You hear Cris Carter or Marcellus Wiley giving their insight or opinion on football. I have grown to enjoy these two former NFL players more and more each time I hear them. What makes them so enjoyable? Simple. They speak what they really believe without fear. Being genuine, what a concept.
So many sports analyst or commentators are afraid to really speak their mind. They are afraid that they will ruin their friendships with so many other players, coaches, or front office people. Cris Carter and Marcellus Wiley are not afraid to criticize anyone.
Just a few weeks ago, Cris Carter's son left Ohio State's football program due to his bad grades and enrolled at a junior college. I was very interested to see if Carter would hold his son to the same standards he indicates professional athletes should keep. Sure enough, about a week after the news broke, Carter made a public statement that the family's goal was for his son to be back at Ohio State next year. He also indicated that him and his wife wanted their son to grow up, accept responsibility and "be a giver in life and not a taker". That last quote is my favorite quote of the year so far.
Carter has also spoke candidly about how he himself failed his teammates at Ohio State when he took benefits from an agent and was ruled ineligible his senior season. In addition, he has been very brutally honest about how partying almost cost him his NFL career in the early years.
Earlier this year leading up to the NFL draft, Jeff Ireland of the Miami Dolphins asked Dez White if his Mom was a prostitute. A big uproar ensued over whether a GM should ask such a question of a player. Marcellus Wiley was very candid in stating that a GM should be able to ask anything he or she wishes. He elaborated on the fact that football is an emotional game and that if you are going to draft a kid and pay him millions of dollars, you want to know how the kid is going to react in pressure situations. Wiley is a very smart guy, who attended college at Columbia.
In a day when it seems everyone is kissing up to someone or stroking someone's ego, it is very refreshing to hear two former players who have been there - TELL IT LIKE IT IS. ESPN should create a radio show for Carter and Wiley. They would need a host who could ask the thought provoking questions and stir the pot. Carter and Wiley could just be themselves and give informative, opinionated answers. I guarantee you it would be a great show. Anytime you hear Cris Carter or Marcellus Wiley, I encourage you to sit up and listen. You may or may not like what their opinion is, but you will know exactly WHAT THEIR INFORMED, EXPERIENCED, OPINION IS.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Making Your Fantasy League Better - Part 4
EXPAND THOSE ROSTERS
The more players you have playing, the more games you want to watch. In addition, the more scoring you have the more fun fantasy football can be. If you don't understand that last statement, then you really need to try this. You have fun when your players score. The more they score, the more fun you have. The more players you have, the better chances you have of scoring. Was that an Abbott and Costello routine - if you are too young for that reference then google "Who's On First".
When I say expand the roster, I also mean to expand the number of starters. In our league we draft 3 QB, 6 RB, 7 WR, 2 TE, 3 K, 3 Defenses, 2 Team Offenses, 2 DL/LB, & 2 DB. We start 2 QB, 4 RB, 5 WR, 1 TE, 2 K, 2 Defenses, 2 Team Offenses, 1 DL/LB, & 1 DB. As you can see, with this many starters we have plenty of players to watch which means we have plenty of scoring. Notice that although we have a lot of starters, we still have subs at many positions. Yes, the subs are there for injury but it also adds a pinch of strategy - you must make the call as to who will have the better day.
The expanded roster also allows you to recover easier from injuries to fantasy studs. If your stud RB is hurt during the game, in our league you have 3 more starting RB's to try to make up for the loss of production that Sunday by your injured stud. If that same stud RB is out for a few weeks, 4 RB's starting have a better chance of producing similar numbers as the stud RB than just 1 substitute RB.
Without a doubt, expanding the roster makes draft day more fun. First, it makes the draft a longer event which means more food, more beverage, and more fun. Second, it makes for more study and strategy. When our draft gets to the 23rd or 24th round, you better know something about the players at the positions you need.
Remember, think outside of the box. We have set our roster limits and starting lineup limits by adjusting the numbers every year until we finally found numbers that we all agreed provided us with the most fun. Scoring is fun in fantasy football - the more players the more scoring - the more scoring the more fun. Dare to border on ridiculous, you might be surprised what you find.
The more players you have playing, the more games you want to watch. In addition, the more scoring you have the more fun fantasy football can be. If you don't understand that last statement, then you really need to try this. You have fun when your players score. The more they score, the more fun you have. The more players you have, the better chances you have of scoring. Was that an Abbott and Costello routine - if you are too young for that reference then google "Who's On First".
When I say expand the roster, I also mean to expand the number of starters. In our league we draft 3 QB, 6 RB, 7 WR, 2 TE, 3 K, 3 Defenses, 2 Team Offenses, 2 DL/LB, & 2 DB. We start 2 QB, 4 RB, 5 WR, 1 TE, 2 K, 2 Defenses, 2 Team Offenses, 1 DL/LB, & 1 DB. As you can see, with this many starters we have plenty of players to watch which means we have plenty of scoring. Notice that although we have a lot of starters, we still have subs at many positions. Yes, the subs are there for injury but it also adds a pinch of strategy - you must make the call as to who will have the better day.
The expanded roster also allows you to recover easier from injuries to fantasy studs. If your stud RB is hurt during the game, in our league you have 3 more starting RB's to try to make up for the loss of production that Sunday by your injured stud. If that same stud RB is out for a few weeks, 4 RB's starting have a better chance of producing similar numbers as the stud RB than just 1 substitute RB.
Without a doubt, expanding the roster makes draft day more fun. First, it makes the draft a longer event which means more food, more beverage, and more fun. Second, it makes for more study and strategy. When our draft gets to the 23rd or 24th round, you better know something about the players at the positions you need.
Remember, think outside of the box. We have set our roster limits and starting lineup limits by adjusting the numbers every year until we finally found numbers that we all agreed provided us with the most fun. Scoring is fun in fantasy football - the more players the more scoring - the more scoring the more fun. Dare to border on ridiculous, you might be surprised what you find.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Make Your Fantasy League Better - Part 3
Fantasy football is a great way to spend your time, not only on Sunday, but throughout the week. Just think, when you get bored at work and really don't want to be there, you can escape by diving into your fantasy football team and league. Sure, you may get fired, but at least you will have the right starting lineup for Sunday.
USE A WEBSITE BASED SERVICE TO COORDINATE YOUR LEAGUE
Coordinating your league online via a website has become almost standard in fantasy football. Gone are the days of calculating points using the box scores and keeping the standings by handwritten notes. The question is, which website are you using and how much will it allow you to do with your league?
Most people just sign their league up for a website and proceed with the standard rules set forth by that website. WRONG! As mentioned in Part 1 of this series of posts, it is time that your league evolve into what the members want it to be. Therefore, you need an online league manager that will allow you to modify the rules of your league as the members see fit.
Your online league commissioner or manager should allow you great flexibility for changing the rules, roster limits, scoring descriptions, trades, message boards for trash talk, stats - stats - and more customized stats about the teams and players performance in your league, and several links to other informative fantasy football sites. YES, THIS WILL COST YOU BUT IT IS MORE THAN WORTH IT. The price will usually be less than $100 and should be figured into league dues so all league members share the expense. A fantasy football League without a good, flexible online managing website is like a golfer with only a driver and putter in his bag.
There are a number of online fantasy football league managers that you can choose from. A simple google search will give you plenty of prospects. I encourage you to view the sample league in each so that you get a real feel for how the website works. Reading about "how great the site is" doesn't compare to actually seeing how and what the site will provide. Our league has used myfantasyleague.com for a number of years. We are very pleased with it's flexibility and huge database of information. Also, myfantasyleague.com keeps all of your league info from prior years that you can check out at any time. Sometimes it is fun to take a walk down memory lane, even in fantasy football.
Probably the most important aspect of having the online manager for your league is that this website will allow your league members a place to convene, communicate, coordinate their team, crunch the numbers, and check out all the latest football info. Having a website to visit at any moment, cultivates interest in the league.
USE A WEBSITE BASED SERVICE TO COORDINATE YOUR LEAGUE
Coordinating your league online via a website has become almost standard in fantasy football. Gone are the days of calculating points using the box scores and keeping the standings by handwritten notes. The question is, which website are you using and how much will it allow you to do with your league?
Most people just sign their league up for a website and proceed with the standard rules set forth by that website. WRONG! As mentioned in Part 1 of this series of posts, it is time that your league evolve into what the members want it to be. Therefore, you need an online league manager that will allow you to modify the rules of your league as the members see fit.
Your online league commissioner or manager should allow you great flexibility for changing the rules, roster limits, scoring descriptions, trades, message boards for trash talk, stats - stats - and more customized stats about the teams and players performance in your league, and several links to other informative fantasy football sites. YES, THIS WILL COST YOU BUT IT IS MORE THAN WORTH IT. The price will usually be less than $100 and should be figured into league dues so all league members share the expense. A fantasy football League without a good, flexible online managing website is like a golfer with only a driver and putter in his bag.
There are a number of online fantasy football league managers that you can choose from. A simple google search will give you plenty of prospects. I encourage you to view the sample league in each so that you get a real feel for how the website works. Reading about "how great the site is" doesn't compare to actually seeing how and what the site will provide. Our league has used myfantasyleague.com for a number of years. We are very pleased with it's flexibility and huge database of information. Also, myfantasyleague.com keeps all of your league info from prior years that you can check out at any time. Sometimes it is fun to take a walk down memory lane, even in fantasy football.
Probably the most important aspect of having the online manager for your league is that this website will allow your league members a place to convene, communicate, coordinate their team, crunch the numbers, and check out all the latest football info. Having a website to visit at any moment, cultivates interest in the league.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Make Your Fantasy League Better - Part 2
The time is now to improve your fantasy league. For the next several weeks, Sarge will be giving you ideas based on his 19 years experience as a Commissioner of a deep, very competitive fantasy league that evolves every year to be better.
So many leagues miss out on possibly the greatest enjoyment of fantasy football - the male bonding and forming of friendships. Especially as you get older and develop more responsibilities such as job, wife, kids, etc., these friendships and the time spent together becomes less available and more sacred. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES WHEN YOU CAN.
MAKE YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT AN EVENT
When possible, hold your draft with everyone in person at a convenient location. What fun is it to hold the draft online with no one there to comment on selections or to not be able to catch up on whats going on with the other league members and their lives? When I say make it an event, I MEAN MAKE IT AN EVENT. Make this your day and let everyone else in your life know that this particular day will revolve around your fantasy draft.
Of course, a buffet of food, beverages, and snacks should be provided. All league members should split the cost and contribute to the menu. Eat, drink, and be merry - THIS DAY ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR!
You should use a large draft board with player name labels. These draft boards can be purchased online for very cheap prices and it makes a world of difference in the level of enjoyment and the ability to keep up with which players have been taken.
If possible, use a podium and microphone to do dramatic introductions for each team owner in the league. Even have entrance music for each participant. The more dramatic, the more fun.
Sarge recommends 2 parties per year for everyone to enjoy the male bonding - the draft and the actual NFL Super Bowl. Again, make your draft an EVENT - FOOD, FUN, AND FRIENDSHIPS.
So many leagues miss out on possibly the greatest enjoyment of fantasy football - the male bonding and forming of friendships. Especially as you get older and develop more responsibilities such as job, wife, kids, etc., these friendships and the time spent together becomes less available and more sacred. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES WHEN YOU CAN.
MAKE YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFT AN EVENT
When possible, hold your draft with everyone in person at a convenient location. What fun is it to hold the draft online with no one there to comment on selections or to not be able to catch up on whats going on with the other league members and their lives? When I say make it an event, I MEAN MAKE IT AN EVENT. Make this your day and let everyone else in your life know that this particular day will revolve around your fantasy draft.
Of course, a buffet of food, beverages, and snacks should be provided. All league members should split the cost and contribute to the menu. Eat, drink, and be merry - THIS DAY ONLY COMES ONCE A YEAR!
You should use a large draft board with player name labels. These draft boards can be purchased online for very cheap prices and it makes a world of difference in the level of enjoyment and the ability to keep up with which players have been taken.
If possible, use a podium and microphone to do dramatic introductions for each team owner in the league. Even have entrance music for each participant. The more dramatic, the more fun.
Sarge recommends 2 parties per year for everyone to enjoy the male bonding - the draft and the actual NFL Super Bowl. Again, make your draft an EVENT - FOOD, FUN, AND FRIENDSHIPS.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Entree Hasn't Arrived, But The Appetizers Of Football Season Are Here!
Yes, we still have more than 50+ days before the first college and pro football games. However, if you are a die hard football fan, who anxiously awaits kickoff every year, then you have to look for the small victories in life. Sarge, is talking about the small but significant signs that football is right around the corner.
The football preview magazines - Euphoria! When you see these babies hit the shelves at Wal-Mart, Wal-Greens, or your local bookstore, the fact that football is on the way can't be denied. You must absolutely purchase at least 2. Why 2? Because for the next 50+ days this will be your appetizer before the entree that is the 2010 football season. As the season draws closer, you will become more excited and with each minor rush of adrenaline you will need something to curb your football cravings. Each time you feel the need for football NOW, you pick up the preview magazine and read an article or about a team that you haven't got to yet.
Phil Steele's college and pro football preview magazines are an absolute must for the serious football fan. If you only prefer college, then pick up this college mag and one more that you feel covers a wide variety of topics that you like such as schedules, conferences, traditions, CHEERLEADERS, etc. Make sure you get 2 - better too much than not enough.
For the die hard pro football fan like myself, I recommend Phil Steele's mag and one more that covers predictions, schedules, tv shcedules, fantasy, CHEERLEADERS, and etc. Make sure you get 2 as you will need them.
If you love college and pro, get both of Phil Steele's mags and one more pertaining to college or pro, whichever you like best.
Preview Shows - I noticed this week that the NFL Network will be having shows all week pertaining to who their analysts feel are the best 5 players at each position. Also, college preview shows should start popping up on ESPN in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled when watching sports channels, the football is starting to sprout.
Internet Articles - Finally, read, read, read on the Internet. Football is now a year round sport, in case you haven't realized it. Now, the info is starting to get much more relevant. Scan the Internet with searches when the mood strikes you. YOU WILL FIND INFO TO READ ON THE NET ABOUT THE 2010 FOOTBALL SEASON.
Football is coming, but the beverages, bread, and appetizers for this entree are starting to arrive at the table. Make sure your hands are clean and your napkin is close. Feel free to begin to wet your football appetite with a sample of all of these. When the season hits, you will be ready for a feast.
The football preview magazines - Euphoria! When you see these babies hit the shelves at Wal-Mart, Wal-Greens, or your local bookstore, the fact that football is on the way can't be denied. You must absolutely purchase at least 2. Why 2? Because for the next 50+ days this will be your appetizer before the entree that is the 2010 football season. As the season draws closer, you will become more excited and with each minor rush of adrenaline you will need something to curb your football cravings. Each time you feel the need for football NOW, you pick up the preview magazine and read an article or about a team that you haven't got to yet.
Phil Steele's college and pro football preview magazines are an absolute must for the serious football fan. If you only prefer college, then pick up this college mag and one more that you feel covers a wide variety of topics that you like such as schedules, conferences, traditions, CHEERLEADERS, etc. Make sure you get 2 - better too much than not enough.
For the die hard pro football fan like myself, I recommend Phil Steele's mag and one more that covers predictions, schedules, tv shcedules, fantasy, CHEERLEADERS, and etc. Make sure you get 2 as you will need them.
If you love college and pro, get both of Phil Steele's mags and one more pertaining to college or pro, whichever you like best.
Preview Shows - I noticed this week that the NFL Network will be having shows all week pertaining to who their analysts feel are the best 5 players at each position. Also, college preview shows should start popping up on ESPN in the near future. Keep your eyes peeled when watching sports channels, the football is starting to sprout.
Internet Articles - Finally, read, read, read on the Internet. Football is now a year round sport, in case you haven't realized it. Now, the info is starting to get much more relevant. Scan the Internet with searches when the mood strikes you. YOU WILL FIND INFO TO READ ON THE NET ABOUT THE 2010 FOOTBALL SEASON.
Football is coming, but the beverages, bread, and appetizers for this entree are starting to arrive at the table. Make sure your hands are clean and your napkin is close. Feel free to begin to wet your football appetite with a sample of all of these. When the season hits, you will be ready for a feast.
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