TT: Good day, everyone! This is Tito Thompson of the Kingsport Times, coming to you live via Skype for Business with my favorite Linebacker from Kingsport, Lawrence Bass. Lawrence, thank you for joining me during these absolutely crazy times!
LB: My man, Tito, with the fantastic intro once again. Thank you for having me.
TT: Not even a pandemic can keep me from talking to the home town hero. I’m happy we got all the technical difficulties worked out.
LB: Most definitely. I’ve got this webcam from like middle school; I’m just happy it still works.
TT: Me too. So, Lawrence, let’s get right into it. How are you feeling as your first season in the DSFL, draws to a close?
LB: Well, slow your roll there, chief. We ain’t done just yet!
TT: I suppose you’re right. You need a couple big dominoes to fall, but it’s still a possibility for The Grey Ducks to reach the playoffs.
LB: Damn straight! And we’re gunna make those dominoes drop, for sure. We both know I’d rather be in a much more certain position, but I love the idea of making this run with my team and shocking all the folks who said we were done.
TT: Let’s talk about the scenarios, shall we?
LB: Sure thing.
TT: If you win both of your…
LB: Tito, we’re winning both games. No “if.”
TT: Right. Please, excuse me. When, you win both of your remaining games, you still need Portland to lose one of theirs. Those games are at Dallas and home against the Royals.
LB: Seems reasonable to me.
TT: Now, this scenario does assume, as you said, that you beat the Royals at home, and the mighty Coyotes in Kansas City. Those are both incredibly tough games.
LB: I didn’t come to the pros for cakewalks. Our team is starting to put all the pieces together at the right time. I won’t say we’re “peaking at the right time” because I don’t think we’ve peaked yet. But, if you look at our games the last couple weeks, you’ll see we’ve made huge strides. I think we forced 5 turnovers and had 5 sacks. That’s not bad at all.
TT: I will say, the offense found some happiness against the Seawolves, but they still struggled against Portland. Granted they do have a stiff defense as well.
LB: And you’d be right to say that. Look, man, I see these guys working week after week. All of’em; Skuff, Lack, Willie, Snow, Wolf, Vega, Yoda. All of our guys are out there busting their ass every week, getting better. I think we might surprise some people with how we finish, but we’re not going to surprise ourselves. Promise you that.
TT: I would never accuse you or the Ducks of not working hard! Now, for the sake of doing my job as a reporter, what has to happen if you somehow lose one of your games, in the upcoming weeks?
LB: I think that would mean that the snakes would have to lose both of theirs. Not entirely impossible, because both the expansion teams have really shown a lot of fight this year. We know from experience. But, anything can happen. All I know, is that the QuackAttack is gunna be on full blast. The ball is not safe when we’re on the field.
TT: I absolutely love the QuackAttack moniker you’ve dawned for this defensive unit. What was the inspiration?
LB: Ducks can be vicious, man! Trust me. You know about Duck Island back in Kingsport. Sure, it’s fun to get out there and feed them and ride the little paddle boats out on the water with them. But, if a duck is in danger, the whole crew’s ready to scrap! It’s on sight. And that’s how I feel we play. The unit flies together to the ball to make the play. If someone is in trouble, or a bad spot, we fly over to cover.
TT: I do love Duck Island, but I see your point. Was there any inspiration drawn from the greats of the past?
LB: Oh! Absolutely. You already know I loved The Legion of Boom. And the Purple People Eaters were legendary. This defense may not be as good as some of those groups, but if we all played together for a few more years, I bet the QuackAttack could get there.
TT: Well, speaking of playing together, the draft is fast approaching. And this year, there’s the added twist of the expansion draft, thanks to the addition of two brand new teams! What are your initial thoughts on the expansion?
LB: When I saw the size of this draft class for the DSFL, I struggled to figure out how they’d make room for most of us in the NSFL. So, when they announced the two new teams, that all started to make a little more sense. The locations are a little opposite though!
TT: Certainly! Sarasota and Honolulu have a couple differences, I’d say. Does the idea of this expansion draft change some of your ideas on where you may potentially end up?
LB: Most definitely. When it was just the standard 10 teams, it was much easier to sort of see what teams needed what, where they were picking, and if it made sense for them to draft me.
TT: It makes sense to draft you, no matter the positional need, Lawrence.
LB: Thank you for saying, so. See, that’s why I still do interviews with you, Tito. You know how to make a guy feel some type of way.
TT: I’m happy to do it. And I’m glad you still make time for little old me.
LB: Don’t sell yourself short. You’re fantastic at what you do. But, like I was saying, I had sort of done some preliminary research and had ideas of where I could possibly go. But, when the commish announced the expansion draft, that all went out the window. There’s really no way to know how teams will look after this.
TT: That’s right. Each team gets to protect seven players initially, then they gain an additional protection once a player is picked from their team. Once three players have been chosen from one team, everyone else on the team is locked. But, what teams do with those initial protections is going to be incredibly interesting.
LB: Exactly. Do they let some of their older players get poached, even if they have gas left in the tank, in favor of protecting younger talent? Do some players see the writing on the wall and retire rather than get shipped to a new team that’s most likely going to struggle for the final years of their career? There are so many possibilities. I’m not sure what I would do in their shoes.
TT: Do you mean if the General Manager came to you, as a veteran, and said, “Look, we’re not going to protect you, and we’ll see how the chips fall,”?
LB: Right. If I had put a solid number of years into a team and they were okay rolling the dice on me leaving, I don’t know that I’d be strong enough to let that slide and call it a “business decision.”
TT: I see. That has to be in some of these players’ minds. And, certainly, the GMs have difficult decisions to make with this too. We can’t dismiss their role as easy, in all of this.
LB: Oh, for sure. They have a harder job than the players in this draft, I think. They basically have to say to the whole team, “We value these seven players more than the rest of you.” It’s super hard as a player to not take it personal, if they don’t pick you. But, they have to think about the future of their franchise as a whole, not just the future of their current players. I definitely do not envy them.
TT: That is a great perspective. Quite a mature outlook on the situation.
LB: Thank you.
TT: You mentioned earlier that you had done some preliminary draft research. What were your thoughts about your prospects, before they announced the expansion?
LB: Much simpler times, I’ll tell you that.
TT: I believe that!
LB: Any other year, I think it’s safe to say a player of my caliber would probably have gone in the second round, possibly late first depending on team needs. Eight teams have reached out and expressed differing levels of interest in me, which is exciting. It’s nice to feel recognized for the work you put in. That being said, it was pretty obvious that some teams were reaching out just to say they did their due diligence. I won’t name them, because it’s entirely possible they are swamped by the sheer volume of the class. But, some teams really stood out in their personable approach.
TT: That’s very interesting to hear. Did you have a solid destination in mind?
LB: I think the Hawks are a great fit. They’re going to need LB, no matter what happens in the expansion draft. Otters would be great as well. They have a pedigree of winning, that is unmatched in the league. However, as of now, they don’t necessarily need help at Linebacker. But, the draft could change that easily. Regardless of all that, you know me. I’m gunna be happy wherever I go, and I’m gunna prove to all the teams that passed me up that they messed up.
TT: I know that’s right. You’ve played incredibly well this season, even if the wins haven’t followed. You’re second in the league in tackles. How does that feel?
LB: It feels like I’m not first. But, I’m not trippin’. There are so many incredible defensive players in this league, I can’t possibly be mad about being talked about as one of the best. I’ll tell you this though, I’d trade the tackle title for a spot in the playoffs before you could finish asking me.
TT: Is that so? I know you were always a team player, but sometimes it’s nice to be recognized for your outstanding individual efforts. Don’t you think?
LB: There will be time for those later in my career. I’ve got a long way to go, yet. Being in the conversation this earl is an honor in itself. If I’m honest, my other stats are pretty lacking. I only had two sacks all year until these last two games. There’s a lot for me to learn and a ton of technique to hone.
TT: I’ve always known you to be a humble guy, but this is different. I have to say, Lawrence, this is refreshing to see. Is there any reason in particular you feel this way?
LB: Playing in this class has been a humbling experience. Don’t get it twisted Tito, I know I have the potential to be the best the league has ever seen. But, some of these guys, not even at my position, have impressed the hell out of me. Will they have the longevity I’m going to bring? Maybe not. But, we’re being compared on what we’ve done to this point. And some of these cats have done quite a job.
TT: I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to have watched a teenager develop into such an exemplary man in front of my eyes for all these years, but suffice it to say, it’s been an honor.
LB: Don’t tell me you’re gunna stop watching now! I’ve got so much more to show!
TT: Don’t worry about that. I’ve always got my eye on you. I know any team will be absolutely blessed to have you leading their defense. So, last question. Regardless of the chaos the expansion draft, when the dust settles, where do you think you’ll be playing?
LB: God, that’s tough. I think Baltimore is gunna try to snatch me up if they can.
TT: There it is folks. You may be looking at the next legendary Baltimore Hawks Linebacker. Lawrence, it has been an absolute pleasure, as always. Thank you so much for taking the time. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do.
LB: Tito, you’re the legend. I can’t wait to sit down and do this again after I get drafted and get some NSFL games under my belt.
TT: My phone is always on for you.
Words: 2076
LB: My man, Tito, with the fantastic intro once again. Thank you for having me.
TT: Not even a pandemic can keep me from talking to the home town hero. I’m happy we got all the technical difficulties worked out.
LB: Most definitely. I’ve got this webcam from like middle school; I’m just happy it still works.
TT: Me too. So, Lawrence, let’s get right into it. How are you feeling as your first season in the DSFL, draws to a close?
LB: Well, slow your roll there, chief. We ain’t done just yet!
TT: I suppose you’re right. You need a couple big dominoes to fall, but it’s still a possibility for The Grey Ducks to reach the playoffs.
LB: Damn straight! And we’re gunna make those dominoes drop, for sure. We both know I’d rather be in a much more certain position, but I love the idea of making this run with my team and shocking all the folks who said we were done.
TT: Let’s talk about the scenarios, shall we?
LB: Sure thing.
TT: If you win both of your…
LB: Tito, we’re winning both games. No “if.”
TT: Right. Please, excuse me. When, you win both of your remaining games, you still need Portland to lose one of theirs. Those games are at Dallas and home against the Royals.
LB: Seems reasonable to me.
TT: Now, this scenario does assume, as you said, that you beat the Royals at home, and the mighty Coyotes in Kansas City. Those are both incredibly tough games.
LB: I didn’t come to the pros for cakewalks. Our team is starting to put all the pieces together at the right time. I won’t say we’re “peaking at the right time” because I don’t think we’ve peaked yet. But, if you look at our games the last couple weeks, you’ll see we’ve made huge strides. I think we forced 5 turnovers and had 5 sacks. That’s not bad at all.
TT: I will say, the offense found some happiness against the Seawolves, but they still struggled against Portland. Granted they do have a stiff defense as well.
LB: And you’d be right to say that. Look, man, I see these guys working week after week. All of’em; Skuff, Lack, Willie, Snow, Wolf, Vega, Yoda. All of our guys are out there busting their ass every week, getting better. I think we might surprise some people with how we finish, but we’re not going to surprise ourselves. Promise you that.
TT: I would never accuse you or the Ducks of not working hard! Now, for the sake of doing my job as a reporter, what has to happen if you somehow lose one of your games, in the upcoming weeks?
LB: I think that would mean that the snakes would have to lose both of theirs. Not entirely impossible, because both the expansion teams have really shown a lot of fight this year. We know from experience. But, anything can happen. All I know, is that the QuackAttack is gunna be on full blast. The ball is not safe when we’re on the field.
TT: I absolutely love the QuackAttack moniker you’ve dawned for this defensive unit. What was the inspiration?
LB: Ducks can be vicious, man! Trust me. You know about Duck Island back in Kingsport. Sure, it’s fun to get out there and feed them and ride the little paddle boats out on the water with them. But, if a duck is in danger, the whole crew’s ready to scrap! It’s on sight. And that’s how I feel we play. The unit flies together to the ball to make the play. If someone is in trouble, or a bad spot, we fly over to cover.
TT: I do love Duck Island, but I see your point. Was there any inspiration drawn from the greats of the past?
LB: Oh! Absolutely. You already know I loved The Legion of Boom. And the Purple People Eaters were legendary. This defense may not be as good as some of those groups, but if we all played together for a few more years, I bet the QuackAttack could get there.
TT: Well, speaking of playing together, the draft is fast approaching. And this year, there’s the added twist of the expansion draft, thanks to the addition of two brand new teams! What are your initial thoughts on the expansion?
LB: When I saw the size of this draft class for the DSFL, I struggled to figure out how they’d make room for most of us in the NSFL. So, when they announced the two new teams, that all started to make a little more sense. The locations are a little opposite though!
TT: Certainly! Sarasota and Honolulu have a couple differences, I’d say. Does the idea of this expansion draft change some of your ideas on where you may potentially end up?
LB: Most definitely. When it was just the standard 10 teams, it was much easier to sort of see what teams needed what, where they were picking, and if it made sense for them to draft me.
TT: It makes sense to draft you, no matter the positional need, Lawrence.
LB: Thank you for saying, so. See, that’s why I still do interviews with you, Tito. You know how to make a guy feel some type of way.
TT: I’m happy to do it. And I’m glad you still make time for little old me.
LB: Don’t sell yourself short. You’re fantastic at what you do. But, like I was saying, I had sort of done some preliminary research and had ideas of where I could possibly go. But, when the commish announced the expansion draft, that all went out the window. There’s really no way to know how teams will look after this.
TT: That’s right. Each team gets to protect seven players initially, then they gain an additional protection once a player is picked from their team. Once three players have been chosen from one team, everyone else on the team is locked. But, what teams do with those initial protections is going to be incredibly interesting.
LB: Exactly. Do they let some of their older players get poached, even if they have gas left in the tank, in favor of protecting younger talent? Do some players see the writing on the wall and retire rather than get shipped to a new team that’s most likely going to struggle for the final years of their career? There are so many possibilities. I’m not sure what I would do in their shoes.
TT: Do you mean if the General Manager came to you, as a veteran, and said, “Look, we’re not going to protect you, and we’ll see how the chips fall,”?
LB: Right. If I had put a solid number of years into a team and they were okay rolling the dice on me leaving, I don’t know that I’d be strong enough to let that slide and call it a “business decision.”
TT: I see. That has to be in some of these players’ minds. And, certainly, the GMs have difficult decisions to make with this too. We can’t dismiss their role as easy, in all of this.
LB: Oh, for sure. They have a harder job than the players in this draft, I think. They basically have to say to the whole team, “We value these seven players more than the rest of you.” It’s super hard as a player to not take it personal, if they don’t pick you. But, they have to think about the future of their franchise as a whole, not just the future of their current players. I definitely do not envy them.
TT: That is a great perspective. Quite a mature outlook on the situation.
LB: Thank you.
TT: You mentioned earlier that you had done some preliminary draft research. What were your thoughts about your prospects, before they announced the expansion?
LB: Much simpler times, I’ll tell you that.
TT: I believe that!
LB: Any other year, I think it’s safe to say a player of my caliber would probably have gone in the second round, possibly late first depending on team needs. Eight teams have reached out and expressed differing levels of interest in me, which is exciting. It’s nice to feel recognized for the work you put in. That being said, it was pretty obvious that some teams were reaching out just to say they did their due diligence. I won’t name them, because it’s entirely possible they are swamped by the sheer volume of the class. But, some teams really stood out in their personable approach.
TT: That’s very interesting to hear. Did you have a solid destination in mind?
LB: I think the Hawks are a great fit. They’re going to need LB, no matter what happens in the expansion draft. Otters would be great as well. They have a pedigree of winning, that is unmatched in the league. However, as of now, they don’t necessarily need help at Linebacker. But, the draft could change that easily. Regardless of all that, you know me. I’m gunna be happy wherever I go, and I’m gunna prove to all the teams that passed me up that they messed up.
TT: I know that’s right. You’ve played incredibly well this season, even if the wins haven’t followed. You’re second in the league in tackles. How does that feel?
LB: It feels like I’m not first. But, I’m not trippin’. There are so many incredible defensive players in this league, I can’t possibly be mad about being talked about as one of the best. I’ll tell you this though, I’d trade the tackle title for a spot in the playoffs before you could finish asking me.
TT: Is that so? I know you were always a team player, but sometimes it’s nice to be recognized for your outstanding individual efforts. Don’t you think?
LB: There will be time for those later in my career. I’ve got a long way to go, yet. Being in the conversation this earl is an honor in itself. If I’m honest, my other stats are pretty lacking. I only had two sacks all year until these last two games. There’s a lot for me to learn and a ton of technique to hone.
TT: I’ve always known you to be a humble guy, but this is different. I have to say, Lawrence, this is refreshing to see. Is there any reason in particular you feel this way?
LB: Playing in this class has been a humbling experience. Don’t get it twisted Tito, I know I have the potential to be the best the league has ever seen. But, some of these guys, not even at my position, have impressed the hell out of me. Will they have the longevity I’m going to bring? Maybe not. But, we’re being compared on what we’ve done to this point. And some of these cats have done quite a job.
TT: I can’t tell you how amazing it feels to have watched a teenager develop into such an exemplary man in front of my eyes for all these years, but suffice it to say, it’s been an honor.
LB: Don’t tell me you’re gunna stop watching now! I’ve got so much more to show!
TT: Don’t worry about that. I’ve always got my eye on you. I know any team will be absolutely blessed to have you leading their defense. So, last question. Regardless of the chaos the expansion draft, when the dust settles, where do you think you’ll be playing?
LB: God, that’s tough. I think Baltimore is gunna try to snatch me up if they can.
TT: There it is folks. You may be looking at the next legendary Baltimore Hawks Linebacker. Lawrence, it has been an absolute pleasure, as always. Thank you so much for taking the time. I wish you the best of luck in everything you do.
LB: Tito, you’re the legend. I can’t wait to sit down and do this again after I get drafted and get some NSFL games under my belt.
TT: My phone is always on for you.
Words: 2076