The Sore Loser (Excerpt)
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-- War, my ass. The Dolphins will be lucky to score a touchdown. You know the Broncos will go into the game favored by at least ten points.
-- Ten points? The game’s in Miami. No road team is ever favored by anything more than three against an opponent with a similar record. Ever read the NFL team statistics? The Dolphins have the stingiest defense in the league, giving up just twelve points a game.
-- Oh yeah, you wanna put money on this game. You actually think they have a shot?
I nod.
-- What you saying, five, ten bucks?
Paul snaps his fingers.
-- Okay, I got a better bet. Here it is. The loser has to go around for a whole day in the winning team’s jersey.
-- You’re on bucko!
****
I come out of my room to go up for dinner at six o’clock the next Monday. Wouldn’t you know it, guess who also is leaving his room for class? Paul sizes me up me in my authentic teal green #13 Dan Marino Dolphins jersey.
-- Steve, you gotta turn those guys in! Those martyrs who held a gun to your head and said ‘cheer for the Miami Dolphins or else.’
I go into the TV lounge to turn on the game at nine o’clock. To my surprise, Paul isn’t here yet. Tonight, my friend Suzy has come to watch the game with me. I turn on the television and we both take a seat on the couch.
I start practically lying on the couch. Then I sit up. A minute later I squat on the ground with my left hand planted on the floor. I snarl as I spread my arms out sideways.
Following this, I put my two arms in the air while sweat pours down my face. I grab Suzy and twirl her around the room.
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