After the NFL news incident broke out in 2009, the entire league was shocked, and the whole of North America was shocked. Now two years have passed, and the authenticity of the two professional research reports has been confirmed. The credibility and majesty of the league have suffered a severe blow, even though they The league's representative star players were mobilized and called on everyone not to panic too much. The impact of the incident cannot be stopped.
As Lech said, this incident has affected all aspects of the alliance to this day. Although overall, the alliance is still concealing the seriousness of the matter, the detailed policies have still changed.
For example, concussions are being taken more seriously than ever before. This is the case for Colin Kaepernick. After a concussion, he is not allowed to participate in the game without passing the official test of the league; if there is any concealment, the entire team will be punished, even if the athletes sign a voluntary The agreement doesn't allow it - that's the new policy.
For another example, when a player experiences dizziness, tremors, or physical discomfort, the team must provide supporting in-depth examinations at the player's request. The costs of these examinations are all covered by medical insurance - the reason why I was reluctant to do these examinations in the past was because they were too expensive and not reimbursed by insurance.
And so on and so forth. In addition to this, high-tech improvements in protective equipment and further protection of the quarterback position, and related policies are changing the status quo little by little.
When Laihe mentioned this news, the meaning was naturally clear to Lu Ke from the journalism department. But, as Lech said, they don't know what the so-called "consequences" are until they actually face the problem.
"On the surface, the league is making changes now, but at its core, Roger-Goodell is a businessman, and the entire league is a money game." Lech's words were so simple and understated. Between them, they are as heavy as a thousand pieces.
Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner, has been controversial but popular since he took over in 2006. The reason is simple. Under his leadership, the market value of the NFL has doubled. In addition to the Dallas Cowboys, the market value of other top teams has also increased, and the average level has exceeded the top European football leagues.
Benefit. Even a moth is attracted to a flame.
"So, except for yourself, no one will care about your health and future." Laihe still had a smile on his face, but his words were sinister. The sense of violation made Lu Ke chuckle. , "You are an undrafted rookie, you are a Chinese player, and for 99% of the fans, you cannot withstand collisions on the court. That is natural."
"I know, because Asians are not suitable for this real men's sport." Lu Ke chuckled and said it in a mocking and joking tone.
This is a fact and there is no need to deny it. Only they know how much effort Liu Xiang and Yao Ming have put in to win their own recognition; and outside of them, in the track and field and basketball arenas, prejudice against Asians still lingers. Like Lu Ke, last year's undrafted rookies Lin/Shu/Hao are now working hard in the NBA. Their situations are very similar.
Taking a long breath, all the thoughts in Lu Ke's mind slowly settled down. He slowly cleared his mind and said with certainty, "I know."
"Sometimes, you can grit your teeth and fight hard, even if your flesh and blood are shattered, it's worth fighting; but sometimes, you should learn to give up. In the final analysis, protecting yourself is the first rule. This is just your first season. With There is an unlimited future, everything is possible. The most important thing is, don’t lie to the team doctor. Whether you can play or not, we can discuss it after you tell the truth."
Laihe talked a lot more, and then he couldn't help but chuckle, "Sorry, the old man is always verbose now. When I was young, I didn't understand the reason; now I finally know, because we have seen too many Many, always want to pass on the experience. Just listen to it, write it down if you like it, forget it if you don’t like it.”
Lu Ke could feel Laihe's sincerity. Although Lu Ke does not have an agent, he knows the agents of Logan, Marcus, and Aldon.
Those agents never show up because these rookie players are not big enough and have not achieved enough results for them to come to watch training or watch games. They still have more senior and outstanding players to take care of. In normal times, rather than the agent, it is the agent's assistant who takes care of their daily life.
Even if Aldon is a first-round pick. Because the current defensive lineup of the San Francisco 49ers is relatively neat, Aldon did not win the starting position, and played more as a rotation player during the game.
The Lech in front of him not only appeared in Cincinnati in person, but the concern in his words was also so real. If this is acting, Lu Ke can only say: This is worthy of an Oscar.
"Do you think my future has unlimited possibilities?" Lu Ke did not respond to Laihe's concern just now, but grabbed another key word in the words and said with a smile.
This time, it was Laihe's turn to be stunned for a moment. He looked at Lu Ke's expression seriously, smiled broadly, and then nodded, "Yes, I think you have unlimited possibilities."
Previously, Lu Ke mentioned that "everyone in the alliance is not sure." Laihe did not respond, but changed the topic; but this time, Laihe gave a positive answer.
"You are not a genius. But most of the great players in history are not geniuses. Joe Montana, Dan Marino, Tom Brady, Drew Brees, they are not geniuses, but , the achievements and brilliance they have achieved are beyond the imagination of anyone in their lifetime. Do you know why?"
Laihe looked at Lu Ke seriously, and his cloudy eyes gradually became clear, as if he wanted to see Lu Ke's true thoughts in his heart. But Lu Ke chuckled and said a digression, "You didn't mention Ben Roethlisberger."
"Haha." Laihe laughed heartily, "Yes, Ben is not a genius, but he is still a long way from being great." Laihe admitted frankly, "Because, there are too many geniuses. They don't need to fight for it. This is a blessing given to them by God, but it is also a curse that restricts them from going further. Therefore, genius is just a genius, but it cannot be called great."
"What about Peyton Manning? Where about Troy Aikman? John Elway? OJ Simpson? Terry Bradshaw -Bradshaw)? How should they discuss it?" Lu Ke still did not answer Lech's "why" just now, but continued to mention a series of names.
What these names have in common is: first, they are the top pick in the draft, the proud son of heaven, and a high-profile talent in college; second, they are Hall of Fame members, even Manning, who has not yet retired, has long been confirmed as a Hall of Famer. Location. More importantly, they are also strong candidates for great players, at least good enough to join such a ranks.
Lech was not upset or angry, but nodded solemnly, "Let me correct my words. Genius is enough to achieve greatness, but it is only a small part; truly great players need to go through hardships and suffering, and this process is really too long. It’s also too difficult, and it’s often the players who are not geniuses who can persevere to the end.”
Lu Ke nodded in affirmation, but changed the topic, "I think it may be because there are too few geniuses, so proportionally speaking, most of the players who have become greats seem not to be geniuses."
Geniuses are still geniuses after all. They are called geniuses because they have the potential to achieve greatness, or at least have a greater chance of success; and because there are still only a few players who can be called geniuses.
There was a helpless smile in Laihe's eyes, and he finally understood Lu Ke's style, "This is also an explanation."
"But, if I have a choice, I would still like to be a genius." Lu Ke's teasing made Laihe laugh loudly again and nodded repeatedly, "Of course, of course. I can't refute it. To be honest, I also want to be a genius. , enjoy the privileges and conveniences that belong to geniuses. That should be a very good thing."
After smiling, Laihe said solemnly, "I hope to be your agent and represent you in all matters. If you have any questions, just ask if you can help me get your agency rights."
"Why?" This was an expected invitation. The joy and excitement in his chest surged through his body, and he was so excited that he couldn't control himself. But before blurting out and nodding in agreement, Lu Ke forced himself to calm down and asked.
If he were just an ordinary agent, he wouldn't ask such a stupid question.
Because those agents often have a dozen or twenty players, one more is not too much, one less is not too much; they can definitely sign Lu Ke for the sake of three consecutive victories, and the future development momentum will be If it gradually goes higher, they will pay more attention to it. On the contrary, if it is forgotten in a corner, they will not lose anything.
Therefore, those invitations from brokers are just one of the investment options. Naturally, Lu Ke would not ask silly questions like "why".
But Lech was different. This agent, in a long period of five or even ten years, may only sign one rugby player. He is cautious, no matter how cautious, and would rather miss than waste. But now, he has extended an invitation to Lu Ke. This is really abnormal. .
Lu Ke has confidence in himself, and he unswervingly believes that he can get out of an ever-rising development curve; but this is not the case for others in the league, and it is not the same for Leh. So, why?
Laihe showed a shallow smile, and a satisfied affirmation slipped through his eyes. He liked Lu Ke's reaction. Even though he was ecstatic, he still maintained a trace of calmness. It was indeed an interesting thing to compare Lu Ke's big-hearted performance at critical moments on the court and confirm each other.
"If I say that you are the only Chinese-American quarterback in the league, and I see business potential in you, do you believe it?" Lech did not answer directly, but asked a question, and then looked at Lu Ke.
Lu Ke said nothing. Because he knew that this was impossible.
