In early December 1998, Patrick Ewing, who won the championship, seemed to be drifting away.
After the collective bargaining agreement negotiations broke down again at the end of last month, he made shocking remarks in an interview at the beginning of the month in order to defend the position of the players on strike:
"Yeah, we players make a lot of money, but we also have to spend a lot of money."
This sentence immediately caused great controversy, but the gorilla didn't care about it.
At this time, Ewing had become a ball of fat, his face was also full of flesh, and his appearance had declined drastically. This sentence made him immediately break out of the circle. Almost all print media reported this incident.
Although what the gorilla said is true, the overly straightforward expression still makes people anxious.
The chain reaction was that when Li You attended the press conference for his signature sneakers on December 14, some media chased him to the press conference in order to interview him.
At Sony Studios in midtown Manhattan, the popularity of second brother Anfernee Hardaway declined, and the demand for sneakers changed. At this time, Li You took up the "Spray" and "Bubble" series.
Since the new season failed to start as scheduled and the condition of his eldest brother Michael Jordan was unknown, Hook worked hard on Li You's new signature shoes.
Choosing Sony Studios not only to release new signature shoes, but also to allow fans to participate more, the treatment is basically the same as a movie premiere.
Even for this press conference, Hook specially edited the highlight moments of Li You's career in the past two years, combined with personal interviews, made a short film, and screened it on the big screen.
Fortunately, although Li You's career is a bit short, he has a lot of beautiful goals, including knockdowns, wonderful passes, and big-hearted kills. His eldest brother Michael Jordan has become the best background again.
The film ends with Li You's voice, and huge words appear on the screen:
"Anything is possible!"
It was planned well, and the media and reporters had all taken care of it, but the gorilla's words caused more media to follow suit.
Sneaker designer Eric Eva didn't care about the media watching the movie. He laughed and applauded after the movie.
The film is indeed good-looking, or Li You’s playing style is indeed gorgeous, and the combined marketing effect is very good.
Eric Evar liked his newly designed signature sneakers very much, and he introduced his design concept to the media reporters in the audience:
"It retains the double Zoom, has a large area of carbon fiber plate and Foamposite upper, and at the same time, the dynamic inner boots enhance the wrapping of the sneakers."
"All support is used where protection is most needed. The weight of the sneakers is reduced and activity can be improved."
"This is a pair of sneakers exclusive to defenders with a personal style, and the tongue is Lee's personal logo!"
"ClayGod, the logo is just like what you see in the video. This is Lee's personal exclusive action. I hope everyone will like this series!"
"."
In the audience, Lee Woo-jung chatted quietly with Bill Colhoun, the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated.
The signature shoes are going to be officially released on Christmas Day. At that time, Sports Illustrated will also take the opportunity to launch a special interview and cut a wave of leeks.
At this time, Li You, who was dressed in formal attire, was covered in sponsor's products. If his ears weren't missing eyes, he would have to wear earrings.
"Pat's situation is not good. This statement is too hasty. You will have to pay attention to the reporters' questions later."
Bill Colhoun covered his mouth and reminded Li You in a low voice that even if public relations arrangements were made in advance, no one could predict what outrageous questions reporters would ask for hot news.
Li You nodded. He had bid farewell to the short crew cut unique to this era. His slightly long hair was scratched by the stylist. It looked a bit messy, but it fit the identity of a young man.
Eric Ewa finally brought the actual sneakers to the stage, and Li You also followed him on stage, ready to accept questions from the media reporters at the scene.
The name of this signature shoe is also extremely simple:
“Lee Flightpostie 1”
The tongue part is Li You's personal dribbling action, and there is a hook logo on the upper. The two sides give in to each other and are the product of mutual compromise.
Based on the memory in Li You's mind, his signature shoes are similar to the "Air Flightpostie 1", with higher configuration and more exciting colors.
Orange soles, shiny white shoe body, in order to reduce weight, the front of the shoe body is made of black breathable material, coupled with a zipper design, it is highly recognizable in this era.
The media reporters who had just paid the money actively asked questions according to the script, while Li You and Eric Ewa smiled and introduced anecdotes about sneaker design.
The press conference went smoothly until a reporter from the Chicago Tribune asked maliciously:
"Lee, what do you think about your teammate's recent comments from Ewing? Is it true that players spend more as he said?"
The hook staff on the side glared hard at the reporter who came out to find trouble. At this time, Li You smiled and replied:
"Perhaps everyone has over-interpreted what Pat said. Players spend a lot of money, which means that in order to polish their bodies, we need more professional training."
"This is indeed a huge expense. We need to become faster and stronger on the court, make our bodies stronger and maintain agility at the same time."
"The body is the foundation for our survival. I believe that many players will choose to polish their skills in the offseason. Even if it costs a lot of money, everyone is willing to do so."
As soon as Li You finished speaking, the TNT reporter on the side laughed and joked:
"Lee, we have all seen your offseason schedule and news, but Pat has become fat. This does not match your statement."
Soon there were booing media from all around and said:
"How much weight has he gained? We saw him in Atlanta, and oh! That was a lot of money!"
The hook staff at the scene saw that these media reporters who only wanted to gain popularity became more and more crooked, so they hurriedly said loudly:
"There will be an interactive session later, so everyone can get ready. We will first give away the Knicks' limited-edition away color sneakers to the fans!"
The cheers of the fans finally made this topic go away. Li You on the stage couldn't help but twitch his lips when he thought of the fat gorilla:
"The old guy actually became swollen after winning a championship."
After the press conference, there was naturally a party. The party hosted by Colin Cowie Company did not show any leaves, and it was generally a serious party.
Li You made a lot of superficial friends, including Saturday Night Live's Will Farno, Jimmy Fallon, Tina Fey and others.
The crew of "Euphoria" was also present. The movie was released in mid-October, but its box office performance was average.
The two beauties, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, were made to laugh by Jimmy Fallon and Will Farno. As Christmas approaches, this is the last moment for everyone to get together.
Beautiful girls don't get together. Jennifer Connelly, whose relationship broke up not long ago, was wearing a black dress and was drinking casually with Li You on the other side.
"I wonder if Madam would like to dine with me tonight?"
Li You's intention was very obvious. The two met at the promotion of the movie "The City of Souls" at the beginning of the year, and they were superficial friends.
The atmosphere is in place tonight, and we can get to know each other better.
Li You watched Jimmy Fallon keep circling around Nicole Kidman, and immediately whispered to Connery, who was drinking beside him, in a low voice:
"wait a second!"
While Jimmy Fallon was getting the champagne, Li You leaned over and reminded him in a low voice:
"Man, you gotta take your chance!"
Wearing a formal suit, Jimmy Fallon did look like a handsome guy, but at this time he deliberately pretended to be stupid and said:
"We just chatted, but she has a family!"
Li You curled his lips, and all the girls who could come to party were ready to kill the boring time.
The two talked in a low voice, and Nicole Kidman, who was wearing a white dress on the other side, immediately joked:
"Li, how about taking us to Las Vegas if you have the opportunity? We also want to experience the feeling of killing everyone!"
"Of course, no one can refuse Nicole's request!"
Although the pretty girl is a little older, her hair is tied up and her makeup is still exquisite. Under the stimulation of alcohol, her eyes are twitching, and she obviously wants to catch the chick.
Li You responded with a smile, and poked Jimmy Fallon by the way. At a private party, everyone relaxed and chatted. Under the stimulation of alcohol, it was about to enter the next stage.
But everyone has an identity, so they won’t just find a room and go in to have fun.
Sending an invitation is very simple, just a look or an action is enough.
Tina Fey is a serious girl. When she saw Li You exiting the stage with Connery in his arms, and then looked at Jimmy Fallon who was still attentive, she couldn't help but complain in a low voice:
"There is nothing good about men!"
The circle in New York is not big, and Jimmy Fallon ultimately failed to seize the opportunity. The next day, Will Fano told Li You with a smile:
"Jimmy almost talked Nicole to sleep!"
The title of "Good Man Jimmy" was circulated among several people. In the end, this shy handsome boy chose not to attend the party and stayed at home playing games.
On the 16th, Li You celebrated Kristen Ritter’s birthday, and the little follower was so moved that he unlocked more knowledge.
Before Christmas, a huge poster of Li Youhe's signature sneakers had been erected outside Madison Square Garden.
Hook has not skimped on publicity resources. At least here in New York, there are more and more advertisements, and TV ads have not fallen behind.
On December 23, 1998, just before Christmas Eve, a bearded David Stern announced:
If the two sides have not reached an agreement before January 7, 1999, the NBA will propose to cancel all remaining games this season!
To show the seriousness of the matter and his commitment to his work, David Stern personally stated that he would not shave off his beard until the collective bargaining agreement dispute was resolved.
Whether it's a show or a pressure, Mr. President's ultimatum has caused chaos in the players union, and many people have not had a good Christmas.
On December 31, 1998, Li You and Milinda spent their 21st birthday together at their home in Hartford.
Because his friend Ai Wenyin had been partying a lot and had been hospitalized since August, Li You spent this birthday in a particularly low-key manner.
"Happy has grown up too, and is not as cute as when he was a child!"
Nestling in Li You's arms, Milinda shared her little life and hugged the girl tightly. At this moment, he missed Albuquerque especially.
On January 6, 1999, just as the new year began, David Stern issued an ultimatum.
The players union chose to compromise, resumed negotiations with the league and management, and reached an agreement.
In the end, the league and the employer won a great victory in this negotiation!
On January 13, Michael Jordan held a press conference, and David Stern and Bulls management were present.
The major media seemed to realize something and all rushed to Chicago.
Although the agreement between labor and management has not been formally signed, some terms have been disclosed, and McQueen's commitment and super maximum salary have become the biggest burden.
Michael Jordan, dressed in formal attire, sat on the stage, still accompanied by David Stern.
It seemed that there was no difference from the first time he retired, except that Maikou was a little older. He didn't have too many polite words and said simply and straightforwardly:
"Thanks to all the fans who have supported me, today I choose to officially retire from the Chicago Bulls."
Although they had predicted what would happen in advance, at this moment, the media in the audience still exclaimed and kept asking questions while pressing the shutter frantically:
"Maiko, why did you make such a choice?"
"Is it a management problem?"
"."
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(End of chapter)
