CB News, Montreal, August 4, 2000:
Upon the recent signing of Steve Brown (see last week's news), Jabog has been working fast and furiously on the contract of Stephen Lloyd (Lawyer Spice). The season, just a little over a month away, has Jabog still uncertain of just who will be in their line up. Hopefully, with the recent signings they can place another solid team on the floor.
"Right now we are talking with a bunch of the guys. Steve Lloyd has been on our minds since last season. We realize that he is a leader on and off the court and we need his presence," captain Ricardo Trindade was quoted as saying. "He is an inspiration", added team-mate Carl Brown, "the way he plays sometimes, you would swear he is Swedish!"
Lloyd is said to be looking in the range of 4.5 million this year, but rumour has it that he is willing to play for a little less. "My main concern is my family right now." the newly father for the second time said. "My wife (Marie-Hélène) grew up here and we want to raise our children here also. I love the city, the people, the bars, what can I say, Je t'aime Montreal!" The lefty veteran, who spends his free time practicing law, has been with Jabog for four seasons. Always vocal on the court, you will always see him getting laughs from his teammates and he is a fan favourite. "Peter Frampton", "pinball ceilings", "big *@#% rats", "wood eye" are all sayings that have gone in the books with those of Yogi Berra and such.
Unfortunately, last year turned out to be a disastrous year for the southpaw. He came down with a serious ankle injury in the second tournament of the year. "I have never had anything like that happen to me in my life. It was killing me inside not to be able to contribute", Lloyd said about his injury. Rumour had it that during the Christmas office party, Lloyd re-aggravated his ankle doing an Elvis Presley impersonation. Though it was kept hush-hush, he was not able to return to the line up till the end of the season. He has been seen training during the off season with Smokey, his new personal trainer. "Smokey has been working my butt off! Every day he gets me out of bed, into the woods, running and jumping, chasing cats, you name it. I think my ankle is going to be stronger then ever!"
Negotiations are said to be continuing through the nights and are hoped
to be completed by the end of the weekend. Further MRI's are scheduled
to be taken along with doctor's reports to insure that indeed Lloyd is
ready to play. Jabog is holding its breath in the hopes that their
invaluable right side player will be back with them next season.