January 9, 2007 at 11:34 a.m. ET

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Below is the recap of a surprise press conference for the Premier Fantasy Championship.

ESTABLISHING SHOT

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ROOF

Helicopter lands on roof of MSG. One individual emerges and rushes to the roof's door.

INT. MADISON SQUARE GARDEN MEDIA ROOM

Outside of a cameraman, two reporters and a clutter of metal folding chairs, the room is empty. A far cry from last Friday's firing announcement amid a media firestorm. Justin Lyons, the PFC Deputy Commissioner, enters the room.

JUSTIN LYONS
Thank you for coming. Today is Tuesday, January 9. I am here today to provide some
bad news. David Byrd, the General Manager for the Los Angeles Lakers of the PFC,
has resigned. His duties will cease immediately, and his replacement will be
announced shortly. I will now take your questions.

REPORTER 1
Can you please provide some details on the resignation? It is curious timing
considering the second firing occurred only four days ago.

JUSTIN LYONS
It was a personal decision, so I can't question the timing. I can tell you that David has
had a great deal of misfortune this season and isn't accustomed to losing. Until his run in the
PFC, David had won 80% of his leagues and was prepared to make a run at global
supremacy. He went 31-46-3 and shared last place in the Pacific division. His team includes
injured players David West and Brevin Knight, and now Michael Redd is out for six weeks.
He's had a tough road.

REPORTER 1
You won't question his timing, but I imagine Kyle Knaub, last week's dismissed general
manager of the Hornets, would think differently.

JUSTIN LYONS
If you are implying that we would not have had a firing had Byrd made this announcement
last week, you would be wrong. These are independent actions.

REPORTER 2
So Byrd resigned because of injuries and a last place team?

JUSTIN LYONS
I didn't say that.

REPORTER 2
The Lakers are in last place, but they are only seven and a half games out of first.
Considering 16 teams make the playoffs, wouldn't this appear to be a premature
move?

JUSTIN LYONS
Like I said, this was a personal decision on his part. All reasons are pure speculation.
I'll keep it at that.

REPORTER 1
Matt Wurst also resigned at the end of November. How is the Commissioner taking
this? It would appear the league is coming apart at the seams.

JUSTIN LYONS
Let's not confuse this resignation with the firing -- and I will continue to call it that -- of
Matt Wurst. This is a collection of the best of the best. The stress on these participants
is great as the spotlight grows brighter. All of these men are winners, so losing provides
new perspective and new feelings. The best will prevail.

REPORTER 1
Have you spoken to the Commissioner about the decision, and will he be providing
his comments?

JUSTIN LYONS
Big Man is basking in the sun in Maui. I did talk to him today, and he is disappointed,
but wishes Mr. Byrd well in his future endeavors.

REPORTER 2
You mention that Big Man is in Maui. With all due respect, Mr. Deputy Commissioner,
there are contrary reports that have him here in New York. In fact, surveillance cameras
captured him doing laps around the Ramada, disrobed and his head shaved, yelling,
"Buttafinga!" Can you respond?

JUSTIN LYONS
No further questions.

LYONS turns and abruptly leaves the room.

FADE OUT

Who will take the reigns as the new Lakers GM? What is wrong with Big Man? Read tomorrow's Commissioner Notes -- assuming Big Man is healthy enough to write them -- for further details.


Redd's injury was the last in a string of bad news for Byrd.
(Chris Birck/NBAE/Getty Images)

PFC Quick Facts
The PFC is a global fantasy basketball competition with 30 of the world's best players vying for the title.
More than 9,000 people worldwide applied for the opportunity to compete.
Each participant is the fantasy general manager for an NBA team. Each GM picked a franchise player from their assigned team and built their roster - with players from any other NBA team - from there.
Every general manager has selected eight players for their fantasy squad.
Participants run the risk of losing their spot in the competition should they underperform. The public votes who will lose their job, and another top applicant will take over as a new GM.
For more in-depth information on the PFC, read here.