Below, I’ll embed a video interview Dean Lombardi did today with Daryl Evans, talking about Drew Doughty’s absence and the start of training camp. The video can also be viewed by clicking here. Additionally, I wrote a story for LAKings.com, summarizing the Doughty situation, and that can be found by clicking here. TSN’s Bob McKenzie and ESPN/TSN’s Pierre LeBrun both reported today that Don Meehan, Doughty’s agent, declined to comment today.
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LA Kings Insider LA Kings Official
“TSN’s Bob McKenzie and ESPN/TSN’s Pierre LeBrun both reported today that Don Meehan, Doughty’s agent, declined to comment today.”
Back to the war room for Meehan…
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Man Daryl Evans is ripped!
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HawaiiKingsFan Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@Dan SanDonkey, I probably half his age but he can definitely kick my ass
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The Kinger Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:34 pm
@Dan SanDonkey,
I was just thinking the same thing. Who is his strength and conditioning coach? Good greif!!!!
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 1:03 am
@Dan SanDonkey, my thoughts exactly, heeey daryl loves the game
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Dean sure seems to have plenty of time to talk to the media today. Maybe he should do his job and get Doughty signed. That was the number priority this summer right? Well I guess your summer was a failure then.
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Dan SanDonkey Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:08 pm
@some fan, He is doing his job and letting people know his side of the story.
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Mikey Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:11 pm
@some fan,
In true Lebowski fashion, you’re out of your element.
What do you suggest? him forget about EVERYTHING else that needs his attention?
He made some big moves this summer.
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some fan Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:19 pm
@Mikey,
Yeah I’m sure they need him sharpening pencils and writing down guys heights and weights and maybe leading some exercises. After all, he did manage to lose the head trainer right before training camp while he was busy not signing Doughty. You’re right he’s probably busy.
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Helvetica Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:32 pm
@some fan, Well then clearly he needs to spend some time finding a new head trainer for the rest of the team.
Relax man. Strapping him to a chair in Meehan’s office isn’t going to solve the problem. And if you think this a result of poor management skills i think you might do yourself some good and take a step back, and think about the situation.
USHA#17 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@some fan,
It takes to tango and it appears Doughty had the whole summer and didn’t take any dance lessons.
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Jon Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:27 pm
@some fan, Not sure icing a contender can be considered failure. Doughty will come. If it takes watching the team win without him, he’ll come. I’d call Dean out in a heartbeat, but this one isn’t on him.
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dMan Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:46 pm
@some fan, you can lead a horse to water…
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Jeff O Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:25 pm
@some fan,
Meehan, is that you?
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Sam Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:30 pm
@Jeff O, Haha, nice one. I hope Doughty and Meehan are reading these forums and comments, and see how selfish people realize he’s appearing.
As I was explaining to my wife, every hundred grand he gets extra, means a hundred grand less some other teammate gets. 6.8 mil/year is a lot of frickin’ money, take it and win the cup. He can make up the difference with endorsements if he really needs more $$. Of course endorsements rely on character…so hope he shows some and becomes a team player.
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LUCKY Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@Sam, agree
Jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:06 pm
@Sam, And the closer the team payroll get to the cap, the more inclined the ownership is to raising ticket prices.
Deke'r Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:37 pm
@Sam, Agree with everything except the part about “endorsements rely on character…” Tiger Woods had a ton of endorsements.
SteevoGT Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:34 pm
@some fan, He is doing is job, not getting ripped off by agents trying to have their players be overpaid. If Lombardi signs Doughty to a huge contract, then the Kings are going to be handcuffed against the salary cap. Remember what happend to Tampa Bay a few years when they signed Richards, St. Louis and Lecavalier to huge contracts? You can’t just go around and throw money at everyone, you have to be wise about what you are spending and get value for that amount. We want the Kings to have wiggle room against the cap near the trading deadline so if need be they can pick up and extra piece to the puzzle and make a run at the cup.
I think Lombardi is doing a great job. Stick to your Guns Deano!
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Harrison Merkin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:39 pm
@some fan, You want a toe? I can get you a toe Dude.
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
@Harrison Merkin, If someone was to apply some nail polish.
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:02 pm
@some fan, is that some ducks fan?
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some fan Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
@jet,
Those are fighting words.
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Is this the end of the line for #8 on the Kings?
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fsd1 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@KingsGuy, no
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LUCKY Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:33 pm
@fsd1, in my mind it is over
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If you play the video in reverse, you can hear Lombardi say, “Drew everyone down here misses you. I miss you. We want you here. Fire Don Meehan”.
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DL looks beat, like tired… not cool DD. You can tell DL is very distracted. No fire left at this point
@Helvetica – LMAO
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im 100% behind DL on this one.
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gmo Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:46 pm
@jofa6000,
im 200% behind DL
GO KINGS GOO
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You can hear the disappointment in Lombardi’s voice when he answers the DD question. He seems to be channeling the feeling of Kings fans everywhere. Oh well, camp starts tomorrow. Time to see what we got with the players that want to play!
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I guess it’s not about money anymore. He just doesn’t want to be the King. Thet’s the saddest thing. Already lost most of his fans (me either) and he’s aware of it. If he would realy wish and expect something to be done with his contract, he would definitely be in LA these days… I think he would even like to be traded as soon as possible. Please DL, do him the final favour straight away and move on!!! GKG
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Darrell Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 5:44 am
@outsider, Yeah, depending on how this plays out, it will be interesting to hear how Drew responds to LA fans booing him.
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Daryl is jacked………send him to Toronto to put meehan in a headlock until DD signs.
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yeesh Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@concussionman02,
Well played sir. Well played indeed. I’d advocate for a nuggie on top as well.
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Sign Campoli while he is still there (even though he is certainly no D.D.). And then wait until the right offer for Doughty comes along. In the mean time he can sit and make nothing. Dean holds all the cards here.
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Don Meehan is the biggest weasel out there. This is what happens when you have an agent like that working on your behalf. Do you think this would happen if Bobby Orr was his agent? I`m happy DL is sticking it to Meehan.
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Jeff Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:03 pm
@Joemv8, Drew should fire Meehan and hire Jack to be his new agent. Jack did awesome for himself and got a great deal. Drew should take notice.
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Buster Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
@Joemv8,
There are agents and there are male pimps. Meehan falls in the latter category. Either way, someone gets screwed.
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It’s not about money…well just yet. It’s the years.
Doughty has money in the bank and millions more coming to him throughout his entire life.
He isn’t asked to be paid for potential. He is asking to just be a free agent during his prime so he can get top $ during that time period.
When that time comes and he asks for that money we would probably not pay it but as of now we need him for the cup team we have now. So just lessen the years and the $.
Both sides need to be flexible. A deal is negotiating and each side giving something up to gain so thats what it has come to.
Again.. I don’t think its about money currently. Just years.
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Rtwing7 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:33 pm
@Subby, You’re on the right track Subby, but at the end of the day, the term (years) is still about the money. DD is asking for 7-million a year for 5 years. This will take him to 26 and make him a UFA at the end of this contract, which allows him to go for the big fish again in just 5 years. Based on the fact he is a hold-out in only his 2nd NHL contract, and doesn’t want to sign for more than 3 years clearly indicates that once he is a UFA he will be gone to another team. I think the Kings and DL recognize that and just want to get their money’s worth out of this kid,,,that’s why they are asking for a 7 year contract minimum,,,this will get him 2 years beyond his UFA age status.
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Rtwing7 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:34 pm
@Rtwing7, ooops,,,,”doesn’t want to sign for more than 5 years.”
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Subby Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
@Rtwing7, Yeah he is holding out for more money in the long run.
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:18 pm
@Rtwing7, Yup. At this point I say sooner is better than later. The chairs have been stacked and tables put away at this dance hall.
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I’ll leave the Doughty comments to all of you…just wanted to say that Darrell Evans is a friggin GAMER!…all dressed in his gear for day#1 of training camp….guy loves hockey.
C’mon Drew..C’mon DL…GO KINGS!
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Token Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, He secretly runs the whole show behind the scenes.
He lives on the ice, sleeps under the stairs next to the Zamboni in TSC.
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Deke'r Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
@Cup B4 I Die, I’m thinkin Daryl should be the conditioning coach cause whatever he’s doin seems to be workin!
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Does anyone have Don Meehan’s email. I’d love to email him and ask him to ask Drew to sign the paper.
Luke Schenn’s deal is done so lets get this one done.
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Joemv8 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:26 pm
@dduffy,
I know DD is only 21 and being told where to be and what to say but it is time for him to stand up to his moron of an agent and sign the last offer.
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dMan Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:51 pm
@dduffy,
Here’s their website – Contact info is left hand bottom
http://www.thehockeyagency.com/index2.html
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yeesh Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:59 pm
@dMan,
my 2 cents are in.
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
@dduffy, Doughty is the last chick at the dance with no date!
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Someone should tell Drew that he makes more in 2 days than I make in a year, and I think I can fairly say that he makes more in a month than anyone commenting on this site makes the whole year. Really puts things in perspective when you look at it that way.
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Listening to Dean at fanfest and listening to him with Daryl he has said it now very clearly twice, this guy is going to be with the Kings for a long time. Not once did I hear him say he would think about moving this kid. That being said, I am well aware that if Gretzky could be traded at 27 then certainly Doughty could be moved if somebody was willing to overpay….stay tuned as the saga goes on……
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Mikey Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
@puck73,
Stay tuned? as if we have a choice?
Side note: Is Costa mesa a far drive from irvine at all? i got to irvine in 40 minutes last night arriving at 7:30. hopefully i can leave Burbank a little earlier and make it to the pizza party..
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puck73 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:06 pm
@Mikey, Its right before Irvine, and Harbor blvd exit is well before jamboree in Irvine and besides, you dont have to be right on time, I plan on staying til at least 10 so just relax and take your time.
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If anyone sees a bald guy in a Kopi jersey at Staples Center on opening night holding a huge sign that reads “SCREW DREW” That guy will be ME!
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:11 pm
@GevDawg, can you put “Drew Who” on the back side just so we can tell you apart from the other 2000 bald guys
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Wow! A few post ago I said to take $100,000.00 for every week he missed from 6.8 mil cap. I was serious, but I guess DL is on board with what I said. for everday he misses he looses $25,00,00 a day
Way to go DL let him sit and eat his potato chips…
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Some are suggesting the Kings trade Doughty for Parise but that wouldn’t make much sense since Parise will demand an enormous contract as well.
I would suggest that Lombardi has no choice but to trade Doughty, send him to the Blues for Backes or Stewart and Jackman.
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vik Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
@Eric, How about jeff carter richard’s friend.
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Eric Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
@Eric,
I meant to say that “IF Lombardi has no choice but to trade Doughty…”
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Dear Doughty,
If you are a man of principal and integrity, fire your agent and sign for 6.8
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Buster Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@jess,
I’ll agree with everything but the 6.8.
6.5 and under would be a true test of Kings loyalty.
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SUPPORT DREW DOUGHTY!!!
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tornado12 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:16 pm
@nofreight, signing that contract offer would give support aplenty methinks
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Deke'r Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
@nofreight, Drew doesn’t need support….appears he has no cajones…
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jet Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
@nofreight, thats the funniest thing I have seen all week
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in order for doughty to redeem himself with the fans he needs to fire his agent and take a reasonable 4.5 mil a year for 7 years
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Kingstane9 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
@vik, yep, that would do the trick. Do it DD!
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If Pat Brisson can wrest Kopitar from Meehan maybe he can do the same with Doughty.
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Buster Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:58 pm
@dMan,
Do It Pat.
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Doughty has an ego problem. I honestly think so. He so use to everyone giving him attention. Going second overall and going to the Olympics with Canada winning his gold. He worried about his money. Just because Stamkos and Webber are getting 7.5. Does not mean you deserve the same Doughty. Look at Lidstrom. He never made that kind of money and has won more than one stanley cup. That is the kind guy you want to be Doughty. You’re only 21!!! Sorry your buddy Simmonds is not here anymore.
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Darryl Evans will k!ck your A..
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puck73 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:07 pm
@Edzky, He looks like he could destroy drew with his bare hands!
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Kings Fan In Temecula Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 1:13 am
@puck73, hahaha true that
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Bogosian and Byugflien for Doughty. Done.
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I dont see how this can be good for the kings. Unless DD matured completely, he’s going to let his emotions get the best of him while playing(like he usually does). I dont see how we can have a norris trophy candidate DD for at least the first month of the season—oh thats IF we sign him!
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TRIP Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
@Kingsfan, forget about the 25k per day, DL should knock off 100k per day until he signs!
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:29 pm
@Kingsfan, If where going this way with it. I bet dollar’s to doughnut’s (huh, get it) that if he stays with the Kings his number’s drop from last season!
Just remember that Jamesonafterawin said it.
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I will always remember watching the 2008 draft at Nokia Theatre. Watching DD bite his nails and hoping for the Kings…’his team’, to draft him. Someone should show him a replay of that moment and bring him down to earth a little bit. Just a smmidge over 3 years ago….crazy.
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number 6 Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 4:08 pm
@Cup B4 I Die,
Yes, I’ve not thought of that particular moment, but certainly the fact that only three years ago he says he felt sick (not his words perhaps) when he saw DL speaking with Sutter (Flames GM) thinking they were gonna make a trade and not take him.
Oh….. the human condition. How incredibly quickly we become complacent and take things for granted.
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I like what Darryl said, “get back on the phone”.
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Dean needs a vacation after this is all over. Boy … he looks really tired …
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Jamesonafterawin Reply:
September 16th, 2011 at 5:31 pm
@goldielocks, Yeah, the four times the video buffered for me, his eyes where closed.
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Trade Doughty now!!!!
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Man! Is there anything that Daryl can’t do? You rock Daryl.
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Kings fan since ’67. Kings fan till I die. This hurts. My favorite player and this happens. Oh the humanity.
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As much as im pissed at drew right now, i still know deep inside hes gonna be great. But wait, 6.8 million? Take the money Drew! You want more than Kopi? Youre kidding right? Wtf? Youre serious? LMAO! Kopitar is a superstar, every Kings fan knows that. You dont get a+25 by accident as a top line center. Take the money Doughnut, you will be rewarded with many championships!
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PREDICTION:
A handful of years from now LA Kings defense man # 8 will entertain the crowds with hits and solid defense rarely seen before. He will be the solid anchor every championship caliber team always counts on…Think Neidemeyer, Pronger, Lidstrom, Chara.
His name is ALEX ROACH.
Two seasons from now DD will be nothing more than a fading bad memory.
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Paul G Reply:
September 17th, 2011 at 9:53 am
@Gustavo, Alex roach isn’t even signed either
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