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Franklinnoble · 01-29-2004, 02:52 PM

Reston, VA
March, 2027

Franklin arrived at Redskins Park in a black limousine. There were no reporters there to record his arrival - nobody suspected what was about to happen. He was met at the door and escorted by a young woman to a waiting area outside a conference room. "Mr. Snyder will be over shortly; his previous meeting ran a little late. May I bring you anything?"

"No, thank you." Franklin relaxed on a plush leather sofa and contemplated his decision once more. There was still time to change his mind, if he really wanted to.

No, he thought, this was the best decision. He had made the San Diego Chargers into one of the most lucrative and successful franchises in sports, and he had a fistful of Super Bowl rings to show for it. He had made a personal profit of over $130 million per year for the last 8 years (Triveri had been paid off long ago), and he certainly didn't need to hang on for the money. When Derek Williams announced his retirement after his 18th season, in which he secured a solid hold on the all-time passing yardage record with over 72,000 career yards, Franklin knew he didn't want to have to re-build the Chargers again around another quarterback. Besides, there was a rare opportunity for him here in Washington - one he couldn't pass up.

Dan Snyder had been the owner of the Redskins for 30 years, and had never won a Super Bowl. Bitter and defeated, and plagued with a chronic heart condition, he had decided to retire. He privately wanted to sell the team, but few parties were interested. The Redskins were no longer a top draw in D.C., and the aging FedEx Field was in dire need of repair or replacement, and the local government had refused all overtures requesting aid. For the last several years, Snyder had only kept a passing interest in the day-to-day affairs of the club, hoping that someone would offer him enough for the team to cover its debts and leave him with a comfortable retirement fund. That was why Franklin was here today.

Snyder and his attorneys arrived, along with Russell Winston, who had been working with Snyder's people on the deal. They entered the conference room and got down to business. Snyder's attorney spoke while Snyder just stared blankly at the table.

"Alright, gentlemen. We have a simple contract here. Franklin Brown will buy Mr. Snyder's 51% interest in the Washington Redskins for $300 million. Mr. Brown will also buy out the minority investors for $299 million. Additionally, Mr. Brown will be responsible for settling $400 million in debt that the team owes. Any questions?"

The lawyers talked some more, but the details didn't bother Franklin. He had enough cash to buy the team as it was - and that was before he sold the Chargers, which was going to net him over $1.2 billion.

Before the meeting adjourned, Snyder spoke up. "Why are you doing this? You already own one of the most successful and lucrative teams in the NFL."

Franklin smiled. "The Chargers are a well-oiled machine. They're in the playoffs just about every year. My stadium sells out every home game. My franchise QB just retired, and it would be easy to re-build the team, but where's the fun in that?"

"So this is just some game to you?"

"Football is a game, Mr. Snyder. I happen to have a knack for owning football teams, and I will enjoy the challenge of re-building another lost franchise. Besides, there's another reason..."

"What's that?"

"I'll let you in on a little secret, Mr. Snyder. While I love my Chargers, I grew up a Redskins fan. If I were able to pick any team in the world to bring back to glory, it would be the Washington Redskins. Well, now I'm able, and that's exactly what I plan to do."

"I already tried."

"You did, and there's no questioning your effort. Now I'd like a shot at it."

With that, the papers were signed, and the deal was done. A press conference was scheduled for that afternoon, and there would be a lot of questions to answer.

01-29-2004, 02:52 PM	#34
Franklinnoble Banned Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Placerville, CA	Reston, VA March, 2027 Franklin arrived at Redskins Park in a black limousine. There were no reporters there to record his arrival - nobody suspected what was about to happen. He was met at the door and escorted by a young woman to a waiting area outside a conference room. "Mr. Snyder will be over shortly; his previous meeting ran a little late. May I bring you anything?" "No, thank you." Franklin relaxed on a plush leather sofa and contemplated his decision once more. There was still time to change his mind, if he really wanted to. No, he thought, this was the best decision. He had made the San Diego Chargers into one of the most lucrative and successful franchises in sports, and he had a fistful of Super Bowl rings to show for it. He had made a personal profit of over $130 million per year for the last 8 years (Triveri had been paid off long ago), and he certainly didn't need to hang on for the money. When Derek Williams announced his retirement after his 18th season, in which he secured a solid hold on the all-time passing yardage record with over 72,000 career yards, Franklin knew he didn't want to have to re-build the Chargers again around another quarterback. Besides, there was a rare opportunity for him here in Washington - one he couldn't pass up. Dan Snyder had been the owner of the Redskins for 30 years, and had never won a Super Bowl. Bitter and defeated, and plagued with a chronic heart condition, he had decided to retire. He privately wanted to sell the team, but few parties were interested. The Redskins were no longer a top draw in D.C., and the aging FedEx Field was in dire need of repair or replacement, and the local government had refused all overtures requesting aid. For the last several years, Snyder had only kept a passing interest in the day-to-day affairs of the club, hoping that someone would offer him enough for the team to cover its debts and leave him with a comfortable retirement fund. That was why Franklin was here today. Snyder and his attorneys arrived, along with Russell Winston, who had been working with Snyder's people on the deal. They entered the conference room and got down to business. Snyder's attorney spoke while Snyder just stared blankly at the table. "Alright, gentlemen. We have a simple contract here. Franklin Brown will buy Mr. Snyder's 51% interest in the Washington Redskins for $300 million. Mr. Brown will also buy out the minority investors for $299 million. Additionally, Mr. Brown will be responsible for settling $400 million in debt that the team owes. Any questions?" The lawyers talked some more, but the details didn't bother Franklin. He had enough cash to buy the team as it was - and that was before he sold the Chargers, which was going to net him over $1.2 billion. Before the meeting adjourned, Snyder spoke up. "Why are you doing this? You already own one of the most successful and lucrative teams in the NFL." Franklin smiled. "The Chargers are a well-oiled machine. They're in the playoffs just about every year. My stadium sells out every home game. My franchise QB just retired, and it would be easy to re-build the team, but where's the fun in that?" "So this is just some game to you?" "Football is a game, Mr. Snyder. I happen to have a knack for owning football teams, and I will enjoy the challenge of re-building another lost franchise. Besides, there's another reason..." "What's that?" "I'll let you in on a little secret, Mr. Snyder. While I love my Chargers, I grew up a Redskins fan. If I were able to pick any team in the world to bring back to glory, it would be the Washington Redskins. Well, now I'm able, and that's exactly what I plan to do." "I already tried." "You did, and there's no questioning your effort. Now I'd like a shot at it." With that, the papers were signed, and the deal was done. A press conference was scheduled for that afternoon, and there would be a lot of questions to answer.