Disclaimer

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Dan and Casey walk into the conference room, and they find the rest of the staff sitting quietly and very still.

Dan: Hey, guys.

Dan and Casey look to the corner of the room and spot a familiar face.

Sam: Good evening, gentlemen. Have a seat.

Dan and Casey quietly take their seats.

Isaac: Good to have everybody back for the rundown. (points to Dana) Dana.

Dana: Yeah. Okay, Franklin has an update from the Braves' camp about an injury to Sanchez's pitching arm. Rumors are that there is a tear in his rotator cuff. We're still waiting for comment from the Braves' team doctors- so be prepared.

Elliott: Braves are in...?

Chris: Orlando.

Will: Actually, they play their games in Orlando.

Kim: Isn't that's where they have their camp?

Will: They play at Walt Disney World, their camp is in Kissimmee.

Casey: How do you spell that?

Jeremy: Two S's, two M's, and two E's. Oh yeah, there's two I's.

Casey: And one K or two?

Jeremy: One.

Dan: Is it a backwards K?

Natalie walks in, hands Dana a sheet of paper, and takes a seat.

Dana: Thank you, Natalie. Okay, people. Moving on. A bunch of people are unemployed due to the NFL's salary cap. (looks at the sheet) This is the updated list?

Natalie: Yup.

Dana: Okay, jot this down, guys. The Seahawks have cut Grazziani and Morris, the Bengals have released Pearson, and the Broncos have released Capers, Kelvin Johnson, and...

Dana sets the paper down and lets out a quick laugh.

Dana: Whitaker.

Casey stops writing and looks over to Dana. Everybody else focuses on Dana.

Dana: Well... the salary cap can be vicious. Moving on.

The room is silent.

Dana: Moving on, people.

Kim: Yeah... we've got our internet question of the day for Dan and Casey. It comes from Bobby Miller of Niles, Ohio and asks, "Why doesn't CSC interview people from and cover pro wrestling?"

Dana: Interview people?

Dan: Like The Rock?

Casey: Or The Undertaker?

Dan: Or Diamond Dallas?

Casey: Different group.

Dan: What?

Casey: Diamond Dallas is in WCW, the rest are in WWF.

Dan: Do you follow wrestling?

Casey: Actually, Charlie does.

Dana: Uh, Kim? The answer is we don't cover professional wrestling because it is purely entertainment and the events are staged. Technically, it is not a sport, thus, we do not cover it.

Kim: We're going to put that on the air?

Dana: Well, why did we get that question?

Kim: I didn't choose it.

Dana: Well, who did?

Sam: I did.

The room goes silent.

Sam: Is there a problem with the question?

Dana: No... no. There's not a problem with the question.

Sam: Is there a problem with the answer?

Dana: No. Not a problem, but we don't want to make the wrestling fans who are watching our show feel like a bunch of idiots.

Sam: I agree. Which is why we are going to air the question and word a proper response.

Casey: Dan, you want to write the answer to this one?

Dan: Why me?

Casey: You are so much better with words.

Sam stares at Dan and Casey.

Dan: I'll write it.

Casey: Yeah, Dan will write it.

Sam: Good.

Dana: Okay... now that is settled. We'll have scores coming in from the NHL and NBA, and we'll have the Connie's report from Monte Carlo in the forties. We need to move the Celtics and Kings up to the twenties in the NBA report. We'll need graphics on the notable players released today.

Dana hands the sheet to Natalie, who stands up and hands it over to Chris.

Dana: I think that is it.

People start closing their notebooks.

Sam: Oh, and one more thing.

Sam stands up.

Dana: Sam has the floor, people.

Sam: I've been reviewing your tapes over the last six months, and I know that these tapes cannot tell me whole story. There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes. So, I'll be talking with you individually about your performances. The one thing we need to keep in mind is that we are getting beat by ESPN's SportsCenter and by CNN's Sports Tonight. This is a third-place show and we need to start improving our share. Which means people need to be more responsible for their actions.

Sam looks directly at Dan and Casey.

Sam: If anyone is late for rundown meetings, you're not being very responsible. If you are late, you'd better be bringing in news important to this network or you better be lying on a hospital bed. Tardiness will not be tolerated. Be prompt, be ready, and be professional. Then, your ratings will improve.

Everyone stands still.

Sam: That's all.

Everyone starts to leave.

Sam: Oh, Natalie. I need to have a word with you.

Natalie hesitates, then walks over to Sam once the room has cleared.

Natalie: Sam, I can't be considered late. I was bringing the updated transactions to Dana.

Sam: This isn't about the transactions.

Natalie: Oh.

Sam: You're heading out to Las Vegas, tomorrow. Right?

Natalie: Yeah.

Sam: Good. Do a great job. And I have one more question.

Natalie: Okay.

Sam: Is Dana seeing someone? Actually, is Dana seeing Casey?

Natalie: Um... what does that have to do with the show?

Sam: I'm asking a question.

Natalie: Yeah. (pauses) But they're so good together. They've known each other for over seventeen years.

Sam: I'm aware of their history together. I was just asking a question. That's all.

Sam picks up his notebook and leaves. Natalie just stands there and clutches her clipboard to her chest.

Natalie: Okay.

-----

Dana and Casey are in her office. Dana is sitting in her chair, while Casey stands besides her and has his hand on her back.

Dana: I mean, I work in sports. I'm familiar with the business of sports. I should have seen this coming.

Casey: Kyle will get picked up.

Dana: What if this is it? What if this is the end of his career?

Casey: Defensive linemen are a commodity in the NFL. He probably has twenty phone calls already.

Dana: If he hadn't been suspended, he would still be on their roster. He was suspended for a whole year. That could kill his career.

Casey: It will be all right.

Dana: I've got to call him.

Dana picks up her phone and starts dialing.

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Dan is making some copies, when JoAnne comes up from behind.

JoAnne: It's purring like a kitten, huh?

Dan: Uh... yeah. It's copying just fine.

JoAnne: How about you and me getting together after the show tonight and try and work things out.

Dan: I wish... ooo... I wish I could. We've got this consultant here who's really looking to crack some heads-

JoAnne: It's okay.

Dan: -and I need to work. Wait. It's not okay. What's going on with us?

JoAnne: Nothing.

Dan: No, I need to talk with you. Not right now, but a little bit later.

JoAnne: When?

Dan: How about right before the show. You meet me in the editing room at quarter-till and we'll talk.

JoAnne: Okay.

-----

Isaac and Sam are walking into Isaac's office. Sam closes the door behind him.

Isaac: You were a little hard on them back there, weren't you?

Isaac sits in his chair.

Sam: Isaac, you know my style.

Sam takes a seat.

Isaac: I know how you like things to be run, Sam. Remember, I hired you.

Sam: You know, Isaac- if someone doesn't come down hard on them, the network will come down on them even harder.

Isaac: I know. But all of us are fighting for our jobs. There's enough pressure as it is.

Sam: And they have to perform nearly flawlessly. If they do that, the network will have no reason to let any of them go.

Isaac: Does the network need a reason?

Sam: Isaac, trust me. This is a great staff. I see nothing but talent and the potential for another ratings boom. The people upstairs will not let any of them go- especially with me here now.

Isaac: Just be cautious, Sam.

Sam: I'll take that into consideration, Isaac.

-----

J.J. knocks on the door frame to Dan and Casey's office. Dan is sitting on the couch.

Dan: J.J. What brings you here? I didn't realize you knew we had an office.

J.J.: Dan, I need your opinion. Mind if I sit?

Dan: No. What do you want to know?

J.J. sits in a chair next to Dan.

J.J.: We're aware of the contract you signed with CSC-

Dan: Yes, and what does that have to do with this?

J.J.: Nothing. You're going to be here for a while. I just need your help.

Dan: With what?

J.J.: I'm going to be direct with you. Quo Vadimus needs to make CSC more profitable. They are looking at cutbacks.

Dan: Yeah?

J.J.: And they are looking at the programming.

Dan: Uh-huh.

J.J.: You are aware of your partner's situation- Casey's situation?

Dan: Kinda'... negotiations are going on, aren't they?

J.J.: Yes. It's just that they need to make cuts and they are looking at certain areas.

Dan: They can't be thinking of letting Casey walk.

J.J.: No, no, Dan. They don't want to do that. But cuts have to be made somewhere and they are going have to be made in the next few months.

Dan: What are you getting at?

J.J.: I know that this show has been strong for years. In fact, with the network's declining ratings, 'Sports Night' has barely slipped. This show is the network's core.

Dan: Okay.

J.J.: If you feel uncomfortable with any of the structural changes with the show over the next few weeks, please come to me. If there are positions which need to be stream-lined or observations you have made over time, please let me know.

Dan ponders it for a second.

J.J.: We need to know the general feeling of the show, so we can make the best decisions for the network.

Dan: Well, you need to sign Casey.

J.J.: We can't if we don't have the money.

Dan: How can we get the money?

J.J.: Just let me know of any changes or suggestions. It will be kept confidential. Dan, we'll try to find a way to keep Casey.

Dan folds his hands in front of his mouth as he goes deep into thought.

Dan: Okay.

-----

You move ahead in time. It's about fifteen minutes before the beginning of the show. Dan goes into the editing room and flips on a light. JoAnne is sitting on the couch.

Dan: For a moment, I didn't think you were here.

JoAnne: You told me to be here, Danny. And you know how I hang on every word.

Dan: Uh... um... yeah.

JoAnne gets up and stands in front of Dan.

Dan: You're not making this any easier.

JoAnne takes a step back.

JoAnne: What?

Dan: You have to realize that... me and Rebecca... it's... it's been difficult.

Dan takes a deep breath.

Dan: And you and me... I don't know. I want to. I really want to have this wonderful, nurturing relationship with you. I want to go further with you, but... something is holding me back.

JoAnne: I know what you are saying.

Dan: I need time, Jo. I need some time to heal. But I also want to be with you. I need for you to be patient.

JoAnne: Do you want us to see other people?

Dan: I don't know. I know I'm not ready for a serious relationship right now.

JoAnne: You brought me up here for goodbye?

Dan: No. I brought you up here to ask for your patience.

JoAnne: I can be patient if you are willing to make an effort.

Dan: What do you mean?

JoAnne: Don't play games with me. Don't drag me along until something better shows up, because I'm telling you- nobody better is going to show up.

Dan: Uh... you certainly have high self-esteem.

JoAnne: It isn't about self-esteem, Danny. It's about you and me. I want us to take our time. But understand we are both fighting our pasts... and it takes time... but as long as we are progressing toward each other... we'll be fine.

Dan: Natalie has these extra tickets for a show tomorrow night. She was going to go, but she can't because she has to fly out to Las Vegas on an assignment. I was wondering if you would be interested in going? Just as friends.

JoAnne: Did she give you the tickets?

Dan: No, she's giving them to whoever wants them.

JoAnne steps closer to Dan.

JoAnne: I'll go with you.

JoAnne and Dan smile at each other.

-----

The show is about ready to begin. Jeremy and Natalie are sitting next to each other in the control room.

Dave: VTR's up, live in sixty.

The theme to "Sports Night" begins to play.

Jeremy: Hey, I need to talk with you tonight. After the show.

Natalie: Jeremy, I don't have the time. I've got to pack when I get home. My flight leaves at 6:10 tomorrow morning. (into mic) Let me hear Denver.

Jeremy: I really need to speak with you.

Dana: Let me hear Connie. Great.

Natalie: Could it wait until I get back?

Dana looks at the screens.

Dana: Where's Dan?

Jeremy exhales.

Jeremy: Yeah, it can wait.

-----

Dan runs onto the set, throws his jacket on, and takes a seat.

Casey: I'm glad to see you are on time.

Dan: Casey, you can not provoke me with anything you say tonight.

Casey: Why is that?

Dan: Because I am Mr. Happy Guy.

Dan puts his microphone on.

Dan: Jeremy, tell your woman that I am bringing a partner in crime to that show tomorrow night!

Casey: I have plans.

Dan: Not you.

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Jeremy: (into mic) What was that, Dan?

Natalie: (to Jeremy) He's using the tickets.

Dana: Dan's here. Okay. Good show, everybody.

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Casey: You're using the tickets Natalie gave you.

Dan: Yes, I am.

Casey: And you are taking...?

Dan glares at Casey.

Casey: I'm just asking.

Dan: I'm taking Jo.

Casey: Okay, Mr. Happy Guy.

Dan: I just went over there and straightened everything out.

Casey: Uh-huh.

Dan: We're just friends.

Dave: (over intercom) In 5, 4...

Casey: You have lipstick on your face.

Dan looks as if the wind is knocked out of him.

Casey: (on-air) Good evening from New York. I'm Casey McCall with my partner Dan Rydell. Those stories and a look at the Philadelphia 76ers. Have they made the necessary changes to win a championship?

Dan: (on-air) Also, Kelly Kirkpatrick reports from Durham, North Carolina. Duke or North Carolina, who will be the king of the ACC? You're watching Sports Night on CSC, let's get started...