Bab 677: Chapter 677: Waiting for Him to Take the Initiative
New York, Brooklyn, Barclays Center.
The New Jersey Nets officially relocated and moved into Brooklyn's Barclays Center, rebranding themselves as the New York Dreamers.
At the same time, they changed their logo, uniforms, and everything else, forming a new image as the New York Dreamers!
"This month's NBA 2011 Annual Draft will be held at the Barclays Center as the first event after the arena opens," announced the team's CEO, Thomas Wayne, which immediately drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Charles Capet, who was on the podium, smiled and applauded before taking the microphone. "The goal for the new New York Dreamers is to chase the championship in the future!"
CNN Reporter: "How do you plan to handle the relationship with the New York Knicks?"
"New York Knicks? We meet them in the season and just beat them. Are the Knicks still our opponent now?"
Charles then pointed to a reporter from NBC Sports: "Mr. Capet, what's your take on tonight's finals matchup between the Mavericks and the Heat? It seems like a done deal? Will the future New York Dreamers consider the Heat's team-building model?"
Charles rubbed his chin, thinking that forming a super-team might be the trend in the future, but for now?
Charles shook his head, "I don't know how things will change in the future, but for now, regarding the Heat's approach, ha! I don't see it as promising. I can only say they lack ambition."
"But they could win the championship?" the reporter explained.
"Do you believe the Heat will definitely win this year's championship?" Charles asked back, looking at the other reporters who seemed to think so too. "What are the current odds for winning?"
"The Heat are favorites; the Mavericks are underdogs!" Reporters quickly gave the odds.
"Everyone's rooting for the Heat, huh?" Charles shook his head and then said directly, "I will bet $3 million that the Mavericks will win the championship. If I win, the money will be donated to improve the environment of the Children's Hospital in Brooklyn. If I lose, I'll still donate another $3 million to the local Children's Hospital!"
Charles was expecting a baby soon, so he thought of it as a donation for his child.
After a round of intense discussion, the applause erupted again.
"Cuban, whether Brooklyn's Children's Hospital gets $3 million or $5 million depends on your team," Charles finally called out to Mavericks' owner Cuban with a smile on his face.
...
Charles then returned to Los Angeles, not caring much about the NBA finals.
In the evening, at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, reporters asked Mavericks owner Mark Cuban about Charles Capet's comments on both teams.
Mark Cuban grinned, "I always said, in the NBA, Charles Capet is the one with the sharpest insight. Charles, rest assured. If the Mavericks lose, I'll cover the remaining $2 million donation for Brooklyn's Children's Hospital, hahaha!"
"So, what do you think about Charles' comment that some Heat players lack ambition?"
"I totally agree. If NBA teams all go that route, what's the point," Mark Cuban said, waving his hand. "Alright, it's the first game of the finals tonight, so I gotta go in now!"
...
San Luis Obispo, Ranch Estate.
A top-notch professional delivery team was on standby, ready to assist Britney Spears at any moment.
"Hey, Charles, the Mavericks lost the first game; guess you were off this time," a heavily pregnant Britney Spears said, sitting on the couch with a newspaper in hand.
Charles smiled, "It's just the first game!"
"True," Britney flipped to the entertainment section, "Wow, The Hangover Part II made $85 million in its first weekend! It premiered at the end of last month, really impressive."
In May, Capet Universal had two big releases. Earlier in the month was Fast Five, which had already grossed over $150 million in North America in less than a month. Internationally, it had surpassed $300 million, and the performance of Fast Five was explosive!
...
As the News of the World phone hacking scandal evolved, senior executives of News Corporation either resigned or were arrested.
Rupert Murdoch was questioned and forced to apologize repeatedly, with market skepticism mounting!
Los Angeles, J Hotel.
"Since the 'phone hacking' scandal broke, British police have arrested 15 related suspects. Now, many federal lawmakers have openly written to FBI Director Robert Mueller, requesting an investigation into News Corp!" California Democrat Senator Gavin Newsom informed Charles.
"Are there any significant Republican figures?" Charles asked.
Gavin Newsom nodded, "Yes, the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, New York Republican Congressman Peter King! Every day, there are protests in front of News Corp's UK newspapers. The actions of News of the World are utterly unethical, and public outrage is natural."
"News Corp's U.S. newspapers should be investigated," Charles smiled, knowing that NBC was relentless about News Corp now.
"Push harder; I want FBI Director Robert Mueller to announce the investigation publicly in front of the media. The reason is solid; many people are now suspecting that News Corp hacked the phones of 9/11 victims' families! The British Parliament has already authorized the formation of an independent commission for a judicial investigation. At the very least, the U.S. should make a statement."
This would make News Corp's stock price even weaker, and the pressure on Rupert Murdoch from internal shareholders would increase.
Charles wanted to wait for Rupert Murdoch to come to him actively!
Gavin Newsom stood up, "Don't expect too much. The FBI investigation might come up empty, just serving as a comfort for everyone."
"But for News Corp, it certainly isn't good news. With the stock falling, Rupert Murdoch will have to do more to stabilize it."
Patting Charles on the shoulder, "Soon, no one in Hollywood will be able to counter you. Congrats!"
Charles shook his head, "Hollywood will always have new challenges."
Ever since Disney acquired Lucasfilm, its stock price had soared, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides had greatly boosted Disneyland's attendance.
Future Disney would be a tough competitor. Despite the entry of telecommunications and cable giants like Comcast and AT&T, Charles wasn't too worried.
Capet Universal had long planned for streaming services and had no fear of cable TV. In the internet era, content is king!
*****
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