Contract Negotiation
written by
Kevin Perrington-Turner
Fade in:
InT. Coaches office
NBA veteran walks in to office where coach is sitting on the opposite side of the desk. The coach offers the player a seat as he sits down.
Player
Hey, Coach
Coach
Hey Henry. It’s been a great season man, I’m glad you were here to help-
PLAYER
No problem coach, I’m glad I can help the team as a veteran on the team. I’m looking forward to what renegotiating my contract.
Coach pauses for a second
COACH
Yeah, that’s what I’ve been meaning to talk to you about Henry. The owners and I thought it be best we moved along without you next season-
PLAYER
Before you even finish that sentence coach. I just want to let you know I’m willing to take a pay cut.
Coach looks in confused and astounded
COACH
Henry-
PLAYER
(Cheerful)
No worries coach. I’m fully committed to the team this year.
COACH
Henry-
PLAYER
I was thinking about maybe a million guaranteed for a year.
Coach slams hands down on the table
COACH
Henry! We don’t want you on the team.
Player remains quiet with a confused look on his face.
PLAYER
I don’t understand? I told you I was willing to take a pay cut.
COACH
(angrily)
Henry, your a 20 year old vet that’s averaging 4 minutes a game and you only played 16 games.
PLAYER
Bu the crowd loves me. They cheer every time I step on the court-
COACH
Because they thought last season was a farewell tour. Hell I thought it was a farewell tour. That’s the only reason I put you in.
PLAYER
Bullshit.
Coach looks around dumbfounded.
COACH
Are you serious? Henry, you sit at the end of the bench cracking jokes with rookies with ice taped to your knees. Give it up man.
Player slams and on the desk and gets up.
PLAYER
(Shouts)
I demand a trade!
COACH
Henry nobody wants you! Your 40, hell your older than me. Your older than the owner.
PLAYER
Tom Brady played well past his 40’s-
COACH
That’s football. And guess what, he’s a quarterback. He’s protected from getting touched. Last season you had the second most techs in the league. The players have to help you up every time you hit the deck.
Player still looks confused.
CoaCH
Plus Brady won championships-
Player interrupts and points finger at coach.
PlaYER
Hey now, I got a ring.
COACH
From a season as a bench warmer. And that was 15 years ago. That’s the only reason your still in the league today.
PLAYER
Okay, I understand give me a 10 day contract so I can just retire with the team.
COACH
No! We do not want you here for another goddam day.
PLAYER
So why did you invite me in here to negotiate my contract?
Coach looks around dumbfounded and silent for a few seconds.
COACH
I was actually expecting an apology. We have security outside of these doors right now ready to escort you out.
Player flails his hands in the air and gets up out the chair as he heads towards the door.
Coach
Oh and dad can you tell mom I’ll be late to dinner tonight for y’all anniversary?
Player turns around before he leaves the door
COACH
Sure thing son.
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