In this novel, it was the British who lost everything. It all started last season. Deutch and Williame were going to be at the end of their contract at the end of the year, the Seadogs had only enough money to keep one. The Seadogs made it clear to Deutch he was going to be let go at the end of the season.
"They told me they came to a decision and they would try to get me traded to a good team, all this while we were still playing in the Conference fianls last year... so unprofessional" Deutch recounts.
In regular circumstances, this would be an easy decision, just go with the younger guy for a promise of good years to come. But Deutch wasn't a regular circumstance. This man was the heart and soul of this team and its fans. He was the only original Seadog still on the team from their inception in season 2. He watched all the ups and downs and was the driving force behind the great wins. But, the decision was made - Williame would stay. Normally Deutch is a cool guy, but he does value himself pretty highly. After he received the news, he decided he wasn't going to play him hardest for the rest of the playoffs. Yes everyone, this means the championship.
"I wouldn't say that I threw the championship. I am only one man, and I did try, but I will admit I had much less of a voice in the huddle and felt dejected at times. " Deutch admits.
It was apparent to the fans and the opposing team that Deutch seemed off his game.
"We were expecting Deutch to be the toughest man to get out, but it was definitely Williame" Jacoby of the Dragonfish remembers.
Williame had his coming out party during the Championship. Seemed as if he was the only one out there, Lewis and Deutch were just supporting cast. He was the one to lead them through the sets and get them their 1 victory. Williame stayed rather quiet about the whole situation during the season. But afterwards he shocked everyone when he declared he wanted to see his options before resigning with the Seadogs.
"I said look, if your going to do someone dirty like that after all their years of service, then I'm not sure I want to be the face of this club for the future." Williame explains.
The Seadogs were scrambling to see what they could do, maybe cut their nice rookie James, renegotiate other players contracts. But what they decided shocked everyone in London and abroad.
"We didn't need that attitude around here" Ian McInnis - Owner of the Seadogs.
They did try to sign him with the same offer the rival Empire were giving, pretty much giving him a black and white choice, resign or join the dark side, the evil Empire. Williame took the offer to go to NYC to play ball. London collectively held its head in its arms as it watched its 2 stars leave the team after a championship run.
The solution: bring in young talent. The Seadogs proceeded to rip Petr away from the Interceptors as he was in the same resigning situation as Williame. They then signed Corey a rookie from free agency. Petr, well, petered out and didnt perform so well in the offseason workouts, but Corey did show substantial improvment from the Combine. Now the Seadogs, who finished the season ranked #1, are looking at #10 to start, and a hill to climb as this season kicks off.
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