifted into gear, stuck his hand out of the window and gave a thumbs up: "I'm ready!"

“Then I’m going to start pushing!”

"Come on, Shaq, it's almost there! Push harder!" Leticia stuck her head out of the car window to cheer for O'Neal.

Roger in the cab blushed even more.

After the shark pushed the car for a distance, Roger released the clutch and the car actually started again!

Shark flexed his muscles proudly: "How about it? Can the money for the wheels be written off?"

"Get in the car, I'll take you back."

"Forget it. I'm just happy to help people without asking for anything in return. But I still want to advise you to buy fewer cars. If you really feel that you have nowhere to spend your money, I have a job in Silicon Valley. You can invest in some high-tech industries with me."

"Got it Shaq, thank you."

Hearing this, O'Neill's expression suddenly became serious:
"I want to thank you. I know what you've done for me. You had a fight with John because of me. Nothing escapes Shaq's ears. Thanks to you for the training. I would have gone crazy if I had trained with that bastard Brian. Thank you for going with me to visit Grandma Odessa. You are my good brother. When I come back, we will defend our title together. But tomorrow, you have to deal with those Chicago bastards by yourself."

Shark leaned over the car window and stuck his fist into the cab.

Roger gave him a light fist bump: "Good night Shaq."

"Good night, don't stay too late for French class~"

When they got home, Roger took Leticia into a clean room.

"Stay at my house for the next few days when you come to Orlando. There are plenty of empty rooms, and a chef will come to make breakfast in the morning. I've arranged the best seat for you for tomorrow night's game. I have to go to the arena early, but someone will pick you up at your door one hour before the game starts."

"Thank you for your hospitality. When do we start our French lesson?"

"Tomorrow, it's too late today, you should go to bed early."

Roger had no plans to attend his French teacher's class tonight, no, to attend his French teacher's class.

Even if you don't need a break, others do.

If you attend classes when you are not in good spirits, the effect will be very poor.

Back in the room, Roger found a text message on his phone.

He opened it and saw that it was from Shark:

"Dynasty, man."

Roger smiled. He didn't know how this history would change after he supported the shark.

I hope this is the change I want.

At the same time, some reporters waited for Scott Pippen at the door of the largest nightclub in Orlando.

He was hugging Larsa and preparing to go back to the hotel. Although Larsa had the embarrassing reputation of "Roger did it too", Pippen believed that the meaning of love is to tolerate everything!
"Scott, tomorrow night is the second game against the Magic. Don't you need to get some rest tonight?"

Pippen did not avoid reporters. He arrogantly took a puff of his cigar and then exhaled the smoke: "Tell me, who is the first in the league? Tell me what our record is and what the Magic's record is. So there is nothing to worry about. I don't need to rest to crack the Magic. The God of Basketball and his helpers have come, and we are here to find him!"

Pippen said, then left arrogantly, hugging Larsa on the bus to class.

He really wasn't worried at all, without the shark, Roger would be destroyed by the bull like a shrimp.

This season will be a season to settle accounts with Roger!
(End of this chapter)