S16/17 OFF-SEASON : HIFL SCOUTING COMBINE GM THREAD

[Talon]

--YOU KNOW THE DRILL  --  IN CHARACTER COMBINE THREAD --

[GM Yount]

The Long Beach contingent of coaches & front office types make their way to the combine with GM BIG DOG leading the way a few paces ahead, riding on top of a goat while munching on a large bucket of buffalo wings. After they find a spot to settle in at, she wipes her hands off & grabs an ornate pirate's spyglass to keep a closer eye on the proceedings. Something clearly catches her attention, and she turns to whisper to her coaches as discreetly as possible:

"SWEET MOTHER OF GOD LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THE HAM HOCKS ON THAT BEEFCAKE"

[GM Adam Wrong]

GM Wrong arrives with significant members of his backroom staff as well as Mrs Wrong. They take a seat, take out their electronic tablets and get to work

[GM Gooch]

GM Gooch enters into the arena with his staff. They walk over to the BBQ Pit/Myrtle Beach Think Tank. There is a big BBQ food truck with picnic tables all around. Prices are reasonable. Gooch worked out a deal with the arena to give his staff some comfortable seating around tables instead of in the stands this year.

Gooch goes and buys a BBQ sandwhich and takes a big bite. A glob of BBQ sauce falls on his clean suit, missing his dark tie and landing right on his white shirt. He rolls his eyes and tries to dab it with his napkin to no avail. At least the BBQ is good.

The rest of his staff sets up at their station and intersperses throughout the arena for the events of the day.

[GM C4]

GM Cory tosses the keys to his pristine GMC Jimmy to a valet that looks suspiciously like Roger McBee as he enters the combine area.

We walk over to GM Big Dog and pat her on the back

"Didn't think you had the balls to rip Dex Covington away from us, hell of a job. Hook me up with a consolation prize chicken wing, a fellas got the munchies"

[GM Stark]

Armed with a Fresca, laptop, and a carry bag full of scouting notes, GM Henry Stark arrives at the Combine. He begins to go over a few things with his staff, glancing at several of the GM that showed up already. Stark gives small waves of his can of Fresca, acknowledging their attendance.

"Alright folks, let's get to work."

As his group goes off, Stark finds a comfortable spot, puts his tools down, and dons a pair of black framed bifocals glasses.

[GM Yount]

GM BIG DOG suppresses her natural instinct to give a warning growl to stay away from her food, before she remembers how humans are supposed to interact with each other.

"COULDNT PASS UP TRYING TO BRING A TALENT LIKE HIM INTO OUR ORGANIZATION AND YEAH WING IT UP BROTHER SINCE I SEE YOURE A MAN OF TASTE"

[GM Gates]

GM Gates and the Miami staff walk into the combine. GM Gates tips his hat to some of the fellow GMs he can see and then takes a seat at the designated area, talking over a few things with some of the members of his staff.

[GM Pancho]

There is a commotion heard outside as police sirens ring outside of the stadium.  There's no trouble - it's simply a police escort making room for an armored stretch limousine.  It stops in front of The Snow Globe.  The drivers opens the back door as GM Pancho steps out.  Decked in an all black suit with the shirt to match the only semblance of color is the gold on his tie ... and the rings that match it.  He is flanked by the Alabama Delegation.  GM Pancho stops to acknowledge Nighthawks fans that have also made the trip.  He heads inside of The Snow Globe and notices a few teams have already arrived.  He quickly texts GM Jon asking where in the building he is hiding as he wants to say hello.  He notices the wandering Goat eating part of the field as security looks concerned, 'I sure hope this is grass and not turf' he thinks to himself.

GM CORY!

GM Pancho shouts across the field as he approaches the 2x Champion GM in the middle of his conversation with GM Big Dog

Ready for the REAL challenge to begin?  You ready to climb that mountain again?  It's one thing getting there.  It's an ENTIRELY different thing getting knocked off and making the climb back. Take it from experience hombre.  Twice over. Sometimes it's hell trying to get back to heaven.

Before allowing GM Cory to reply he quickly acknowledges GM Big Dog's presence.

"Big Dog sorry about that! Hey check this out, you know your entrance to the combine went viral.  Got to say I love it.  Especially the part where the goat eats up and shits all over GM Jon's field."

[GM Fosters]

GM Fosters rocks up at the gig with coaching blokes in tow, them carrying all their clipboards and everything. Picks a seat in a stand and starts to eye up the talent.

Gives a customary wave to his GMing colleagues.

[GM Lucas]

GM LUCAS IS MAKING HIS WAY TOWARDS THE COMBINE IN AN UBER BUT SUDDENLY FINDS HIMSELF STUCK IN TRAFFIC

What the hell is going on,

I'm sorry sir, there seems to be some block off, like some motorcade or something

I thought we were the only show in town, anyway thank you, I'll give you five stars, I'll get off right here

Ok, Thank you.

GM LUCAS HEADS TOWARDS THE CORNER AND GOES TO CROSS THE STREET AS A LIMO PULLS UP

What the hell! excuse me officer what is going on. I need to get to building across the street

FLASHES INVITE BADGE TO ALERT THE OFFICER THAT HE IS A GM TAKING PART OF THE COMBINE AND THE OFFICER WAVES HIM THROUGH

This is ridiculous, this better not be some flashy rookie or some has been celebrity trying to mooch off our press.

LUCAS STOPS TO SEE WHO IS COMING OUT.

OH, it's just Pancho

LUCAS TURNS AROUND SHAKING HIS HEAD AS HE ENTERS THE COMBINE

[GM Yount]

BIG DOG turns her goat steed around and arches an eyebrow at Pancho.

"HUH THANKS BUT I THOUGHT I WAS KEEPING MY ENTRANCE PRETTY LOW KEY THIS YEAR

WANTED TO FLY UNDER THE RADAR A BIT MORE AFTER THE LEAGUE GOT A LITTLE UPSET AT HOW PROMINENT I MADE MYSELF LAST DRAFT SEASON"

[GM Oldfield]

After some geographical mishap, GM Oldfield now arrives at the combine, alongside Coach Crawford who has been laughing constantly at a joke he made 6 hours ago. He takes a quick look around to make sure this is the right place.

Woman riding a goat, bucket of demolished buffalo wings on the floor, police escort and a few GM's thinking holding a clipboard makes them look smart. Yep, this is the place.

[GM Rinaldi]

GM Dante Rinaldi and his scouts are seen coming out of a parked car right outside of the building where the combine is being held. Rinaldi and his scouts look to head to the door, but the police sirens of the police escort and the limousine the GM Rep had arrived in caught their attention as they made their leave for the time being, having seen to it that GM Pancho and his staff entered The Snow Globe safely. However, GM Rinaldi does not know that as he turns to the nearest security guard.

"Who the hell were they here for?"

The security guard smirks as he replies.

"GM Pancho."

Rinaldi lets out a snort.

"Of course they were. Leave it to GM Pancho to make a grand entrance, especially in a city he expects to see GM Jon in."

The Monsters GM and his scouts then show security their badges before they are allowed into the facility. Once they enter, the scouts quickly go to set up in their own little spot while Rinaldi decides to take a lap. He notices GM Pancho, GM BIG DOG, and GM Cory having a conversation before his eyes move elsewhere. He and GM Stark make eye contact, nod at one another, then Stark goes back to looking at his laptop. Rinaldi then spots GM Gooch trying to wipe off the BBQ sauce from his white shirt, causing him to roll his eyes. Finally, the Italian American GM spots GM Fosters, a bit surprised that the Aussie GM isn't being a bit more...extravagant with his presence at this year's combine. Rinaldi decides to walk over and start up a conversation with him.

"So...you really went through with that Elvis Edward deal, huh?"

[GM Dario]

The sound of a referee's whistle is heard throughout the 'Snow Globe' and the players stop what they're doing on the field. 
Towards the far entrance, away from most of the other GM's, a figure appears out of the shadows.



The SkyBear's General Manager, Kicker and Reignin', Defendin', Undisputed Points Champion of Season 16, Tylen Dario, makes his way onto the field.
Coach Graham and his assistants follow behind Dario as they make their way along the sidelines towards Midfield.

[Talon]

GM Dario!  Great to meet you in person.   Sir you're a hero of mine.   Watching you kick and still run a team and then to be the scoring champ... man that's just amazing.

Anyways, I just wanted to introduce myself before kicking drills start.

The name is Sills.  Will Sills, university of North Carolina - Charlotte.   Thanks for coming to the event today, sir.

[GM Fosters]

GM Dante Rinaldi and his scouts are seen coming out of a parked car right outside of the building where the combine is being held. Rinaldi and his scouts look to head to the door, but the police sirens of the police escort and the limousine the GM Rep had arrived in caught their attention as they made their leave for the time being, having seen to it that GM Pancho and his staff entered The Snow Globe safely. However, GM Rinaldi does not know that as he turns to the nearest security guard.

"Who the hell were they here for?"

Hooroo Rinaldi!

Yeah I pulled the trigger... been a big fan of his for a couple of years now. How you getting on stirring my porridge in Michigan?

The security guard smirks as he replies.

"GM Pancho."

Rinaldi lets out a snort.

"Of course they were. Leave it to GM Pancho to make a grand entrance, especially in a city he expects to see GM Jon in."

The Monsters GM and his scouts then show security their badges before they are allowed into the facility. Once they enter, the scouts quickly go to set up in their own little spot while Rinaldi decides to take a lap. He notices GM Pancho, GM BIG DOG, and GM Cory having a conversation before his eyes move elsewhere. He and GM Stark make eye contact, nod at one another, then Stark goes back to looking at his laptop. Rinaldi then spots GM Gooch trying to wipe off the BBQ sauce from his white shirt, causing him to roll his eyes. Finally, the Italian American GM spots GM Fosters, a bit surprised that the Aussie GM isn't being a bit more...extravagant with his presence at this year's combine. Rinaldi decides to walk over and start up a conversation with him.

"So...you really went through with that Elvis Edward deal, huh?"

[GM Fosters]

GM Fosters smiles a toothy grin and replies to GM Rinaldi:

"Hooroo Rinaldi!

Yeah I pulled the trigger... been a big fan of his for a couple of years now. How you getting on stirring my porridge in Michigan?"

[GM Dougie]

GM Doug steps into the room.

"Who has scotch?"

[GM Justin]

GM Justin enters the combine area and walks up to GM Doug. GM Justin gives GM Doug a slight nod and then hands him a bottle of Angels Envy.

[GM Dario]

Will!   Good to meet ya! 
Always happy to take a couple minutes and talk with a fellow special teamer.   

The 49ers had a rough go in the Hawaii Bowl against Memphis this past year but, it's still Hawaii, so still plenty to enjoy.

You were a 3 year or 4 year starter in Charlotte, right?  I know Richardson Stadium has that D-Shaped Closed end and those endzone buildings can funnel some cross winds at times. And in most places in the HIFL *looks around at the Snow Globe* weather and the winds can often play a factor in games.

So how was kickin' in the QC?

[GM Dario]

Actually, Will. Don't answer that.

Some of the others might be thinkin' I'm tryin' to get extra info.

I don't wanna mess anythin' up for you... or for me.

So good luck out there, Will. I'll be rootin' for ya.

[GM Josh]

GM Josh shuffles in late looking clearly spaced out like he had some herbal remedies before showing up.

My fellow GMs I have made it and am ready to show this combine that Smarter football is watching.

[GM Yount]

BIG DOG overhears GM Josh and starts to get a bit paranoid.

"WAIT WHAT DOES HE MEAN QUOTE SMARTER FOOTBALL IS WATCHING UNQUOTE"

She rips her necklace off & smashes it with a tiny hammer in case it's bugged; perhaps a bit ironic given who she works for.

[GM Gooch]

GM GOOCH WALKS UP TO DARIO AS HE'S FINISHING HIS CONVERSATION.

"Hey Dario! Great year our there on the field. A few more seasons like that and you may be in Hall of Fame considerations. I didn't mean to interrupt, just wanted to give you your flowers. You worked hard and it paid off. Well done. Proud of you.

[GM Black Death]

Not one for fanfare, It was never his style, GM Black Death sent his coaches ahead to combine to get the info that he wanted. So making entrance now same as good timing for the moment. Just a black SUV rental pulling into the parking area. Coming into the staging area, Black Death is dressed in a casual tan on tan 2 pieces leisure suit, Well tailored button-down shirt with an open collar, A fedora tan straw hat, and causal tan loafers. He leans heavily on a  cane with the logo of his team the San Antonio Knights on the top of the cane. He sees the other Gms around, talking to each other, but does not move to engage anyone in conversation. He feels this is a business trip and with his butt in the hot seat with his owner and fan base, he feels he going to need to hit a home run with his first pick if this season going to be successful this coming season and get his butt out of the hot seat.

He walks with a limp toward the area where his coaches have set up to watch the drills and wants that info on the players he targeted very badly. He can not wait to read it and find his next star.  He knows if any of the other Gms want to talk to him they come by and chat. He knows when it is time to be social and when it is business time. This is serious business time for him.

[GM Dario]

Not interrupin' at all, Gooch.  The kid's just sayin' Hello. 

And Don't get the HoF stuff ready.
One good year, does not make a career. 
Now if I play 'til like I'm 50 or 55, we might start talkin' HoF.

Right now, it's more about findin' a couple gems for the SkyBear's team, and a plateful of the good stuff.

[GM Rinaldi]

GM Fosters smiles a toothy grin and replies to GM Rinaldi:

"Hooroo Rinaldi!

Yeah I pulled the trigger... been a big fan of his for a couple of years now. How you getting on stirring my porridge in Michigan?"

"Surely there's better wording to describe taking over your team than that?

Anyway, I suppose it's going quite alright. Have two early first rounders to work with so hopefully it looks a lot less like your team and a lot more like mine by the time the season rolls around."

[GM Fosters]

Probably... I've been told I have a way with words... not always convinced people have said it in a positive way mind you...

Anyway! Good stuff. There's a lot of good blokes left in that side and sure you'll top it up with decent players with the great draft capital you have. I'm sure under your watchful gaze and direction you'll be fighting St Paul and Cleveland for the divison title in no time at all

[GM Dougie]

(GM Doug and GM Justin stare out at everyone while sipping some fine scotch...Justin mumbling about how someone is acting elitist and Doug doing math in his head for no reason.)

[GM Mike Powers]

Coach Dobbins and other members of the Milwaukee staff are seen arriving, though they are hanging around the exit of the facility - clearly waiting for something.  A low rumble is heard, and a member of the Milwaukee staff pokes his head out the door, then looks back inside and motions for others to follow him outside.  The Milwaukee contingent exits to the rear of the building, followed by many curious onlookers including athletes, agents, and others attending the combine. 



The low roar becomes louder and someone points at something in the air.  A biplane, sporting the purple and gold colors of the Milwaukee Barons, can be seen in the sky.  The pilot is clearly skilled as he shows off impressive maneuvers in the classicly styled plane.  After a few minutes the plane squares up to a cordoned off strip of land behind the facility which has been clearly set up as a runway.  The pilot lands the plane to the excitement of the crowd and taxis it's way towards the assembled onlookers.

From out of the pilots seat Milwaukee Barons owner Carmine Barone emerges, popping off his helmet and almost comically lighting a cigar in front of a large 'no smoking' sign.



Also emerging from the plane is Milwaukee General Manager Mike Powers.  Clearly pumped after being in the air moments ago, he lets out a loud whoop as he hops down to the ground.  He walks over to Mr. Barone and shakes his hand, while also gently declining his offer of a cigar.  Powers picks up his bag and walks into the Combine looking for his coaching staff to get started with the evaluation process.

[Talon]

GM Pancho... that was a wild entrance you made --


ZION MOSS POINTS OVER TO GM POWERS WITH A SLY GRIN

...but yeah... His was better.

[GM Gooch]

AFTER THE CONCLUSION OF HIS CONVERSATION WITH GM DARIO, GM GOOCH WATCHES SOME EVENTS WITH HIS COACHES, HE SEES POWERS ENTRANCE INTO THE ARENA.

That was amazing.

GM GOOCH AND HIS STAFF CONTINUE TO WATCH THE EVENTS OF THE DAY.

[GM Pancho]

'Fly Under the Radar' echoes in GM Pancho's ears as his phone begins to vibrate again.  At first he's confused why his GM Powers Annual Christmas Card Alert was set to go off this soon but soon realizes its his social media app alerting him of something GM Powers did.  Much as he had noticed with GM Big Dog's entrance he sees how GM Powers entering the combine had massively popped numbers on social media.  He catches a sight of GM Powers - maybe the most crooked GM ever; short of that ass hat GM Lucas - with his team when he hears a voice behind him.

GM Pancho... that was a wild entrance you made --


ZION MOSS POINTS OVER TO GM POWERS WITH A SLY GRIN

...but yeah... His was better.

Turning around he suddenly realizes that Zion Moss is talking to him.

"Like a great business mind said once, 'Sometimes it is a big dick competition.' Zion Moss!"

GM Pancho gives the player some dap.

"I remember the day the Fighting Irish got you to commit. 'Freak of Nature' Edge Rusher Zion Moss!  Big Fish landed! Hell of a thing backing up your words and helping Notre Dame be the top 25 team you said they were.  Love that kind of confidence AND determination in a player. You hoping Dallas gets to draft you and reunite you or you expecting to go earlier than that?"

[Talon]

Yo I hear the critics saying I should've stayed in school until "I was ready" but 18, 19, 25, it don't matter how old I am, I am build for this game and I am going to play at a high level.   I should be the #1 pick, on God.

[GM Mike Powers]

GM POWERS FINISHES CONFERRING WITH HIS STAFF, WHO DISPERSE TO WATCH THE DRILLS UNFOLD. POWERS WALKS TOWARDS HIS FELLOW GMS, NODDING AT HIS PAL GM GOOCH, BEFORE STOPPING AND CATCHING THE END OF THE CONVERSATION BETWEEN GM PANCHO AND ZION MOSS.

Pancho, always nice to see you. Enjoying the GM Rep mantle, or have you come to regret representing our motley crew?

Zion, nice to lay eyes on you in person. Tape doesn't do you justice, you are a beast. I hear you telling Pancho here that you should be the #1 pick - that's a bold proclamation to make. Can't wait to see you back it up out there in the drills.

[Talon]

 

Yeah GM Powers, I hear you there. I'm about to start so if you dont want to miss out you better get to it too.

[GM Dario]

Dario samples the fine cuisine brought by GM Gooch as he watches over the Combine, making note of the interactions between players and GM's. 
He looks over at Coach Graham and the assistants, then gets a chime from his phone. 
Setting the plate of food down beside of him, he checks his phone.

Good!  Shay is on location for the FemFL Showcase.   
Her first gig as a Scout and it's in South Beach.
Meanwhile, I'm in Minnesota. 
Shay 1, Dario 0.

He laughs for a second as he puts his phone away.

Let's hope Shay has a fruitful trip

[GM Pancho]

A familiar old raspy voice is heard as GM Pancho realizes that GM Powers has jumped into the conversation.  He nods as Powers addresses him but doesn't actually allow him to reply as he quickly starts up a conversation with Zion.  After they finish their conversation and Zion seems to march off to do some athletic drills GM Pancho turns back to Powers

If I'm admitting it I am enjoying the perks of the job.  Added security, access to a private banking account, creating rules to keep wayward GM's from ever sabotaging another team.  I had hoped you would have supported my platform for dues but once again I am disappointed by my fellow GM's who don't seem to share my vision.  But it's only my first off season.  Time will tell. Speaking of disappointments - just making sure - your address is still the same right?  We've got a photoshoot in a bit for your annual HiFL Christmard card amongst the champions.  Would hate for it not to make it to the right location.

[GM Mike Powers]

GM POWERS CHUCKLES

Still rolling with that tired joke, huh? I bet you and your friends still shout "WAZZZZZZUP" at each other, right?

Best of luck this upcoming season Panch. I'll see ya later.

GM POWERS WALKS OVER TO WHERE COACH DOBBINS IS STANDING, AND WATCHES THE ONGOING DRILLS AS SOME INTERN BRINGS HIM A PLATE OF BBQ AND AN ICE COLD DR. PEPPER.

[GM Franchise]

A limousine drives up to the combine and stops at the entry way where it's normally the VIP parking entrance. The limousine stops and the driver gets out. He then opens up the passenger side door ar which point GM Franchise and his coaching staff get out. They walk inside the combine and start looking around. Franchise looks around and notices all the fake machismo going on at which point he rolls his eyes at all the manipulation tactics going on.

"Fools" he mutters under his breath as he and his coaching staff find a seating area. He doesn't acknowledge anybody nobody since most of them are distracted by each other or by talking to players who they'll try to trade up to draft. He motions for the waitress and orders three bottles of Cabernet, a pitcher or margaritas, and some tequila shots. He hands the waitress his card and when she returns with the drinks she gets a big tip going by the percentage on the order. After this he starts looking at the combine events and says "Have no fear, Franchise is finally here. I'd rather be low key than make a big, egotistical entrance. Waitress, keep the Cabernet coming and Coaches, let's find us some talent here."

[GM Pancho]

Completely shocked and insulted by GM Powers proclamation; GM Pancho is quick to react

Tired Joke!?





.... It's sacred tradition .....

GM Pancho words fall on deaf ears as he realizes that GM Powers had already turned and left without hearing his reaction.  Realizing he is now standing by himself, GM Pancho goes to grab his phone as it vibrates again with a notification.  The notification shows its a text from GM Garcia texting "WAZZZZZZUP   - eta 25 minutes!"  GM Pancho returns the WAZZZZZZZUP back and drops the pin.