Post by PANTHRO on Feb 8, 2013 18:03:34 GMT -6
Prologue: Crashing Down On Me...
I’ve had to deal with bullshit in my life before. I’ve had people spit in my face, call me names, lie about me. Everything happens for a reason they say, they tell you that you just gotta fight through it. But they didn’t tell me I had to put up with animals. I didn’t have to deal with people who saw everything in black and white. When I log onto Exodus Pro Wrestling’s website and when I listen to my opponents, I hear the same thing I heard from my critics when I was a football player. And sometimes I let it get to me, because who wouldn’t get angry over the fact that these people. I worked myself to damn near exhaustion just so I could get a little bit closer to MY goals...to make the people around me proud.
The difference between me and my opponents, whether on a field or in a ring, I fought for something. A broken nose, a bruised elbow, a sprain ankle...I beat myself up for this. And I’m going to do it again in a wrestling ring. See these guys they're big and tough, but they don’t have my heart...nor my determination. So they go into this ring, they got egos. Inside these bubbles they live in a world where they are their character. But in a place I like to call reality...we all can see you for what you are. I’m a ex-football player who’s been down on his luck. Kevin Brody is a neckbeard wearing hick from Mississippi. Gouken is a masked villain from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, who’s acts like Big Daddy around his sister! And Zortalk...he’s a space hipster. But in imagination land...they can’t face it. Me? I’m gonna take that son of a bitch on. You could say I’m leading by example. But honestly, I’m just being a man about it...
I Guess.
There was this awkward filling in the room. Coach seemed heartbroken and I didn’t know why exactly. The dean was just looking me over. Did I commit a crime or something? What happened for them to look so gloomy? The dean leaned forward, his elbows placed on his desk and his hands clamped together. He blinked a few times and sighed through his nostrils.
Dean: Stephen...I’m going to ask you a question...and I want you to be honest with me, because at this point me and your coach are your only friends here.
I was confused, what the Hell was this...?
Steve Lenton: ...Wh-what’s going on? What’s happening...?
Dean: Did you receive any benefits from any Virginia Tech athletic officials in your four years playing here?
Steve Lenton: ….
I had a shocked look on my face, there was a slight pause. I broke into a small chuckle, but noticed no one else was laughing. I blinked with a hysterical grin.
Steve Lenton: You’re joking right? ….Right...?
Coach: Steve...have you been watching the news lately?
Steve Lenton: No.
The dean tossed down a newpaper with the heading saying “V-Tech Scandal Revealed Players Receiving Benefits Including Linebacker Steve Lenton.” I thought this was a dream, like this couldn’t be happening to me. Was I...was I in my room right now sleeping, thinking about the negatives of winning the title? The scandals, the heartbreak...was this some kind of illusion...?!
Steve Lenton: Coach I would never--
Dean: The NCAA is coming down on the school hard. If they find anything, they could strip us of the title and they could also ban us from participating in bowl games for the remainder of the season. Now I ask you again Stephen, did you receive anything?
Coach: Be truthful, we’ll understand okay?
I put up on trial for a crime I didn’t commit. I didn’t know what to feel, betrayed...? Angry...? Sadness? It wasn’t until two weeks ago, I was celebrating my win with the boys, and now...I-I couldn’t...I just couldn’t deal with this.
Steve Lenton: Four years, I gave my heart into this football program because I was promised that Virginia Tech would treat me like family. I never stole anything in my life, y’know? Even when I was a kid, I knew right from wrong. Growin’ up in Hampton wasn’t easy, you could get killed out there. I lost my little brother to the streets...and you think I would risk everything for money....?!
I clenched my teeth tightly and felt like I could cry.
Steve Lenton: Mr. Brown, I’ve met your family, I’ve even talk to high schools around my area about coming to VT for you. I would never lie to you, and I’m not lying now: I have NOT received a dime from anyone. I’m not a crook...!!
Dean: …Alright.
I didn’t know what he was thinking by his facial expression, but it was stone. I felt as if he turned his back on me. I glared at Coach who had his head down the entire time. If I was in trouble he might be in the same boat as me.
Dean: All I can do is ask you that one question Stephen. We’re your only friends at this point. The NCAA won’t be lax with you. They will try and beat the truth out of you at this point. They want to hold a meeting with you and ask you about these funds. If you have the same answer as you’ve told me...this might blow over.
Coach: We can make it through this, just be honest and we’ll get out of this Steve.
He put a hand on my shoulder as I glare out in space, completely dumbfounded as to what was going to happen.I left Blacksburg and decided to go back home. My family would understand, I knew they would.
Steve Lenton: Hey, I’m back home...!! Mom...?! ….Dad...?! ….Aaron...!
When I got back home to Hampton, I wanted to tell my parents what happened, but...I could hear it on the news.
Reporter: Earlier this week, the NCAA had confirmed they would launch a full investigation at Virginia Tech. Our reports tell us that Hampton resident Steve Lenton has been involved in receiving improper benefits from Virginia Tech’s athletic commission. Dean of Virginia Tech, Tom Brown was questioned about it as he was beginning to leave campus.
Field Reporter #1: Mr. Brown do you believe that Stephen Lenton is guilty of anything?
Dean: That’s for the committee to decide not me.
Field Reporter #2: But people know that you are Stephen are close doesn’t it bother you--
Dean: No comment.
The chatter continued as he got in his car. I glared at the T.V. as my mom and dad looked on at me, like they had their hearts ripped out.
Steve Lenton: I........I-I....
I fell silent...I didn’t know....what to do anymore. Was this the end...?
I was at the airport, the sounds of the intercom and the people walking by could have given that away. I had my bags ready and packed. I had some time to spare, not like The Big L is in a hurry. I chuckle to myself, and then raise my hand up at chest length with a smirk.
Steve Lenton: I knew it, The Big L knew it. See Pauly Shore, or many people may know him by his alter ego....Zortalk, went on to talk about some stuff that really opened my ears. See, you haven’t been listening to The Big L, granted your little scepter in your drawls got flaccid after I spat some science your way. The Big L ain’t one to talk about what makes guys jimmies tingle with excitement...but hey. Listen Yu-Gi-Oh and listen well because you ain’t really grasping what I’m saying. There ain’t a FORCE....not NOTHING on this Earth in the Solar System...NOTHING...that can stop me from coming in on Sunday, wiping my feet off inside your ass and going back to D.C. with a win. That’s all there is to it.
I stop for a moment and glare, taking in a small breath.
Steve Lenton: However, what really seems to get to me, what REALLY drives The Big L insane is your logical understanding of what hardship is. See you’re a darwinist, you think you’re evolved through time and space, but you’re still crawling on the floor like the slippery lil’ lizard you are. I woke up, every morning and worked my ass off in academics and in sports. I would go to sleep, thinking about the next day, wondering how I could go about making it even better. So while you were sitting in front of your T.V., with your lil’ bowl of Fruity Yummy Mummy, watchin’ your Sailor Moon, dreamin’ about fighting evil by moonlight, and winnin’ love by daylight....I was working.
My eyes ignite with intensity as I right, glaring down the camera lens.
Steve Lenton: See I had responsibilities even if football didn’t go about as I planned, I still carried myself with dignity through school. I grew up quick...and from your demeanor and how you go about yourself and how you perceive me....it hurts you. The Big L’s had his big boy pants on for a very long time now. He ain’t no bitch, and you shouldn’t play him like he is one. So you gotta be askin’ yourself Afrika Bambaataa: “Why do I feel so threatened by this guy?!” Because Mummies Alive....I just blew your high, and you don’t like that very much.
So here’s what I’m gonna do for you. I’m wash my hands, I’m gonna use some good soap, REALLY good stuff, high quality soap, like Dove. I’m gonna get a manicure on my right hand. I’m gonna get it massaged and look pretty for you. Because I’m gonna ball that hand into a fist...and I’m going to bust your teeth into that Stargate that you call a mouth. And unless you’ve taken a bad trip, it’s not the 1980’s and Carl Sagan’s been dead for SEVENTEEN YEARS. Spacey....you’re spacey......right. So if you’re done, if you’re done tryna be the pseudo-intellectual that you are The Big L’s gonna be waiting for your pasty ass in the ring. But the Big L ain't through yet, nooo, no, no, NO. We got another one Gouken, a monster, the big badass in Legion.
I pause for a moment and lick my lips slowly and squint my eyes a bit.
Steve Lenton: Gouken, I recognize your intensity. I recognize your strength, and I recognize what you're trying to accomplish. I know what Legion is trying to accomplish and honestly I think your group is nothin' but a big ass cult of bitchmade crybabies. See you're tough, so tough you ain't gotta talk, you got your sister beside you yappin' it up like a small lil' Corgi barkin' for some Kibbles n' Bits! But behind that mask is only a man, if I can look you in your eyes, I ain't got nothing to be afraid of because The Big L's faced much bigger guys in his past days.
I recognize you Gouken, so this time, I want you to recognize ME. Recognize who you think you're facing. This isn't some small little boy you're going to be facing off against. I'ma grown ass man just like you, and I can hit just as hard as you can. What matters if who's going to be left standing at the end of this all Gouken. That person is gonna be me. They put me in the ring with three rising stars in the company and they want to test who's got more will...
I pause and point at myself with a knowing expression. It was dignifying, and full of pride and I took in a small breath.
Steve Lenton: Who's HUNGRY--speaking of hungry I ain't heard from Brody in a minute. What happened to'em?! I bet he's plottin' his next meal! Brody, don't you think The Big L would forget about you, because The Big L knows you're dangerous. You're the most dangerous one in this match, because when you think about it, the most dangerous man in the world is the one who ain't got shit to lose. That man being you. Well you might not have anything to lose, but I have something to gain in this match. I have something to fight for at the end of all of this. I have to fight for the people...because the people...they fought for me when I began wrestling. They didn't discriminate against me because they I did this for them....I do all of this for the people....
I pause for a moment and began to think. I rub my face and get back into action, I couldn't get all sincere and shit now, not in front of these wolves.
Steve Lenton:Sunday night I'm gonna get in that ring, I'm gonna entertain the MASSES. The One and The Only One, without a doubt will bring the crowd to their feet. He's gonna make'em cheer until they can't anymore, and he's going to wipe the floor with the three of you!! You might think I'ma joke, a loudmouth, an arrogant asshole, don't get it twisted. The Big L doesn't talk about being good...he shows it. Brody, Gouken, Sailor Moon...March of War...I'm takin' the W back HOME. Believe that.
I pick up my things and get ready to get on my flight to Cali. The Big L was Westbound and ready to scrap. The scene begins to fade away with the familiar sounds of the airport still ringing through.
Fade. To. Black.
I’ve had to deal with bullshit in my life before. I’ve had people spit in my face, call me names, lie about me. Everything happens for a reason they say, they tell you that you just gotta fight through it. But they didn’t tell me I had to put up with animals. I didn’t have to deal with people who saw everything in black and white. When I log onto Exodus Pro Wrestling’s website and when I listen to my opponents, I hear the same thing I heard from my critics when I was a football player. And sometimes I let it get to me, because who wouldn’t get angry over the fact that these people. I worked myself to damn near exhaustion just so I could get a little bit closer to MY goals...to make the people around me proud.
The difference between me and my opponents, whether on a field or in a ring, I fought for something. A broken nose, a bruised elbow, a sprain ankle...I beat myself up for this. And I’m going to do it again in a wrestling ring. See these guys they're big and tough, but they don’t have my heart...nor my determination. So they go into this ring, they got egos. Inside these bubbles they live in a world where they are their character. But in a place I like to call reality...we all can see you for what you are. I’m a ex-football player who’s been down on his luck. Kevin Brody is a neckbeard wearing hick from Mississippi. Gouken is a masked villain from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, who’s acts like Big Daddy around his sister! And Zortalk...he’s a space hipster. But in imagination land...they can’t face it. Me? I’m gonna take that son of a bitch on. You could say I’m leading by example. But honestly, I’m just being a man about it...
I Guess.
There was this awkward filling in the room. Coach seemed heartbroken and I didn’t know why exactly. The dean was just looking me over. Did I commit a crime or something? What happened for them to look so gloomy? The dean leaned forward, his elbows placed on his desk and his hands clamped together. He blinked a few times and sighed through his nostrils.
Dean: Stephen...I’m going to ask you a question...and I want you to be honest with me, because at this point me and your coach are your only friends here.
I was confused, what the Hell was this...?
Steve Lenton: ...Wh-what’s going on? What’s happening...?
Dean: Did you receive any benefits from any Virginia Tech athletic officials in your four years playing here?
Steve Lenton: ….
I had a shocked look on my face, there was a slight pause. I broke into a small chuckle, but noticed no one else was laughing. I blinked with a hysterical grin.
Steve Lenton: You’re joking right? ….Right...?
Coach: Steve...have you been watching the news lately?
Steve Lenton: No.
The dean tossed down a newpaper with the heading saying “V-Tech Scandal Revealed Players Receiving Benefits Including Linebacker Steve Lenton.” I thought this was a dream, like this couldn’t be happening to me. Was I...was I in my room right now sleeping, thinking about the negatives of winning the title? The scandals, the heartbreak...was this some kind of illusion...?!
Steve Lenton: Coach I would never--
Dean: The NCAA is coming down on the school hard. If they find anything, they could strip us of the title and they could also ban us from participating in bowl games for the remainder of the season. Now I ask you again Stephen, did you receive anything?
Coach: Be truthful, we’ll understand okay?
I put up on trial for a crime I didn’t commit. I didn’t know what to feel, betrayed...? Angry...? Sadness? It wasn’t until two weeks ago, I was celebrating my win with the boys, and now...I-I couldn’t...I just couldn’t deal with this.
Steve Lenton: Four years, I gave my heart into this football program because I was promised that Virginia Tech would treat me like family. I never stole anything in my life, y’know? Even when I was a kid, I knew right from wrong. Growin’ up in Hampton wasn’t easy, you could get killed out there. I lost my little brother to the streets...and you think I would risk everything for money....?!
I clenched my teeth tightly and felt like I could cry.
Steve Lenton: Mr. Brown, I’ve met your family, I’ve even talk to high schools around my area about coming to VT for you. I would never lie to you, and I’m not lying now: I have NOT received a dime from anyone. I’m not a crook...!!
Dean: …Alright.
I didn’t know what he was thinking by his facial expression, but it was stone. I felt as if he turned his back on me. I glared at Coach who had his head down the entire time. If I was in trouble he might be in the same boat as me.
Dean: All I can do is ask you that one question Stephen. We’re your only friends at this point. The NCAA won’t be lax with you. They will try and beat the truth out of you at this point. They want to hold a meeting with you and ask you about these funds. If you have the same answer as you’ve told me...this might blow over.
Coach: We can make it through this, just be honest and we’ll get out of this Steve.
He put a hand on my shoulder as I glare out in space, completely dumbfounded as to what was going to happen.I left Blacksburg and decided to go back home. My family would understand, I knew they would.
Steve Lenton: Hey, I’m back home...!! Mom...?! ….Dad...?! ….Aaron...!
When I got back home to Hampton, I wanted to tell my parents what happened, but...I could hear it on the news.
Reporter: Earlier this week, the NCAA had confirmed they would launch a full investigation at Virginia Tech. Our reports tell us that Hampton resident Steve Lenton has been involved in receiving improper benefits from Virginia Tech’s athletic commission. Dean of Virginia Tech, Tom Brown was questioned about it as he was beginning to leave campus.
Field Reporter #1: Mr. Brown do you believe that Stephen Lenton is guilty of anything?
Dean: That’s for the committee to decide not me.
Field Reporter #2: But people know that you are Stephen are close doesn’t it bother you--
Dean: No comment.
The chatter continued as he got in his car. I glared at the T.V. as my mom and dad looked on at me, like they had their hearts ripped out.
Steve Lenton: I........I-I....
I fell silent...I didn’t know....what to do anymore. Was this the end...?
I was at the airport, the sounds of the intercom and the people walking by could have given that away. I had my bags ready and packed. I had some time to spare, not like The Big L is in a hurry. I chuckle to myself, and then raise my hand up at chest length with a smirk.
Steve Lenton: I knew it, The Big L knew it. See Pauly Shore, or many people may know him by his alter ego....Zortalk, went on to talk about some stuff that really opened my ears. See, you haven’t been listening to The Big L, granted your little scepter in your drawls got flaccid after I spat some science your way. The Big L ain’t one to talk about what makes guys jimmies tingle with excitement...but hey. Listen Yu-Gi-Oh and listen well because you ain’t really grasping what I’m saying. There ain’t a FORCE....not NOTHING on this Earth in the Solar System...NOTHING...that can stop me from coming in on Sunday, wiping my feet off inside your ass and going back to D.C. with a win. That’s all there is to it.
I stop for a moment and glare, taking in a small breath.
Steve Lenton: However, what really seems to get to me, what REALLY drives The Big L insane is your logical understanding of what hardship is. See you’re a darwinist, you think you’re evolved through time and space, but you’re still crawling on the floor like the slippery lil’ lizard you are. I woke up, every morning and worked my ass off in academics and in sports. I would go to sleep, thinking about the next day, wondering how I could go about making it even better. So while you were sitting in front of your T.V., with your lil’ bowl of Fruity Yummy Mummy, watchin’ your Sailor Moon, dreamin’ about fighting evil by moonlight, and winnin’ love by daylight....I was working.
My eyes ignite with intensity as I right, glaring down the camera lens.
Steve Lenton: See I had responsibilities even if football didn’t go about as I planned, I still carried myself with dignity through school. I grew up quick...and from your demeanor and how you go about yourself and how you perceive me....it hurts you. The Big L’s had his big boy pants on for a very long time now. He ain’t no bitch, and you shouldn’t play him like he is one. So you gotta be askin’ yourself Afrika Bambaataa: “Why do I feel so threatened by this guy?!” Because Mummies Alive....I just blew your high, and you don’t like that very much.
So here’s what I’m gonna do for you. I’m wash my hands, I’m gonna use some good soap, REALLY good stuff, high quality soap, like Dove. I’m gonna get a manicure on my right hand. I’m gonna get it massaged and look pretty for you. Because I’m gonna ball that hand into a fist...and I’m going to bust your teeth into that Stargate that you call a mouth. And unless you’ve taken a bad trip, it’s not the 1980’s and Carl Sagan’s been dead for SEVENTEEN YEARS. Spacey....you’re spacey......right. So if you’re done, if you’re done tryna be the pseudo-intellectual that you are The Big L’s gonna be waiting for your pasty ass in the ring. But the Big L ain't through yet, nooo, no, no, NO. We got another one Gouken, a monster, the big badass in Legion.
I pause for a moment and lick my lips slowly and squint my eyes a bit.
Steve Lenton: Gouken, I recognize your intensity. I recognize your strength, and I recognize what you're trying to accomplish. I know what Legion is trying to accomplish and honestly I think your group is nothin' but a big ass cult of bitchmade crybabies. See you're tough, so tough you ain't gotta talk, you got your sister beside you yappin' it up like a small lil' Corgi barkin' for some Kibbles n' Bits! But behind that mask is only a man, if I can look you in your eyes, I ain't got nothing to be afraid of because The Big L's faced much bigger guys in his past days.
I recognize you Gouken, so this time, I want you to recognize ME. Recognize who you think you're facing. This isn't some small little boy you're going to be facing off against. I'ma grown ass man just like you, and I can hit just as hard as you can. What matters if who's going to be left standing at the end of this all Gouken. That person is gonna be me. They put me in the ring with three rising stars in the company and they want to test who's got more will...
I pause and point at myself with a knowing expression. It was dignifying, and full of pride and I took in a small breath.
Steve Lenton: Who's HUNGRY--speaking of hungry I ain't heard from Brody in a minute. What happened to'em?! I bet he's plottin' his next meal! Brody, don't you think The Big L would forget about you, because The Big L knows you're dangerous. You're the most dangerous one in this match, because when you think about it, the most dangerous man in the world is the one who ain't got shit to lose. That man being you. Well you might not have anything to lose, but I have something to gain in this match. I have something to fight for at the end of all of this. I have to fight for the people...because the people...they fought for me when I began wrestling. They didn't discriminate against me because they I did this for them....I do all of this for the people....
I pause for a moment and began to think. I rub my face and get back into action, I couldn't get all sincere and shit now, not in front of these wolves.
Steve Lenton:Sunday night I'm gonna get in that ring, I'm gonna entertain the MASSES. The One and The Only One, without a doubt will bring the crowd to their feet. He's gonna make'em cheer until they can't anymore, and he's going to wipe the floor with the three of you!! You might think I'ma joke, a loudmouth, an arrogant asshole, don't get it twisted. The Big L doesn't talk about being good...he shows it. Brody, Gouken, Sailor Moon...March of War...I'm takin' the W back HOME. Believe that.
I pick up my things and get ready to get on my flight to Cali. The Big L was Westbound and ready to scrap. The scene begins to fade away with the familiar sounds of the airport still ringing through.
Fade. To. Black.