What started as a bonding exercise for the Hawai'i football team escalated into a wildly entertaining free-for-all debate, and ended with one side gloating, another pouting and offensive line coach Dennis McKnight rubbing his bald head in bemusement and asking, "Is there any other team in America like this?"

Head coach June Jones crafted the idea of staging a draft to pick teams for today's Scout Bowl featuring redshirts and developing players. The Green (coached by defensive seniors) picked one team; the White (coached by offensive seniors) chose the other.

Just before the festivities began, the UH Marching Band marched into the athletic complex auditorium, blaring, "Hawai'i Five-0." By the third song, the hootin'-and-hollerin' was at jet-decibel level.

Green won the coin toss, and general manager Michael Lafaele whispered the pick to commissioner Jones. Jones walked up to the podium and announced: "With the first pick in the 2007 draft, the Green team selects quarterback Jake Santos. The White team is on the clock."

Santos scooted on stage, where he was presented a green No. 1 jersey from linebacker Timo Paepule, who was wearing a tie. Santos and Jones posed for a picture.

"I'm so happy," Santos said later. He promised not to hold out.

The White team, led by co-coaches Colt Brennan and Hercules Satele, then chose linebacker Mana Lolotai. "Best player available," Brennan said.

Lafaele approached commissioner Jones, and after a brief conversation, announced the Green's selection of Shane Austin, the only other quarterback available in the draft.

"We asked coach Jones if we could pick two quarterbacks, and he said, 'Yeah, it's a draft,' so we did," Lafaele said. "We played strategy."

In a panic, the White coaches scrambled for answers. With its fourth pick, the White team chose slotback Jon Medeiros, who played quarterback at Kapolei High.

"They have no offense if they go with Jon Medeiros," Lafaele said. "This isn't high school football."

White's fifth pick was defensive end Antwan "Tua" Mahaley, a converted wide receiver. Mahaley wore a cap in which the word "Scout" was written on tape. In true post-draft fashion, he spoke in the third person. "Antwan Mahaley plays d-end and receiver," Mahaley said.

As the 56th — and final — selection, running back Alonzo Chopp, taken by the White, was declared Mr. Irrelevant. He was told he won a trip to Waipahu.

After the draft, in a move that broke tampering rules, Satele and Brennan grabbed Austin. In an Eli Manning-like tactic, Austin demanded a trade, insisting he would not report to the Green.

"I want to be traded," Austin said. "I didn't sign a contract."

Lafaele said: "They're mad because they don't have a quarterback. We're taunting them, and they're getting all salty."

Green demanded Lolotai, White's No. 1 pick, for Austin. White countered with cornerback JoPierre Davis.

"That doesn't make sense," Lafaele said. "We want something big for our second pick."

Brennan said: "We want Shane. We'll trade family, but we think they're at a disadvantage because they have two top picks but only one can play."

"We'll rotate quarterbacks," said Rocky Savaiiagaea, who identified himself as a consultant for the Green.

Brennan then called Jones, who ordered the teams to work out a one-for-one trade. Jones said he would decide on the second White player to be sent to the Green.

Paepule asked for defensive tackle Vaughn Meatoga. Brennan, who was autographing a football, put down the Sharpie and shook Paepule's hand. "Noooo, Colt," Satele said. "Not Vaughn." The deal was called off.

"C'mon, Colt, a deal's a deal," Paepule pleaded.

"If we get Vaughn, we'll have the best o-line and best d-line," Lafaele said. "We can control the line of scrimmage. That's where games are won."

After a stalemate, both sides agreed to resume talks today.

Brennan said he will ask if backup quarterback Inoke Funaki can enter the draft pool. One thing is certain. "I'm not coming back," Brennan said. "It's not in my contract."

Visit Tsai's blog at www.HawaiiWarriorBeat.com.

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.