NBA: Miracle Workers

Chapter 123 Lonely Exit (Daily Chapter)

In early December 1998, Patrick Ewing, who won the championship, seemed to be floating.

After the labor agreement negotiations at the end of last month broke up again, in an interview at the beginning of the month, he made a surprising statement in order to maintain the players' strike position:
"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 was already plump, his face was covered with flesh, and his appearance had dropped drastically. This sentence made him break the circle, and almost all the paper media reported this matter.

Although the words of the gorilla are true, the way of expression is too straightforward, which still makes people anxious.
The chain reaction was that when Li You participated in the press conference of his signature sneakers on December 12, some media chased him to the press conference in order to interview him.

In the Sony Studios in midtown Manhattan, the popularity of the second brother Anfernee Hardaway has declined, and the demand for sneakers has changed. At this time, Li You carried the "spray" and "bubble" series.

Since the new season failed to start as scheduled, and the situation of his elder brother Michael Jordan is unknown, Hook worked hard for Li You's new signature shoes.

Choosing to be in Sony Studios is not only to release new signature shoes, but also to allow fans to participate more. This treatment is basically the same as the 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 was a bit short, there are a lot of beautiful balls, knock downs, wonderful passes, big heart lore, big brother Michael Jordan has become the best background board again
The film ended with Li You's voice, and huge words appeared on the screen:
"Anything is possible!"

The plan was well planned, and the media reporters also took care of it, but the words of the gorilla caused more media to follow the climax
Sneaker designer Eric Eva didn't care about the media watching the movie. After the movie ended, he laughed and applauded.

The film is really good-looking, or Li You's style of play is really gorgeous, and the effect of combined marketing is very good.

Eric Ewa liked his newly designed signature sneakers very much, and he introduced his design concept to the media reporters in the audience:
"Double Zoom is retained, with a large area of ​​carbon fiber board and Foamposite upper. At the same time, the dynamic inner boots strengthen the wrapping of the sneakers."

"All the support is used where it needs protection the most, the weight of the shoe is reduced, and the activity can also 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 can see in the video. This is Li's exclusive action. I hope you will like this series!"

"."

In the audience, Li You was chatting with Bill Colehoun, the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated.

The signature shoes are ready to be officially released on Christmas. At that time, Sports Illustrated will also take the opportunity to launch a special interview issue, and cut a wave of leeks by the way.

At this time, Li You, who was dressed in formal attire, was covered with products from the sponsor. If the ears were not blind, the earrings would have to be arranged.
"Pat's situation is not good. This speech is too hasty. You have to pay attention to the reporters' questions later."

Bill Colehorn covered his mouth and reminded Li You in a low voice beside him that even if the PR arrangements were made in advance, no one could have predicted what outrageous questions the reporters for hot news would ask.

Li You nodded. He had bid farewell to the small crew cut style 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 very simple:
"Lee Flightpostie 1"

The tongue part is Li You's personal dribbling action, and there is a hook mark on the upper. The two sides make a concession to each other, which is the product of mutual compromise.

With the memory in Li You's mind, his signature shoes are similar to "Air Flightpostie 1", with higher configuration and more colorful colors
The orange sole and shiny white body, in order to reduce weight, the front of the shoe body is made of black breathable material, coupled with the zipper design, it is highly recognizable in this era.

The well-funded media reporters actively asked questions according to the script, while Li You and Eric Ewa smiled and introduced anecdotes about sneaker design.

The press conference went well until a reporter from the Chicago Tribune asked maliciously:
"Lee, how do you think your teammates have Ewing's recent opinion, 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:
"Maybe everyone is over-interpreting Pat's words. The players spend a lot, which means that in order to polish their bodies, we need more professional training."

"It's a real expense, we need to get faster and stronger on the pitch, get stronger physically, but also need to be agile."

"The body is the foundation of our survival. I believe that many players will choose to polish their skills during the offseason. Even if they spend a lot of money, everyone is willing."

As soon as Li You finished speaking, the TNT reporter on the side laughed and joked:
"Lee, we all saw your schedule and news during the offseason, but Pat has become a fat man, which doesn't fit your statement."

Soon, the media booed around and said:

"How much fat has he gained? We saw him in Atlanta, wow! That's 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, everyone can be prepared, we will first give the fans the Knicks away limited color matching sneakers!"

The cheers from the fans finally put the topic to rest. When Li You on the stage thought of the fat gorilla, he couldn't help but twitched his mouth:
"The old guy swelled up 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 "Supernatural Pleasure" was also present. The film will be released in mid-October, but the box office results are mediocre.

Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, two beautiful girls, were constantly chuckled by Jimmy Fallon and Will Fano. Christmas is approaching, and this is the last moment for everyone to get together.Pretty girls won't get together. Not long ago, Jennifer Connelly, who had a broken relationship, was wearing a black dress and drinking casually with Li You on the other side.

"I wonder if Madam would like to sleep with me tonight?"

Li You's intentions were obvious. The two met at the promotional event of the "Moving Soul City" movie 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 circling around Nicole Kidman, and immediately whispered to Connery, who was drinking beside him, in a daze:

"wait a second!"

While Jimmy Fallon was holding champagne, Li You leaned over and reminded in a low voice:

"Man, you gotta take your chance!"

Wearing a formal suit, Jimmy Fallon really looked like a handsome guy, but at this time he deliberately pretended to be stupid and said:
"We just got along, she has a family!"

Li You pouted, and the girls who could come to the party were ready to pass the boring time.

The two whispered, and Nicole Kidman, who was wearing a white dress on the other side, immediately joked:

"Li, how about having the opportunity to take us to Las Vegas, we also want to experience the feeling of killing the Quartet!"

"Of course, no one can refuse Nicole's request!"

Although the pretty girl is a bit older, her hair is up and her makeup is still exquisite. Under the stimulation of alcohol, her eyes are moving, obviously wanting the eagle to catch the chick.

Li You responded with a smile, and poked Jimmy Fallon by the way. In the private party, everyone was relaxed and chatted. Under the stimulation of alcohol, they were about to enter the next stage.

But we all have identities, so we don’t just find a room and go in.
Sending out an invitation is also very simple, one look and one action are enough.

Tina Fey was considered a serious girl. Seeing Li You leaving the stage with Connery in her arms, and then looking at Jimmy Fallon who was still courting him, she couldn't help complaining in a low voice:
"Men don't have a good thing!"

The circle in New York is not big, and Jimmy Fallon didn’t seize the opportunity in the end. Will Fano told Li You with a smile on the next day:

"Jimmy almost fell asleep talking to Nicole!"

The title of good man Jimmy spread among several people. This shy and handsome guy finally chose not to participate in the silver party and stayed at home to play games
On the 16th, Li You celebrated Christen Ritter's birthday, and the little follower was so touched that he unlocked more knowledge.

Before Christmas, huge posters of Li You and his 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.

Before Christmas Eve, December 1998, 12, a bearded David Stern announced:
If the two sides still fail to reach an agreement before January 1999, 1, the NBA will recommend canceling all remaining games of the season!
To show the seriousness of the matter and his dedication to his work, David Stern also personally stated that he will not shave his beard until the collective bargaining agreement dispute is resolved.
Whether it's a show or pressure, Mr. President's ultimatum caused chaos in the players union, and many people didn't have a good Christmas.

On December 1998, 12, Li You and Milinda spent their 31st birthday together at their home in Hartford.

Due to his good friend Ai Wenyin's lying down a lot, he has been hospitalized since August, this birthday, Li You lived a particularly low-key one.

"Happy has also grown up, not as cute as when I was a child!"

Nestled in Li You's arms, Milinda shared his little life and hugged the girl in his arms tightly, but at this moment he missed Albuquerque very much.

On January 1999, 1, just after the start of the new year, 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 1, Michael Jordan held a press conference with David Stern and the Bulls front office.

The major media seemed to realize something, and all flocked to Chicago.

Although both parties have not formally signed the agreement, some terms have been disclosed, and the promise of Mike and the super maximum salary have become the biggest burden.

Michael Jordan in formal attire sat on the stage, still accompanied by David Stern.

It seems that there is no difference from the first retirement, except that Michael is older, and without too much courtesy, he simply said:

"Thanks to all the fans who have supported me, today I choose to officially retire from the Chicago Bulls."

Even though they had predicted what would happen in advance, at this moment, the media in the audience still exclaimed and kept asking questions while frantically pressing the shutter:
"Mike, why did you make such a choice?"

"Is it a management problem?"

"."

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