American TV series: Starting with exploiting young Sheldon

The final game against Austin High School exposed the shortcomings of the Melford team as a whole.

Chapter 102 Debate

"Everyone heard it. As a coach, he actually blamed the players for the loss. He's implying that our kids aren't good enough..." Gretel seized the opportunity to misinterpret Coach George's meaning.

Below, a row of sponsors sat, almost all of whom had children playing for their teams. Hearing Gretchen's provocation, they all turned their anger towards George.

As parents, who would want to admit that their child is incapable?

Seeing the excited crowd below, Coach George quickly explained, "I didn't say your kids aren't good enough. In fact, they've worked hard enough this year. I meant they could have been even better."

Coach George had also fantasized that if the team had a few more players as talented as Mike, it would be much easier for the team to achieve good results.

In rugby, sometimes sheer talent is more effective than hard work.

There are really not many truly talented players on the Melford rugby team right now.

Even a skilled cook can't cook without rice. Given the current state of the Melford rugby team, expecting Coach George to achieve even greater honors is clearly asking too much.

The team's sponsors, however, don't care about that. All they know is that the team has performed well this year and has a great chance of achieving even better results.

This involves the issue of expectations.

Therefore, in a sense, the team's good results this year have become a weakness that has been attacked against Coach George.

At this point, Gretel continued to sow discord, saying, "Everyone heard it, right? He admitted it himself, saying that our children aren't good enough."

This further stirred up the emotions of the sponsors.

No matter how Coach George explained that he didn't mean it that way, how could he possibly win against the dozen or so voices in the audience?

Finally, Coach George couldn't get a word in edgewise and could only stand helplessly on the stage. He looked as if he were being criticized by the crowd below.

"How could they do this!" Outside the door, little George clenched his fists, expressing his dissatisfaction.

“This can’t go on like this…” Mike said, pushing open the conference room door and walking in.

Upon seeing a young and handsome student walk in, the sponsors fell silent for a moment before speculating about his identity.

"I want to remind everyone that this year's Melford rugby team has achieved its best results ever." Mike glanced around at the crowd below and continued, "Coach George definitely deserves credit for the team's success, so you have absolutely no reason to criticize him."

On the contrary, if you want the team to achieve better results, you should continue to support Coach George's work..."

Upon hearing Mike's words, the sponsors below fell silent. Actually, they didn't have that much dissatisfaction with Coach George; it was all Gretel's doing.

Seeing that the sponsors' attitudes were shifting, Gretel quickly said, "Kid, don't think I don't know about your relationship with the Cooper family. You're all in cahoots, of course you'll side with him..."

Then, Gretel explained Mike's identity to the sponsors.

He then continued, "And in the last game, if George hadn't put you at quarterback, the team might not have lost. Your performance on defense was simply criminal... So, you both bear a large part of the responsibility for the team's defeat."

Those who are able to sit here are at least rugby fans, and they obviously watched the last game.

While these people may not be considered highly professional in their knowledge of rugby, they can still understand some basic tactical arrangements.

At this moment, they finally connected Mike with the quarterback in the final game. Some people also began to offer their opinions on the quarterback's absurd tactic of not playing defense in the final game.

Of course, none of these opinions are positive.

Mike saw everyone's reactions, and he wasn't going to let them off the hook: "The last game, those who watched it know what the team's situation was. Do you really think anyone could have done better than me in that situation?"

Shifting blame is something anyone can do.

Moreover, Mike's performance in the final game was remarkable. Anyone with eyes could see that if his teammates hadn't underperformed, he would have gone even further.

“Even if you have some ability, your non-defensive strategy in the last game was definitely the key to the team’s loss. You have to take responsibility for that…” Gretel remained defiant.

He hadn't forgotten the last time Mike beat his son so badly he ended up in the hospital.

Seeing the aggressive smirk on the other man's face, Mike retorted, "What responsibility do I need to take? Do you think replacing the quarterback in that situation would have led the team to victory against Austin? Could your son have done that?"

Mike stated that his pan is non-stick.

Since the other party is targeting him so much, Mike doesn't mind dragging out the other party's son, Sam, and whipping his corpse.

"You...you're just making excuses..." Gretel was furious. However, he had to admit that his son's rugby skills were nowhere near the opponent's.

If Sam were to step in, the outcome would only be worse.

However, Gretel wouldn't admit he was wrong so easily, and he still stubbornly insisted: "If Sam were trained, he could definitely become a qualified quarterback. At least he wouldn't make his teammates give up on defense."

"Ha~ You said yourself that he was trained, but in that situation, there was no time for him to train. You're just making excuses..." Mike said sarcastically.

Moreover, based on Mike's understanding of Sam, even with training, it would be difficult for him to become an excellent quarterback.

Being the "brain" of a team is no easy task.

"Alright, Mike. Stop talking..." Coach George tugged at Mike and shook his head slightly.

As the team's coach, George didn't want to involve any particular player in the conflict, even if that player was Sam.

After that, George decided to ignore the sponsors. So he called Mike and they left the meeting room together.

Coach George now wants to go see the principal to see what his attitude is, since the coach's salary is determined by the school, and there is no need to continue arguing with the sponsors.

After leaving the house, the two met up with George and the three of them arrived at the principal's office.

“You don’t need to go in. I want to speak with the principal alone,” George said seriously.

Before the two could answer, Coach George went into the principal's office alone.

"Coach George, you're here. Would you like a cup of coffee?" Principal Tom asked with a smile as he saw George walk in.

“No need.” George shook his head, stood across the desk, and got straight to the point: “I want to know what the school plans to do with me next.”

Principal Tom looked at George across from him, remained silent for a moment, and then said, "You know the school's situation; sports funding has always been insufficient. This time, the sponsors donated a large sum of money to the school. This money is enough to completely replace the rugby team's training equipment. With better equipment, the rugby team's performance will improve next year..."

The lack of funding for public high schools is indeed a big problem. As the principal, Tom has to selectively appease a group of sponsors when necessary, in order to maintain his own performance record.

In the current situation of rugby teams, being able to attract sponsorships for the team will also be counted in the principal's performance evaluation.

Listening to the principal's rambling explanation, Coach George frowned. He interrupted him and continued, "I just want to know, what are the school's plans for me?"

"Considering the feelings of the sponsors, the school has decided to first assign you the role of assistant coach." This time, Principal Tom finally answered the question directly.

Chapter 103 Resignation

"Assistant coach?" George felt a bit ridiculous, but then he composed himself and asked, "What about the salary?"

George, now middle-aged and with a family, had to bow to reality. If the school offered a reasonable salary, he wouldn't mind taking on the role of assistant coach for the team.

“The school has clear regulations regarding staff salaries. But don’t worry, I’ll try my best to keep your weekly salary of five hundred,” Principal Tom continued. “Besides, this demotion is a last resort. You only need to be Wayne’s assistant for a while, and once things calm down, the school will consider promoting you back to head coach.”

"Five hundred? And he'll be Wayne's second-in-command?" George's expression changed several times.

When the team wasn't doing well, George's weekly wage was 500 US dollars. Later, when the team's performance improved, his weekly wage rose to 700 US dollars.

Now, the team has achieved its best result ever, but unexpectedly, salaries have been reduced again.

Moreover, another thing that George found hard to accept was that he would have to become Wayne's second-in-command.

You have to understand that Wayne used to be George's right-hand man, and his teaching skills were really not that great.

Now, the thought of George working under his former subordinate is making him feel a bit embarrassed.

Seeing George's increasingly grim expression, Principal Tom said, "George, the school will remember your efforts this time, and this situation won't last long. We also hope you can understand the school's difficulties..."

George was no longer listening to the principal's empty promises. He remained silent for a long time, and finally seemed to have made some kind of decision.

After taking off his baseball cap, which bore the Melford logo, and placing it on the principal's desk, George said, "From today onwards, I am no longer Melford's coach."

"You want to resign?" Principal Tom looked surprised. Then, he quickly advised, "George, don't be impulsive. We can talk things over. We can discuss the salary issue again."

Judging from the principal's reaction at this moment, he still recognizes George's abilities.

"No need, I've already made up my mind." George shook his head slightly, speaking in a calm tone. Ignoring the principal's attempts to persuade him to stay, he turned and left the office.

George seemed to have put down a burden as he stepped outside the door, letting out a heavy sigh of relief.

"How did the talk with the principal go? Did you get a raise?" Little George, who was waiting at the door, asked, seeing his father's relaxed expression.

“No,” George said. “I’ve already resigned.”

"Ah!" Little George exclaimed in surprise, "How could this be?"

“Don’t worry, I have my own plans. I’ll tell you tonight…” George smiled, then added, “Now, you should go train.”

It's time for school physical education now, and the rugby team should have already started training.

"Oh, okay~" Little George walked towards the playground in a daze. After walking a distance, he realized that Mike hadn't followed: "Mike, aren't you going to practice?"

"You go ahead, I have things to take care of," Mike said.

"Okay, I'll help you ask for leave," George muttered, and left the stairwell alone.

He thought Mike had something to say to his dad alone and never considered that Mike wanted to quit the football team.

“Train hard from now on, you’re a promising football player.” George, unaware of Mike’s intention to leave the team, said as he walked towards his office, “Before I leave, I’ll mention to Wayne that you’ll be the quarterback next year…”

“I’ve decided to quit the football team,” Mike suddenly said.

"What?" George stopped in surprise and earnestly advised, "You have such great talent, why don't you continue playing? Don't let my resignation affect you; I have my own reasons."

“I have my own considerations. Actually, I’m not that interested in rugby. Next, I’ll be joining the school’s math Olympiad team,” Mike explained.

“This…” George was about to say that the other person was so talented in football that it would be a waste if they didn’t play football.

However, he soon realized that Mike's academic performance was no worse than Sheldon's. It seemed that joining the math Olympiad team wouldn't be a problem.

"Well, it's up to you." George sighed, having figured things out. Then, he added, "Mike, I still think you should pursue football. You have the potential to become a football superstar..."

However, Mike's expression was resolute, clearly indicating that he had his own ideas. Therefore, George did not say anything more.

Next, the two walked in silence to the rugby team's private sports office.

"George, you're here?" In the office, Coach Wayne, who was lying on a leather chair, quickly stood up.

That chair was originally prepared by the school specifically for George.

“It’s alright, you can sit down. That chair is yours from now on,” George said generously.

"No, no need~" Coach Wayne waved his hand awkwardly and said, "I regret what happened to you, but don't worry, you will still be in charge of the team from now on."

Although Coach Wayne's teaching skills are lacking, he is very self-aware.

"I've resigned, and the team is now in your hands. I hope you can put more effort into the team," George said, his expression somewhat somber.

After all, he had been the head coach of the Melford rugby team for so many years and had long developed a deep affection for the team.

"How could this happen?" Wayne said in surprise. "Did those sponsors give you a hard time? I'll go and explain to them right away."

Seeing Wayne's reaction, George smiled. Then he said, "No need. Leaving the team was my own decision."

"Are other schools trying to recruit you?" Coach Wayne's mind was racing.

George listened to his former colleague's speculations without saying a word.

"Yes, your teaching skills are quite good, so it's not surprising that other schools are interested in you. It's just a pity that we can't rely on you anymore," Coach Wayne joked.

"Alright, don't overthink it," George said jokingly. "After I pack my things, this office will be all yours."

"Sigh..." Coach Wayne sat back down in his chair and saw George packing up his personal belongings on his own. He let out a heavy sigh.

Wayne was still somewhat saddened by his colleague's departure.

"Coach Wayne, I'd like to withdraw from the team," Mike said, taking the opportunity to state his request.

"What?" Coach Wayne was startled again, almost jumping out of his chair. "Don't be impulsive, Mike. You don't need to go with George. The team will need you in the future..."

“It has nothing to do with George. I’m going to join the school’s math Olympiad team next,” Mike explained.

"Math Olympiad?..." Coach Wayne was aware of Mike's excellent grades, and the fact that Mike used the math Olympiad as a reason to leave the team left him unsure how to persuade him to stay.

Ten minutes later, Coach Wayne lay slumped in his chair, watching his two key players leave.

Chapter 104 Opportunity

Mike escorted George to the entrance of the teaching building, and the two were about to part ways.

Next, Mike plans to report to the math Olympiad team.

"Hey, isn't this Coach George? Where are you packing up to go?" Just then, Gretel arrived at the entrance of the teaching building with his son.