At home I found everyone there but dad and when I asked about that I was told that he drove to DC just in case something came up and they had to stay over. Megan was aware that JJ and I needed to be in school on Friday. They had eaten and I was told that there was a plate for me in the refrigerator and all I had to was put it in the microwave. In the refrigerator I found lemon and chicken and rice, one of my favorites, which I hadn't had in a long time. I was sitting in the kitchen and Megan was feeding Ashley and Cole sat down beside me and said I had an interesting conversation with Liam a little while ago. I just kept eating and Cole continued basically he wanted to know, without asking, how he was chosen to be my caddy? I told him that I wanted him for amateur events from that first round we played at Oakmont. That I didn't realize what this would turn into and that mom and I talked about the money and I asked him. I told him that your only involvement was with how my caddy got paid. He didn't get into anything els. MJ, what's going on? I looked at him and asked, so are you ready for Sunday? Cole screamed just fucking tell me what is going on, am I loosing him as a caddy. I said Cole, rule 6 and no you are not, now let me eat. Cole stormed to his room. I wasn't pissed at Liam as I would have done the same thing as trust must always be earned.
When I finished, I cleaned up and said good night to Megan who only mentioned Cole was more than a little upset and was acting out all evening. I said thanks and went upstairs and knocked on his door and went in. Cole looked up from what he was reading and asked, now what? I went over, picked him up planted his feet on the floor and hugged him. Then I looked him in the eye and our noses were almost touching and I calmly said Cole, I get Liam checking me out but can't understand why you needed to. You must know I would never hurt you. Yes, I offered him a big promotion, a raise and a car. Included in the contract, which he hasn't agreed to is a section on his work with you and more than enough time to service your needs. Then I kissed him and he melted in my arms and sobbed. I held him till he stopped and I said it will be fine tomorrow. He actually laughed and said, I know it was a stupid move but it's Sunday that scares me. I have to play well in front of two of the most accomplished confers in the country and anyone who matters with the USGA. I laughed and said well you have played with AP before and the others are old farts who are about to be taught a lesson in respect. Get some rest.
Back at my place, I grabbed an iced tea, lit a cigarette and tried to relax. JJ called and we firmed up plans for tomorrow and he said he hoped that everyone had to stay over so we could fly back alone. I just laughed at that and said well I need a flight plan to College Park airfield. JJ, check with you dad to make sure they are expecting us. We hung up and I spent the next hour on a complicated IFR path around DC and then to the airfield on the west side of the Capital. Then I laid out my favorite suit a white shirt and a grey and red tie. With nothing left to do I set the alarm foe 5:30 so I could get a run in and jumped into bed.
It was a fantastic Fall morning and an ever better run. I took a long relaxing shower dressed and waited for JJ. We started off and he insisted on stopping for a breakfast sandwich. I ordered one as well but was more interested in the coffee. At the airport the plane was being fueled and JJ watched that progress and I filed the flight plan. As I came out of the terminal I just watched JJ doing the flight pre check he was so damn sexy in his shirt and a real tie, I could have jumped him right there. We finished the check and were hanging out and right at 8:00 Cole pulled up with Megan and Ashley. There were more baggage than the normal which was usually the clothes on our back. They were securely put away until takeoff. It was the usual smooth takeoff and we were on our way. The flight plan worked and we were on the ground at 10:30 and in a limo. We headed to dad's and Tim's hotel. Cole, JJ and I went for a walk and mom went to dad's room to relax. We were told in no uncertain terms to be back by 12:15. Megan added that we should not be a sweaty mess. We all laughed at that and went for a walk on the mall to check out the monuments.
I could have stayed all day and hit a number of places but time and the need for lunch made options limited. Lunch was awful food but fun and we didn't waste any time. We were back in the hotel lobby just after noon. The Limo was there on time and we were at the Federal District court on Constitution Avenue 30 minutes early. We were sitting in the lobby, Tim was talking with Megan and dad and us kids were just hanging out. The group from the PSAA arrived and Dr. Lambo started right towards me and Tim was right there and said Dr. Lambo, don't say a word because I assure you this will get much worse. With that it was neutral benches until we were called into court.
Once we were called into the courtroom Tim, Megan and Cole sat at a table in the front and Dr. Lambo and two attorneys sat in a similar table. once the Judge was seated we started with the Judge looking at Tim and he asked counsel why are we here? Tim said Your Honor, we are here asking for relief from a PSAA ruling making Cole Wayne Simmons ineligible for post season play at both the district and state levels. Counselor how was that decision reached and why? Tim said, Your Honor we have no idea. The Judge looked at the PSAA group and asked, it they would please enlighten us. The attorney said that after a number of complaints and an investigation the PSAA Board determined that the student athlete was not an amateur and in fact a well paid professional. The the judge asked to see that evidence. Well he is a PGA Tour winner, has an endless supply of clubs from the same manufacturer, he flies all over the country playing golf and expects to play for a high school championship. The Judge looked at Cole and asked son, how many sets of clubs do you have? Cole replied sir, I have 2 complete sets and parts for two other sets. The Judge looked puzzled and asked, please tell me about the parts? Cole replied sir, parts are cheap and I practice a lot and will wear the groves out on individual clubs. I simply replace the heads when needed. I buy the parts from the manufacturer at retail price and my attorney has those receipts. Sir the one set was payment from Mr. Palmer as I caddied for him and was given the clubs. The other set Mike bought so we didn't have to lug clubs to Oakmont.
This went on for about 20 minutes and finally the Judge having had enough asked the PSAA if they had any actual evidence that Cole has received compensation that would make him a professional. The attorney said at this time we do not and we feel that it has been very well hidden. It's a work in progress. The Judge looked at Tim and asked who has determined your client is a certified amateur? Well Your Honor, Cole is exempt from qualifying for fo the US Amateur based on his world ranking as an armature. In addition we have letters from the Pro Tour, a number of pro golfers, including Arnold Palmer stating he is an armature. Finally we have certification that as of 10:00 PM Eastern time yesterday the PGA and the USGA certify his status as an armature. The Judge looked at Cole and asked, have you been paid for anything since 10:00 last night. Cole said, yes sir my stepdad paid my allowance so I had money for this trip. Everyone burst out laughing. The judge said we are adjourned till 2:30 and I would suggest that the time be used for reasonable adults to settle this before I have to.
The attorneys met in the hall and discussed the situation and finally Tim cam over and said they are willing to reinstate him for the districts but not the states. Megan laughed and asked Tim don't they realize they are going to loos? Look Megan the attorneys do but the client doesn't want him to play. She smiled and said well, let it play out unless we get legal fees, expenses, court costs and complete reinstatement. No discussion, just tell them and leave, besides the Judge will be back soon. Tim did as instructed and there was an animated discussion down the hall but no movement. We were called back into court and it started with both sides agreeing that they could not agree. The Judge looked at Cole and asked, you are one of the top armature golfers world wide. You are qualified for a number of major tournaments, why do you want to play high school golf.
Your Honor, I am almost 17 and have achieved a lot playing armature golf and unless I am mistaking high school golf is played by amateurs. Sure my caddy and I have won a lot and lost a lot but winning that Pro Tournament was mind blowing and stressful and yes scary. Heck the last time an armature won a pro tournament Moses was wearing diapers. I simply laughed out loud. Cole continued, I am qualified for every Pro Tournament for a year and the Pro Tour doesn't know what to do with me. I get requests to play one charity event after another and I get well over a hundred requests for autographs every month. I'm stressed and being a high school kid, well trying to be one isn't easy for me. High school golf has relaxed me, given me an opportunity to have teammates, in a non-team sport. It is fun golf and I get to help people with their game. I need it for my sanity. I'm a high school Junior with good grades and until a few days ago I was a high school golfer. Judge, talent is one thing but if you don't test it, work with it and practice you should just s ll you clubs, play another sport you are not all that good at and keep the powers to be happy. I just want to fit in somewhere. Judge, I have one question may I ask it? The Judge said sure. Thank you but why is my stepbrother permitted to play high school football as he is the highest ranked linebacker in the country, according to a number of sources, and a 5 star recruit and I can't play?
The Judge looked at Dr. Lambo and asked if he cared to answer that question. Dr. lambo stood up and said, I don't have an answer. The Judge smiled and said Cole, I bet the real answer is you don't play a revenue sport. The Judge took a deep breath and said well since the adults won't stand up and solve this the injunction is granted and the athlete is eligible for district and state championships. This can be appealed the the US 3rd District Court of Appeals. The civil trial is scheduled for January 3rd. Court is dismissed. As he was leaving he looked at the PSAA people and said work this out before January 3rd.
Just as we got outside Dr. Lambo asked for a minute and Tim looked and I gave a slight nod to indicate it was fine. Bob asked Mike, did you put your brother up to asking that last question? I laughed and said absolutely not and if you would have taking the time to even check on me you would know I don't pile on. Heck Bob, you were looking like a penny waiting for change in there. Mike your principal is a good guy and thinks the world of you, I still think you're a smart shit. I laughed and said Bob, settle with Megan as this little spat you are having with me could get expensive and neither of us have the time for this shit. I started to walk away, stopped and said I'll bet you dinner the new oversight committee has me in for a chat. I walked away and he yelled I'll take that damn bet. I laughed and joined my group.
We all headed for dinner, except for Tim who wanted to start the 5 hour drive home. I was 3:30 and I wanted to be on my way and my phone was lighting up with requests for information. The flight would end a little after sunset as we would be wheels up around 6:00. Dad was staying over as he had an appointment in the morning and I was thinking more business and he assured me that it was just touching base with people. We finished dinner and took the limo to the airfield and got there at 5:20. JJ went in with a VFR flight plan and came out as I was finishing the pre flight check he came out with an IFR plan that was straight north and then west by northwest once we cleared the capital. He said a band of weather and we were cleared fo 33,000 feet and we should clear the storm in central PA and have an easy rest of of the way. We shared none of that and boarded the plane and secured the luggage. We were easily cleared to takeoff and JJ was firmly in control. I checked the specs and our Cessna 441 Conquest II was rated for 35,000 feet and we would pressurize the cabinet. Initially the weather was great but we had a headwind. Once we cleared the Capital restrictions JJ maneuvered the plane according to the plan and his comms. we're spot on. He was relaxed and serious. We saw the approaching storms and at 33,000 feet we was a bit above it. I went back and said it will get bumpy as we are flying over a storm and it was not possible to fly around and asked everyone to stay in their seats and remain strapped in. Currently we were a bit west of Baltimore and doing well. I was wishing we had the jet as we would be way above the storm and a faster and smoother ride. We were just west of Philadelphia when the storm was at it's worst and it was a pretty bumpy ride. JJ's eyes never left the instruments and there was nothing to see below and radar indicated we were clear of traffic. Ashley was crying as I was sure the altitude and pressure were hurting her ears. I was hoping Megan had something for her to suck on. I kept watching JJ as I was sure this was the worst weather he had been in as a pilot. Finally right around Hershey the radar indicated better weather and the trip became smoother. We hadn't said a word and finally JJ said MJ, your plane and I took over. He had done the hard part and done it very well. He laughed and said I need a drink and a cigarette. I said my place later. So Mike you bet with that asshole from the PSAA? I said yup that the new oversight committee would invite me in for a chat, loser travels and buys dinner. JJ laughed and said, I was hoping to watch you fuck his ass. JJ took back over for the landing with calm weather. Thankfully it was over and we had freed up Cole to play.
JJ and I drove home and I asked Dude, how intense was that? He laughed and said you were there so you know. I have never been in weather like that and we would have had to get on the ground with a lesser craft. I have no idea where that would have been and we could not have turned around and out ran it. We need to do a better job monitoring the weather. We could have gotten up super early and been to school on time and Megan and your sister could have driven with your dad. It was being responsible for all those lives. At home he said I need to get some rest, I'll pass on the beer and cigarettes. I laughed and said good night.
In my room, I listened to voicemails for 10 minutes and simply deleted most but called Josh, coach Weston and Dr. Johnson. Then I called JJ and he said he was fine and horny. I laughed and said dude, you already passes on that and I have a busy weekend. How about we double date Saturday evening, we can let the girls decide? He said if we can end the evening at your place. JJ, we can talk about that once we know what we are doing, but you can stay after we take the girls home. That seemed to brighten his mood. Then he said that his dad blasted his ass about not staying put till that storm passes but was pleased with we managed the shit. I laughed and said you mean how you managed the shit. JJ said MJ you were there and at that height it wasn't bad. I'll see you tomorrow. I was t tired so I checked over some things for school and just before midnight I jumped into bed.
I woke to the coldest morning in a long while as it was 49 degrees, it would warm up but game time temperature would be mid 50's great football weather. It was a hot shower jeans and a hoodie as there would be no work. At school there was a mob outside and when I looked Cole was the center of the event. Erroneously was very glad he could compete and a thought netted my head, a buss for the finals. They never get anyone but parents and there is no charge, I decided to ask coach about that. Heather and I stood to the side and I asked about a date Saturday night and laughed when she asked if it could end at my place. I shrugged and asked, have you been talking with JJ?
In English the teacher came up to me and asked Mike, how do you stay eligible to play football as you miss a lot of school and get taken out of class a lot? I replied that I don't miss much school and always with a real excuse. Generally my grades are excellent. She smiled and handed me a folder and I asked,about my grade. She replied, well in here you have an "I" incomplete and handed me a folder with back work from yesterday. I put that in my backpack and settled in for class and it was a damn good thing I was ready. I even knew the shit from yesterday. When class was over I went up and handed her the folder and asked, was I able to prove I knew the stuff from yesterday? She grabbed the folder and said thank you. Then she looked at me and asked, how do you do it? With every obstacle I put up you have a 97% in this class? I shrugged and said, well an outstanding memory and I'm smarter than the average bear. She actually laughed at the cartoon reference and i continued with my day. I worked through study hall and actually got a lot accomplished. Lunch was a blast as it was game day and I heard that there were 3 student busses. Cole remained the center of attention and I was even more sure we were taking a buss to Latrobe for the finals in Latrobe. Then I realized it was a school day and wondered how that could work. I had time for that and would talk with Dr. Johnson to see if there was a workaround.
I didn't want to hang around school as for the first time all year my pre-game nerves were in full operation. I drove home to find Colleen with Ashley, as Megan was at work. Colleen was glad to see me and said lad, if you take the wee one, I'll get you a snack. I wasn't sure she was glad to see me or simply needed a break from the wee one, but I said that would be great. I picked her up and was bouncing her on my knee and she was smiling and having a good time until she got a strange look on her face and spit up all over me. All I could do was put her in that little bed and try to clean up. Colleen appeared, laughed and said lad, I should have told you she just ate. The snack was a ham sandwich ant that was better than what I had for lunch and would be better than the team meal.
Back in my room I worked on some math as I needed to finish a section and take another test at CMU. While the work was fun it didn't really relax me and I remembered that wouldn't happen till we kicked off. I knew it would be physical came and if it was close I would take a beating playing a lot on both sides of the ball. At school it was the usual pizza then we went to the locker room and dressed for the game. It would be at least a 45 minute ride and we were in pads except for shoulder pads and helmets, which were in our bags stored in the luggage compartment of a very comfortable buss. By the time were, dressed and packet the buss it was a tad after 5:15 and coach was doing his best to light a fire under us. The bus was more than quiet and I was listening to relaxing music and sitting in the back beside JJ. He leaned over pulled my ear bud out of my ear and asked, what's going on? This is a very quiet ride. I shrugged and said game nerve as we have had a lot of home games and stuck my ear bud back in. JJ pulled it back out stuck it in his ear and said well at least it is current rock.
We got there at 6:15 for a 7:30 game which was perfect. I grabbed my bag threw it in a locker and went and sat on the bench. Looking around our side of the field was almost full and damn, it was early yet. Just then that same reporter sat beside me and said well hot shot the rules are different here and I'm permitted on the file. I smiled, got up and started for the locker room and was stopped by school security and was asked if that guy was bothering me? I said yes, but that it didn't matter as I didn't say anything and should be getting dressed in any event. He thanked me for not causing a scene and I went inside.
I was in no hurry to pad up and get to the warmups and was near the last to do so. On the field I went right to the offense and we ran very routine plays and Clark was doing the same with some non starters. Jim was there in sweats and no game jersey and switched Wyatt and Clark. Wyatt was good with all this and to be honest I didn't give a fuck. At some point I moved to defense for a bit then stood by and watched Rod, hit field goals from 50 yards out, I just smiled and went into the locker room. JJ came in complaining about the cold and I laughed and tossed him a long sleeve tee shirt which he immediately put on. Soon enough everyone was in and I could hear the home band doing their thing. Coach was short and to the point saying they are physical and run their mouths, don't take any shit but be above it. Be strong, physical and pay attention to your job.
There was a bit of gamesmanship as neither team came out, not wanting to be first. Finally an official came in and said I need the captain's now and for the rest of you we are kicking off at 7:30 you might want to consider that. It was strange but we had the toss which we won and deferred but there was no teams on the field. Two officials each went to the locker rooms and escorted the teams out at the same time and each coach was assessed with an unsportsmanlike penalty, which didn't effect anything except if they got another one they were ejected and out next week.
The kick went into the end zone as usual and our guys jogged down the field and no one got hit and coach was going ape shit and had them all together screaming at them. Hat if he mishits one of those, then we're fucked, do your job, he was screaming. Coach had a point and I went to play linebacker. We were not even pretending they would pass as we had 9 men in the box and JJ and Rex 15 yards back on the hash marks and with their speed could cover a lot of ground. We were not surprised when they came out with two tight ends and even the wideouts were tight. We were packed tight and after three plays they had gained 7 yards. They punted and JJ returned the punt 15 yards to their 45 yard line and we had good field position. The first play was a pitch to Todd towards the right side and he gained 7 and I heard a whistle and saw Wyatt being helped to his feet by the "R" who said something to Wyatt. The next play came in and Wyatt laughed and it was the play where Wyatt would drill the backer who hit him late. Wyatt said stay calm and professional and told JJ to run a post pattern to the left post and it would be play action with a fake to me a pump towards the backer and a pass to JJ. He said on 1 and we broke the huddle. Under center Wyatt yelled BLUE 59, which meant nothing and the ball was snapper and he faked a handoff to me an I stopped to block and Wyatt pumped faked and lofted a perfect spiral to JJ and we were up 6-0. Again, I heard a whistle and this time Wyatt was slow getting up. The Referee announced unsportsmanlike foul on 46 white and by his actions he disqualified himself from further competition. Wyatt was assisted to the sideline and there was a point after and we gained 15 yards on the kickoff. That was just silly as the kick went through the uprights.
Wyatt was being attended to by the medical people and we were pissed as this kid was determined to hurt our QB. Then the penalty yardage was meaningless. Needless to say on this kick coverage group hit people and hit them hard. On their possession Josh and I ran a stunt and Josh got to the QB as he was handing the ball to the running back. All three fell in a pile and Josh got a little push in as he was getting up and the official didn't react. It was a 5 yard loss and the hitting picked up and we managed to keep it legal. After two possessions they had netted 2 yards and had 30 yards in penalties. On their second punt of the game JJ took the kick and was heading down the sideline and stiffed armed a tackler and his hand slipped of the face mask and it ended up in the kids throat and he went down in a heap and another player blasted JJ out of bounds. We were now on the 29 yard line but Clark was in at QB. Wyatt was walking around with his helmet off being followed by a trainer. It was two running plays and we were now 3rd and 2 and we were on the 21st yard line. We had an almost sure field goal. Clark was unhappy with the next call as it was a run. I looked at him and said if you change that play I'll get a time out and kick your ass. Dude, just do it. I could tell he was more than mad and he ran the Play and the officials measured and we were inches short. We were insistent that we could get 6" but coach wanted the points and a two score lead. It would be a 31 yard field goal. It would take an all out revolt so we gave in and Rod did kick the field goal and we were up 10-0. Clark was sitting on the bench furious. I went up and he said why don't you guys trust me? Look Clark you need earn respect, so far you are doing that and we wanted you settled in. Hell you have two TD passes in very few plays and we know you are tough, be patient. I got up and had a chat with Jim.
The half continued that way with hard hitting and we maintained our 10-0 lead. During half time both QB's were pissed. Wyatt because he maintained he was ready to play and Clark because the play calling sucked. I was thinking that Clark was correct and Wyatt shouldn't play. Coach felt that there was no need to change the defense and Josh and JJ and exchanged looked and were pretty much not understanding that concept. Out on the field the defensive coordinator got us together and asked what we thought and the looks on our face said it all. Before any of us said a word he said linebackers, do the switch thing as too many plays are being run to Chads's side. Corners start like we have been but once the QB I'd under center move wide and cover the wideouts and you will know when it is a pass as they won't be tight and will show a bit more enthusiasm. Wyatt was in street clothes and I asked about that and was told that they were tired of him begging to play. He seems fine but they want him checked out.
We were on offense first and I went to Jim and said dud, you need to either open the damn playbook or be ready to play QB because Clark is not going to hand the ball off all half. Jim smiled and said well now that I will be calling the plays this half as well count on it. He called Clark over and told him that the first play was a pitch to Mike and unless it was a first down or a loss run the play your grandfather gave us. Clark was instantly more enthused. We had the ball on our 30 and Clark call the play and I gained 15 and he just shrugged and looked to Jim who signaled move to the next play, having changed his mind. Damn the play that Wyatt's grandfather designed worked well for Clark and we were up 17-0. With that Jim got consecutive again and Todd and I each rushed for over a 100 yards and Clark threw 8 passes completed 6 and we won 24-7 as they score late in the half. While the score indicated an easy win, it was a very brutal and physical game and those 100+ yards were not all that easy. The defense continued to be outstanding. The important thing was that the win clinched a playoff spot. Now we were playing for the top seed, something that we thought we deserved last year and didn't get.
When the game was over we shook hands and went to the band and Sunday our school song and this time the spectators joined in. Then the shrouded PLAY NEXT WEEK, PLAY NEXT WEEK. We looked at each other and Josh yelled YES WE WILL and everyone joined in. The entire stands applauded and when they stopped Josh yelled ALL FOR ONE and the place erupted with ONE FOR ALL.
I grabbed JJ, Josh, Todd and Clark and we, as a group, went to face the media. The first question, how does it feel to clinch a playoff spot? Was asked by the guy who keeps interrupting my pre-game routine and before anyone replied I said, next question please. The question was repeated by another reporter and Josh and Todd replied. The next question was from my new friend who asked How is Wyatt? I replied next question? Then I was asked directly, Mike why are you not taking questions from Walt? Guys ask him, is there any thing else? Then someone said Mike that ALL FOR ONE things works both ways. I smiled and went to the locker room showered and changed. I was immediately joined by the others. When we were loading our stuff in the buss I noticed Coach Weston surrounded by the media. I knew I was about to take a PR hit and simply didn't care. I was one of the first ones on the buss and went right to the back and but my Walkman on and relaxed. JJ joined me and pulled out an earbud and put it in his ear and we just sat there and chilled out. Then a song came on and I started to laugh. JJ looked and asked what's so funny? I said dude it is after 10:00 at night and I forgot till now it's my birthday. JJ shook his head said well happy birthday and put the earbud back in. I took the other earbud out and called Heather. When she answered I said babe, I can't do tomorrow night, I forgot that today is my birthday and I promised the family dinner at Oakmont so they wouldn't make a big deal out of the birthday. Heather laughed and said Mike, you are a strange dude? So babe would you like to come to dinner? She laughed again and said Mike, I'm good as I'm not ready to meet the in-laws. I found that hysterical and I promised to make it up to her. Well that's ok, JJ, Mia and I can shop for a gift and then have a 3 way. I laughed and said have fun and hung up. JJ was looking at me shaking his head.
At school I was naturally one of the last ones of the buss and I was immediately grabbed by the PG reporter. Mike, you are about to take a big PR hit, please explain what's going on. I explained about the pre game stuff and what I had told Walt about tonight and that I could have had security remove him and didn't. Then I asked since you were permitted on the field pregame where were you? He smiled and said we don't do that. I shook my head and said, exactly. Then I asked what happened to the ALL FOR ONE? He laughed and said well I don't consider that stringer one of us, thanks. JJ had taken my bag inside and I simply jumped in my car and headed to my place.
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THANKS FOR READING AND FOR THE COMMENTS.