2060.25 Nine Hold Press Conference to Deny Allegations

[Trebro]

The following transcript was posted to the official Yellow Springs Nine Website

[GM Rob McMonigal enters, flanked by owner Bo Jordan and several lawyers.]

Jordan: Thank you all for coming here today. We are here to make it clear once and for all that the Nine had nothing at all to do with the recent scandal plaguing the league and surrounding the Sacramento Mad Popes.

McMonigal: That is correct. Any and every transaction and possible transaction we have made, want to make, or will make with GM Olmstead is above board and within the rules of the league.

Valerie Davies, Yellow Springs World: Do you think this issue will close the Mad Popes off as a trade partner?

McMonigal: Absolutely not, unless the League mandates otherwise. While we find the current scandal distasteful, cutting off an opportunity to improve the team would make no sense. We guarantee Nashville isn't going to stop, so why should we?

Edwin Wardman, Yellow Springs Journal: Any truth to the rumor that just before this scandal broke, you'd called and offered to tell players to Olmstead and he turned you down because your players are just that bad?

McMonigal: Edwin, I --

[Lawyer cuts McMonigal off, mutters in his ear.]

McMonigal: We never discuss internal discussions between teams, Mr. Wardman.

Wardman: I'll take that as a yes.

McMonigal: You can take it and shove it up your --

[Second lawyer cuts off McMonigal.]

Nes Lessman, Yellow Springs Journal: If I may, I think a bigger question is does this put a focus on the international complex, both here in Yellow Springs and around the larger BBA, now that one of the richest teams has basically bought almost a third of his Rookie League team?

Jordan: We'll certainly look at that when we have our owner's meeting.

McMonigal: It will be up to the governing board, but I see nothing wrong with it. We personally aren't big spenders there but each team gets to carve its own path.

Wardman: With your path being toward irrelevance?

Jordan: Next question, please.

Lessman: What do you think Olmstead saw in these prospects that maybe you don't?

McMonigal: A good question, but I don't have an answer yet. I will say this does likely mean that every other GM in the league will be looking at how they can either improve by buying other teams' youngest players or improve their bottom line by selling them.

Davies: Is that scandalous, in your opinion? These kids come from all over the world, promised by a particular club they'll be taken care of, then moved around like they're nothing more than lines on a statistic sheet.

Jordan: It's a business, Ms. Davies. It's not always pleasant.

Wardman: Like writing up another of McMonigal's dubious trades.

[Laughter.]

McMonigal: Are there any other serious questions?

Wardman: Is it true you're being questioned by Carlos Camacho about being part of this?

First Lawyer: We will cooperate fully, if asked.

Nessman: Do you think your own handling of Zee-loo Tsao's development played a part in what Olmstead is quoted as saying is a "rescue mission" that's now landed him in hot water?

McMonigal: I don't even know where to begin to argue that point. Next question.

Patty Burns, CBS Local News: Will the Nine, as a result of this investigation, change how they handle international players?

Jordan and McMonigal, in unison: No.

Wardman: Would you sell a player for cash only?

McMonigal: If it made sense.

Wardman: So the team is desperate for money?

Jordan: Don't be silly.

Wardman: So there's no payoffs being made to quiet those with unpleasant knowledge?

McMonigal: Edwin, what are you driving at?

Wardman: You'll see. [Leaves press room.]

McMonigal: Any other questions, from those whose doors still have all their hinges?

Davies: Speaking of Camacho, do you have any opinion on him leading the investigation?
McMonigal: Just that I find that whole family...very different. But I trust the Board to select the right person for the job.

Lessman: Do you think that negative reporting on the scandal will keep GMs from selling off their young players?

McMonigal: Ultimately, no.

Burns: Mr. Jordan, the Nine haven't won since 2051. With the aging stadium and fans starting to withhold their dollars, do you think there will need to be a major change soon?

Jordan: That's not what we're here to discuss today.

Burns: That's not an answer, Mr. Jordan.

Jordan: This conference is over. Thank you all for coming.

[Buzzing of more questions as McMonigal, Jordan, and the lawyers leave the room.]

[RT60]

The Sluggers can only afford one lawyer but we don't let him near anything. Seems to be working really well.

[BaseClogger]

“Deny”… “Denny”?

Something to consider.

[Trebro]

“Deny”… “Denny”?

Something to consider.

The Nine acknowledge a fondness for Grand Slams, which unfortunately seem to happen for the other team regularly.

[trmmilwwi]

GM McM becoming unhinged is a fun thing to watch play out! Need more behind the scenes stuff.

[Trebro]

GM McM becoming unhinged is a fun thing to watch play out! Need more behind the scenes stuff.

If I get the time, there'll be more of that.

[shoeless.db]

Comment from gm shoeless: “It’s spelled Olmsted. I will not be associated with those Neanderthal-humping Olmsteads.”