Phantoms doing best to remain on top... (2 GM press effort)

[JesterBlaze]

by Spark Wonup
Lawrence Sun Times

The Phantoms took a step towards strengthening the right side of their defensive line and filling in for the loss of Edmund Peacock today by working a deal with the West Virginia Beasts for RDE Ronald Cole. Cole, who has a reputation as one who gasses early, should provide great run support when motivated and can adequately rush the passer. He's 1st all-time for WVA in sacks and games started - workhorse! - and is 4th all-time in tackles coming from the DE position.

"Peacock's sudden decision floored us" said owner/GM Jester Blaze "We lost out on Weston Woodring in FA and felt that we had to make a move. Cole's run stuffing ability should help out nicely in our division and we feel that we gave up the proper amount."

I got to speak with Cole over the phone shortly after the announcement:

What are your thoughts on playing for the Phantoms at the moment?

"I'm dying to go head to head against the likes of Crespo and Connell! The NFC East is a run stuffer's dream. I know that I'll be getting my chances."

You've had an excellent career so far in WVA. Were you pressing to be traded?

"No. Not at all. West Virginia is a class organization and my time there was well spent. However I'm no spring chicken and I wasn't going to win a championship there. It only made sense for both organizations that this move be made"

Yours truly got to witness the class of the West Virginia organization first-hand when new owner/GM Kozure welcomingly accepted my call today and had this to say:

[Kozure]

"We wish all the best to Ronald Cole in his new start in Lawrence. He's had his off the field ups and downs here in West Virginia, but I think getting away from the life here in the city will do him good as he tries to put the demons of his past to bed."

Did any of those off the field issues lead to Cole getting traded?

"Not at all. His four arrests over the span of seven months occurred prior to me buying the franchise. From what I've seen, Cole comes to work every day and works hard. And he's never missed a day at court. But please remember, he hasn't been convicted of anything yet."

It's been said that Cole agreed to take a pay cut in order to come to Lawrence, is this true?

"From what I understand, it is true. But that's being worked out by Coles lawyers, as they try to come to some sort of settlement in his child support payments for his eight children since he will be making less."

Cole was known to be a real terror in the front offices. Did that influence you into pulling the trigger on this trade?

"Absolutely not. That's all in the past. And the remodeling they've done since then is remarkable. Besides, Cole is looking forward to his new future dealing with the front office of the Lawrence Phantoms."

[Kobeck]

lol - nice. So Cole is a "Supersized" Pacman :lol:

[JesterBlaze]

(A 2nd interview with Jester Blaze along his walk down the aisles of Broke As Fuck Headquarters)

There was no mention to the Phantom Phans of the "dirt" on newly acquired RDE Ronald Cole during the press release to announce his joining the team. Do you care to elaborate?


"No. Not at all. I've no interest in what a player does during his time off. If he has a problem then he can come to me and I'll do my best to help. Other than that I don't tell them what movies to watch, what places to go, what gods to worship or deny, nor anything else. I'm their employer. I don't have the right to influence how they live."

"I expect Ronald to show up to all team organized activities and to produce on the field. No more, no less.