Buffalo Bulls CAP Dynasty - Chapter 2, part 1 - acts238shaun's Blog

acts238shaun's Blog

Buffalo Bulls CAP Dynasty - Chapter 2, part 1

Posted on June 7, 2009 at 12:12 PM.

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"This is Steve Levy with ESPN. We are taking you away from your current programming to a press conference in Buffalo, NY, where it is assumed a new head coach will be announced. there has been no mention of a hire made, but much speculation exists that the person in question was not officially interviewed. The only information we have is Sergeant Major of the Marine Corp, Marcus Pope, will introduce the new head coach and not Athletic Director Warde Manual, who will make a statement later in the conference. Here is the Sergeant Major taking the podium."

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"Good morning. The last time you were here, announcements were made, leaving an opening in the Buffalo Football Department. Coach Gill is a fine man, and it is understandable that he would want to move on. The circumstances he would have to continue under require, not a better man, but a different one. I can tell you from first hand knowledge that Buffalo has found that man. He contacted Director Warde, giving him many reasons why he would be the perfect fit as Buffalo head coach. Director Warde was honest, stating he wasn't on the list of candidates, not being a coordinator or a head coach, but listened. The man I am to introduce It turns out he is so much more.

At age seventeen, he joined the Marine Corp with a recommendation from U.S. Senator Alphonse D'Amato for the United States Naval Academy. I had the privilege of being his drill instructor at While playing at Navy, he was a four year starter and a two time All-American, winning the Butkus Award his senior season. He graduated with degrees in Political Science and History and the rank of Marine Corp Second Lieutenant. For his heroism and valor in the liberation of Afghanistan from the Taliban, he was awarded the Navy Cross. Per his request, he returned to Parris Island as a drill instructor. While there, he trained many young men into excellent, combat ready Marines.

After fulfilling his service to his country, he signed a free agent contract with the New England Patriots, winning Super Bowl rings as a member of the 2003 and 2004 teams. In 2005 he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, and retired at the end of the 2006 season as a three-time Pro-Bowler.

Not one to stay still, he was the linebacker coach for Boston college this past season, leaving his mark there on the players he coached.

I understand this has been a longer introduction, but certain circumstances require a specially skilled man, a man that would be worth of such an introduction as I have given. Without further ado, I would like to welcome the new head coach of the Buffalo University Bulls, Mr. Eli Cohen."

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"Eli, besides being from Buffalo, what was your interest in the opening here?", one reporter shouted.

"That was obviously the deciding factor, to coach in my hometown. My brother and I would have attended and played football here were it not for the opportunity to enter the Naval Academy. The other reason would be the rather unique events that have taken place. I can't say anything more than that at this moment."

Another reporter stood, pen and paper at the ready. "Speaking of your brother, it is known that his son has lived with you the past several years. With Sal being one of the top Athlete recruits in the country, will he come with you to Buffalo and play for the Bulls? If so, what position will he play?"

Eli expected this question and had a response prepared, as he did for over 100 other possible questions. "As his guardian, I can comment that he will enroll in January, having graduated early. He has the grades and SAT score required by the state university system to receive an academic scholarship. As Buffalo head coach, I can't comment on a recruit until after we receive their signed letter-of-intent."

Near the back an older gentleman stood. He was short and portly, with a thick black mustache that matched his poorly concealed toupee. Eli recognized him, but barely after being away from Buffalo for eighteen years. Ricky Cantatucci, known by his readers and aquantances as Ricky Tucci, was a regular patron at his parent's restaurant. Everyone in the old neighborhood knew that he was in Fausto Bassani's pocket. Like his father, Eli was indifferent; until the day Gianni Genovese was gunned down during dinner.

That day, now eighteen years ago, Tucci was occupying his usual booth and eating his usual, his Nonna's spaghetti. When Gianni came in and was seated he walked outside to make a phone call. His dad had a scrambler inside to inhibit cell and pager signals. If anyone needed to use the phone, they would have to use the payphone or the house phone. Caleb Cohen wanted it that way - he was going to have it on camera. This cut down on 'business' and protected his family.

Tucci never returned to finish his dinner. Twenty minutes later, Gianni Genovese and his consiliere were both dead and Fausto Bassani the family boss. Two weeks later, with he and Sal having just turned 17, Eli and his brother were in boot camp, leaving his parents and Nonna in Federal Witness Protection custody. His dad rationalized that the Mob wouldn't dare mess with them in boot camp or at Annapolis, and against their wishes had the authorities 'relocate' him and Sal.

"Eli...may I call you Eli?" Tucci asked. Eli nodded. he didn't want to give anything away.

"Why did you leave Buffalo? After doing some research, I found that you were born here and left around your 17th birthday. What were the circumstances of your departure? It seems you and your entire family moved around the time of the Gianni Genovese killing in December 1994." Tucci was smug, looking as if he had just revealed the location of Atlantis.

"This is about Buffalo football, which makes your question unrelated. I believe my friend just spoke of what I had been doing the last eighteen years..." Eli replied, until Tucci cut him off.

"Yeah...but what facilitated the events your Seargent spoke of."

"Seargent Major of the Marines. If you are going to refence his rank, please be respectful, as he is the only one in his position in the entire world." Eli kept his calm tone, correcting him. "Remember, we are at war and such men deserve our respect."

"'Scuse me...you didn't answer my question. What made the Cohen's leave town?" Tucci was known as a media bulldog, but he had his jaws around a wrist. Eli went for Ricky's jugular.

"Mr. Cantatucci, may I call you Ricardo? Is that your name?" Tucci's smug grin left him.

"You are from Buffalo if I remember, is that correct?"

"Yeah," Tucci replied, acting as if Eli had requested a redition of the alphabet. "Everyone knows that."

Eli had him setup. "As a matter of fact, I remember you lived around the corner from my parent's restaurant. We're from the same neighborhood, you an I. I remember bringing you some Spaghetti Siciliano about twenty minutes before Gianni genovese was gunned down."

"Hold on a second!" Tucci yelld. He held up both chubby hands in protest, looking around the room. Not only were cameras there from local stations, but there were the two large ESPN cameras at either rear corner. "I don't think I like what you are saying..."

"I remember you never finished your meal. You always finished, eating dessert and two glasses of Vino on top of that. Nonna always said you were going to be huge if you didn't moderate yourself."

Cantatucci left, with TV camera following.

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Fausto Bassani, at home watching the press conference, admired his handiwork. His actions were coming full circle. He looked at Freddie, his consigliere, telling him "Pick up Tucci."