how it all started:


Hi Sean,

I thought I won my division. How did you calculate that the Wily Weasels won?

Doesn't 4-1-1 beat 4-2?

Please advise.

Thanks,

Mike

from Diggity Dogs:

It has to doesnt it? 4-1 has less losses then 4-2.

from Dark Lord:

I have to admit, that does sound right. Huh, I'll have to check my old notes. I remember us discussing this via email or perhaps it was at the draft. You may have something here. I'll check into it and get back to everyone.

Sean

From Legends:

Hi Sean,

Thanks. I know the software organizes the division standings by overall wins instead of division wins, however, I don't think we ever instructed it to the contrary. The NFL playoffs are determined by divisional standings so I always assumed that we did the same.

I hate to create controversy or ill will, but on the other hand, what's right is right.

Thanks,

Mike

from Diggity Dogs

According to the website, and last year, it is the top team in each division. That being the case, the top team would be the one with the less losses to same division teams.


from Dark Lord

Yeah, that's what the website says all right. I am including John in on this to see what he did last year. I have my notes at home so I'll have to check them later. Maybe John can shed some light on this...

Sean

from John:
This actually came up 3 years ago in my first year as commissioner. There was a pretty heated discussion and I had to bring in Paul on it to come up with a ruling.

Remember? Csaba won it all that year, but there was a discrepancy with the number of division wins he had vs. regular wins. He didn't win the division but he was granted a playoff berth because his division wins were actually higher than the division winner.

We never thought that a division winner would actually have less wins than someone below them in total wins. Figuring it wasn't fair to the team that actually performed best within the division we let Csaba in. We should have noted this in the rules page though (oops).

I would have to say that Mike S. should be playoff bound with Keese placing second in the division based on losses.

I wrote:

everyone,
on further analysis, and calming down, I see that by my OVERALL I am 3 1/2 games ahead of Mike! Common sense, guys, think about it! This division record comparison should only be for when there is a tie, correct? Otherwise why can't I just blow off all the games against those not in my division to pick up better free agents and only put in good lineups against my own division? According to you guys, the inter-division games don't mean anything. Are you all involved in some evil plot against rodents?

OK, now I'm done. Thoughts, anyone?


Hi Keese,

Did you get any sleep last night?


I could drag this out (like the presidential election) but, as a matter of fact, we are involved in a plot against the Wily Weasels - not really evil, just intended to give you a bit of a rush! I figured a credible case could be made that the division record was the deciding criteria and enlisted Sean, Paul and John to help firm up the foundation. I was just a tiny bit concerned that we all agreed too quickly that the Legends were actually the division winner . . . you know, a little arguing is more typical in our league! But I guess the apparent reversal of fortunes was shocking enough for you to overlook those nuances!


You are officially the Moe division champion and entitled to all the honor (very little) and respect (even less) that comes with that victory! Congratulations from the Legends and best of luck in the playoffs.


Mike

Paul wrote:
Much snickering at the successful leg pulling done by Mike on Keese.

John wrote:
clap clap clap

(this is the STD that Paul got after his first 3 trips to Newark)

I wrote:


(((****()''''''()****)))
              +;+
            (===)
...that's supposed to be me with steam coming out of my ears or blowing my top!!! Youze guys gave me sooooo much agita!!! My legal counsel (from the other room) even was on my side, and you know it takes a lot for her to even care about anything related to the FFL.

I had thoughts of starting up a "rebel" league to be called "Sore Loser FFL" next fall, and enlist all those from here who didn't win yet.

It will take me a day or so to appreciate this, but I have to agree that this was a fine, fine joke. Hook line and sinker (or stinker, as it were) I fell for it! Guess I need to get a life outside of fantasy football. I guess I also fell for it since there has been a dearth (that means almost none) trash talk this year so I figured it was serious. Mike, you were the right person to start it, altho I wonder whose idea it REALLY was...

For those of you outside the 'fab 4' who plotted this and are as confused as Florida voters, it was an expertly contrived attempt to convince me that I didn't make the playoffs. And it worked!

Well, I hadn't yet purchased the voodoo dolls with football helmets on, so I guess I can't strike any of you down with busted ACLs and MCLs and hamstrings and the like, but I can wish a little turf toe on you all. If any grass starts growing on your feet you will know that I did it. And that you should bathe more often.

so with that thought, on with the show...

Keese

ps - all this controversy makes me feel like the Washington Redskins coaching staff

Paul wrote:
All,
I'm starting to believe that Keese has been desposed of recently and replaced by someone else, possibly even his wife for all we know. I present several clues:
1) His team made the playoffs
2) His team made the playoffs
3) This email makes sense
4) Note the emotion of "anger" in the below email. Keese never gets angry.
5) No mention of what the girls are doing in response to his entry into post season.

Just a thought.


From Mike:
Hi Paul,

Invasion of the body snatchers comes to mind.

I agree. His was a surprising coherent email - very little wandering off into obscure tangents (known as the Joez syndrome). He tried to get off track at the end with the "voodoo dolls with football helmets" . . . "bathe more often" portion, but even his previous emails (rebutting my assertion that I had won the division) were pretty crisp. Maybe a DNA test is in order.

Mike

From John:
You forgot "His team made the playoffs"

That alone has me wandering in a cloud of denial.


and from John:

If the Keese don't fit, you gotta acquit!

I wrote:
cloud of denial - when it rained on Cleopatra!!!
Note to Dave - I suggest that you start a Sore Loser League next year.

It's not the Sucky division, it's the MOE division. Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk.

To make you feel better I''ll play this week's game in your honor.

And my girls are too interested in Christmas to care about, quote, "stupid football".

OK everyone, I'm baaaaaaack. Believe me?