My Friend Richard Fuld and I Played Tennis Today
First of all, let me just say, Dick Fuld is a pretty intense guy. I don't see him that often (out of a certain fear for my safety) but, because of our history, I love that guy like a brother.This morning, Dick called me out of the blue and asked if I wanted to play tennis at The Riviera Country Club.
"Is that the club that doesn't take Jews?"
"No, that's The Los Angeles Country Club," he said. "And I think they take Jews now. Spielberg's a member, I think."
Now I hadn't played any tennis since my near-catastrophic ankle injury of a year ago (when I went to visit that schmuck Steve Jobs) - but I told him I would go. A friendly game of tennis sounded like a nice way to start off the week. I had not seen him since all his trouble began and I wanted to offer my support and see how he was doing (even though I lost a shit-load of money).
His driver picked me up and drove us to the Club. He was watching CNBC in the car and swearing at the Street Sweetie Erin Burnett. "She doesn't know shit about what I've gone through!" He appeared very tan and extremely well rested.
"What's going on, Dick?", I asked.
"Khan, can you believe it's been a year since Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy?"
"No shit. A year sure goes by fast."
"Not really." He turned back to the television and asked if I wanted a Mimosa or a Bellini? I chose Bellini."What have you been doing for the past year, Dick?"
"Playing a lot of tennis. Since I left Lehman, I've had some time to really think about what I want to do next. The next chapter in the Story of Fuld."
"And what do you want to do next?"
"I think... I just want to play tennis."
I nodded and drank my Bellini. It was very nice - straight out of Harry's Bar.
We arrived at the club slightly smashed. I won't go into details about the actual tennis match. But I will say he destroyed me in three straight sets: 6-0, 6-0, 6-0. There was only one game that I scored a point. He hit the ball into the net on a serve that I managed to get in the lines. I watched in semi-horror as he destroyed his racket over the net post and then threw the remains at my head.
"Fuck you, Khan!", he said.
Good old, Dick. He never changes. I wish him well.
Khan Manka, Jr. - Chairman & CEO - Manka Bros. Studios 0 TrackBacks
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About Khan Manka, Jr.
Khan Manka, Jr. assumed the title of Chairman of the Board of Manka Bros. Studios - The World's Largest Media Company - following his father Harry Manka's death in 1976. Before that he was the member of several Southern California rock bands.
You're a very loyal friend, Khan. Most people wouldn't be caught dead with that guy.
Oh dear Khan. The company you keep. First Sumner Redstone now Richard Fuld. But I'm not judging.
hey mr khan good to hear about mr fuld after a long time and that 2 some thing good about him. if possible could you please fwd my regards to him and also thank him for providing us with one of the best environment in LB.It was truely the best company to work for and nowhere i feel tht he is responsible for the down fall of the company. i still miss lehman the most and dream it cud revive back. i m ex lehman employee and i stand and support mr fuld
thanks
Flud should be indicted by DOJ; there is a good chance that he and his cronies committed fraud.