*Disclaimer: Obviously, I am biased in my observations and opinions. I will always back my teammates, and I have in the past, even to a fault. I also did not directly hear the altercation between my team and Practice Squad’s team that caused this whole raucous.
I have been in the league a long time. Some may poke fun and say that I’ve languished in the C league for too long, but my teams have generally played hard and been good sportsmen after the game, win or lose. I can say that #56 on our team, “Fireman,” was getting hounded from the Practice Squad sideline the entire game. I believe this is justified given the amount of talking he does during the game and on the message board.
It was an incredible game. PS scored in the 2nd half to go up 12-6, and we scored with a minute left to go up 13-12. PS then hit one of their receivers for a long gain down the sideline to set up 1st down from about the 30, with less than a minute left. Then Fireman, who by my account played well, picked off a pass to win the game for us. I got the impression that a few people from Practice Squad were unhappy with how the game ended, and they did not shake hands in the line after the game. The next thing you know, I’m holding Fireman back and #0 on Practice Squad is being restrained on his sideline. A few people, not players, from Practice Squad’s sideline came halfway across the field and exchanged words, and someone threw a half-full Gatorade bottle at our team, which was congregated on the sideline. That’s what happened.
I believe Fireman has been targeted ever since he started posting things on the message board. However, the reason he is being targeted is because he’s unafraid to post his identity or hide his personality. I can tell you that he plays hard and I am proud to call him a team mate. If you don’t like him, that’s fine, but why are you taking the time to respond to his posts?
Bundy, I’m sure he meant no disrespect to anyone’s family on your team. It is comical though to watch Practice Squad’s entourage shuffle in water and tape games. Your level of dedication to flag football is unprecedented and some people, myself included, wonder why you all have matching hats, t-shirts (complete with logo and personalized name), a coach and a video crew. Is a team bus too far behind?
Fireman has never wavered or compromised his personality throughout the entire season. As I said before, he is consistent and will remain that way. He reciprocates the respect he receives on the flag football field and has always been a good sportsman after the game. And make no mistake about it fellas, this is just a game. We’ll see you in the fall. And yes, Chuck Norris is finally moving out of the C league and Fireman will continue to be a big part of it.
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*Disclaimer: Obviously, I am biased in my observations and opinions. I will always back my teammates, and I have in the past, even to a fault. I also did not directly hear the altercation between my team and Practice Squad’s team that caused this whole raucous.
I have been in the league a long time. Some may poke fun and say that I’ve languished in the C league for too long, but my teams have generally played hard and been good sportsmen after the game, win or lose. I can say that #56 on our team, “Fireman,” was getting hounded from the Practice Squad sideline the entire game. I believe this is justified given the amount of talking he does during the game and on the message board.
Yes he was, and I did a lot of it. I enjoy that kind of bantering and everyone who knows me, knows that it’s all in jest and good fun. If I’m talking to you, it’s because I like you. It’s when I stop talking that I’ve changed my opinion.
It was an incredible game. PS scored in the 2nd half to go up 12-6, and we scored with a minute left to go up 13-12. PS then hit one of their receivers for a long gain down the sideline to set up 1st down from about the 30, with less than a minute left. Then Fireman, who by my account played well, picked off a pass to win the game for us.
I agree on all accounts. Great game overall and it was an excellent play by Fireman to end a game that almost got away from you.
I got the impression that a few people from Practice Squad were unhappy with how the game ended, and they did not shake hands in the line after the game.
Of course we were all unhappy, most competitors would be. I didn’t see people avoid the handshake line and I’m sorry it happened.
The next thing you know, I’m holding Fireman back and #0 on Practice Squad is being restrained on his sideline. A few people, not players, from Practice Squad’s sideline came halfway across the field and exchanged words, and someone threw a half-full Gatorade bottle at our team, which was congregated on the sideline. That’s what happened.
I saw the bottle throw happen, I know who did it and I’m ashamed and embarrassed of the action and the player who did it. I plan on bringing the matter directly to our coach for him to deal with it.
I believe Fireman has been targeted ever since he started posting things on the message board. However, the reason he is being targeted is because he’s unafraid to post his identity or hide his personality. I can tell you that he plays hard and I am proud to call him a team mate. If you don’t like him, that’s fine, but why are you taking the time to respond to his posts?
I couldn’t agree more. If you don’t like something someone says, unless it’s a direct attack on you, move on and let it go. Try being an adult instead of a child.
Bundy, I’m sure he meant no disrespect to anyone’s family on your team. It is comical though to watch Practice Squad’s entourage shuffle in water and tape games. Your level of dedication to flag football is unprecedented and some people, myself included, wonder why you all have matching hats, t-shirts (complete with logo and personalized name), a coach and a video crew. Is a team bus too far behind?
Fireman apologized and it’s all good in my opinion. As far as the level of dedication, yeah we’re a good bit into it. We do have hats (ball caps and beanies), but that was an optional buy, not everyone has them. No t-shirts though. Those were last year’s jerseys. I’m hoping for team shorts in the fall ;) I like my hats, even have my number embroidered on the back ;) Why? Who knows? Is it vanity? Maybe. Team look? Possible.
Yes, our families come to games, tape them for us to watch back and gain insight. Yes, our kids run water out to the huddle during a timeout. And yes, our coach is a coach. He doesn’t play, but this is his team. This was his idea. He busts his*****to get everything together, organizes practices, handles the team fees, uniforms, reviews the game tape, he does it all. And you know what? He can play. I’ve seen him play, he just chooses not to. I doubt we’ll ever have a team bus, although it’s a cool idea. What does all of this add up to though really? To me, it’s a statement of commitment to a team, across the board from every member of this team who put in their money and hard work to try and make this team a success.
Fireman has never wavered or compromised his personality throughout the entire season. As I said before, he is consistent and will remain that way. He reciprocates the respect he receives on the flag football field and has always been a good sportsman after the game. And make no mistake about it fellas, this is just a game. We’ll see you in the fall. And yes, Chuck Norris is finally moving out of the C league and Fireman will continue to be a big part of it.
Good luck to you and Team America in the Open Division!
Josh |