Ted Leonsis is a powerful man. The owner of the Caps, Wizards, and Mystics, he's considered one of the most influential people in sports. He also owns the Verizon Center, where not a few famous people have performed over the years, and is beloved in D.C. for the sound management of his teams (unlike, ahem) and for his philanthropy. With a net worth of a billion dollars, he shouldn't feel uncomfortable around anyone. And yet.

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On his blog today, he describes running into Britney Spears last week in a hotel elevator in Chicago. Though he's 10 times wealthier than she is, Leonsis was as giddy and nervous as a pimply teenager.

I turn to the side to look for a moment to see this huddled group of people. It is Britney Spears. She is wearing a hoody sweat shirt and sweat pants.

It is a bit uncomfortable; uncomfortable silence. I eventually say 'Hello Britney - excuse me for saying this but I own the Verizon Center in DC. You played a concert there last month and my family enjoyed the show very much - thank you'.

I immediately feel like a geek for saying a word.

Britney doesn’t respond. Doesn’t acknowledge that something has been said - doesn’t move - doesn’t say anything. Has a blank stare on her face. She is far away. A body guard slowly moves right in front of me; is at eye level with me and doesn’t say a word. Just stands right in front of me. Passive. But he is there. Silent. Looking into my eyes.

Takes you back to high school, doesn't it? Like that time you muttered a compliment to a pretty girl — something about her hair or eyes — and she just ignored you, while her jock friends circled. But that was before we all became Internet pioneers and billionaire owners of multiple sports franchises. This isn't supposed to happen to us anymore!

Which is to say, if "I own the Verizon Center" doesn't work as a pickup line, there's no hope for the rest of us.