Dealing with a deadbeat owner (1 Viewer)

[Sack-Religious]

How many chances do you give an owner to pay league fees before you take more drastic measures?

This is a local league where everyone knows everyone, but some owners are closer to each other, than others. I'll spare you all the history with this guy, but fees were due by Wednesday of week one. The deadbeat is good friends with another guy in our league. The other guy offered to pay both their league fees together (to be paid back bydeadbeat later), but deadbeat told him that he'd be sending his fees, shortly. Fast forward to last week. Still no fees from deadbeat and everyone else has paid up. I send deadbeat a polite email last Friday night asking when he's planning on paying his fees. No response, no money received to date. Not even a "times are tough, can I pay you in a couple weeks" sort of message has been received from this guy.

Earlier this week, I get an email from deadbeat's good friend saying that he spoke with deadbeat and that the cheque was mailed "a couple days ago." We're all in the same city, no cheque received as of yet.

I'm planning on emailing the guy again tonight, asking just WTF his problem is and that I need his money by next Tuesday.

Then, if no money is received by next Thursday, I plan on posting on our league's message board that the deadbeat owner has until the following Wednesday to pay or his account is being deleted and he'll be removed from the league.

Am I being too lenient? Is league removal too harsh?

 

[Keys Myaths]

They pay before the beginning of the season, or they don't play. Period.

 

[BigTex]

YES you are being too lenient. Cut him like a bad habit, guys like this will bring your league down and other owners are watching to see how you handle it. You don't want to lose the respect of your league mates. If that money is not there by Saturday, lock him out and find an owner who will run that team. No way should an owner show up at the draft let alone 3 weeks into the league and has not paid his dues.

 

[fsufan]

I give owners 2 emails. If they do not respond or paid the fee I kick them out and find another owner. I have learned to not let it get past week 2. I sent this email out to all 3 of my leagues after week 2 games. The unpaid fees got paid ASAP.

Any unpaid league fee needs to be paid by the start of week 3 games. Any unpaid fee once week 3 games start will result in that owner not being able to access the site.

I have learnt you have to be a hard ### when it comes to the league fee.

 

[Sleeper 43]

"No Pay, No Play" live by it.

 

[Phurfur]

I have been commissioner of a league for about eight years now and the absolute worst part of the job is collecting money. I was lenient like you but wised up a few years back. I booted any deadbeats and now life is good. I would give his buddy another shot at paying for him. If this guy pays or not, do not invite him back next year.

 

[Sack-Religious]

All fees should be paid at the draft, but due to scheduling conflicts this season, we had to draft on-line. This didn't stop everyone else from getting their fees in, mind you.

I know this owner isn't good with money and generally doesn't have much. I even lowered league fees this year, to accomodate him and he repays me this way.

Tonight (by email and league message board) will be his final warning. He has until next Wednesday (accounting for mail delivery time) to get me his fees, or he's gone.

 

[pats3in4]

Privately, give him a deadline in which his access is cut off if not met. If you have to follow through, do it quietly and then make an apologetic post to your league's board that you unfortunately had to let him go since he didn't pay the fee this far into the season after several warnings. Don't burn any bridges by turning it into some dramatic thing.

 

[Sack-Religious]

I have been commissioner of a league for about eight years now and the absolute worst part of the job is collecting money. I was lenient like you but wised up a few years back. I booted any deadbeats and now life is good. I would give his buddy another shot at paying for him. If this guy pays or not, do not invite him back next year.

His buddy won't pay for him anymore, now that hasn't paid up his fees.Deadbeat actually works for his buddy over the summer, and if we're unable to find a replacement owner, the only way deadbeat's back in the league next year is if his buddy takes $20 off each cheque he gets to pay his league fees.

 

[sandlotshrink]

I agree with Phurfur on this one. Let the buddy pay for him and they can work it out on their own. I would not want this joker back if he won't even communicate with you. Another thankless duty of the Commish.

 

[Sack-Religious]

Privately, give him a deadline in which his access is cut off if not met. If you have to follow through, do it quietly and then make an apologetic post to your league's board that you unfortunately had to let him go since he didn't pay the fee this far into the season after several warnings. Don't burn any bridges by turning it into some dramatic thing.

This is where the history comes in. He was commish of the league in a previous incarnation, but was horrible with money ie. some guys still haven't received all their winnings. Most owners from that league have left as a result and a few of the original owners and I started a new league. We had an owner drop out at basically the last minute and we needed someone to fill the spot. He assured his buddy that he had the money for fees, so we welcomed him back, knowing he was responsible for only his league fees and not the entire league's finances. I suppose, to some degree, I brought this on myself knowing his history with money, but all indications were that he had his fees ready to be paid.

 

[pats3in4]

Privately, give him a deadline in which his access is cut off if not met. If you have to follow through, do it quietly and then make an apologetic post to your league's board that you unfortunately had to let him go since he didn't pay the fee this far into the season after several warnings. Don't burn any bridges by turning it into some dramatic thing.

This is where the history comes in. He was commish of the league in a previous incarnation, but was horrible with money ie. some guys still haven't received all their winnings. Most owners from that league have left as a result and a few of the original owners and I started a new league. We had an owner drop out at basically the last minute and we needed someone to fill the spot. He assured his buddy that he had the money for fees, so we welcomed him back, knowing he was responsible for only his league fees and not the entire league's finances. I suppose, to some degree, I brought this on myself knowing his history with money, but all indications were that he had his fees ready to be paid.

History aside, handle it quietly anyway. Think of it as firing an employee: You let him go, telling him that things aren't working out rather than ##### and moan to the whole office how so-and-so was such a lousy employee and deserved to get fired. Bottom line is that he's gone and everyone's moving forward.

 

[Resident A]

Sounds like it's time to start being an A. hole

Post a public message to the league that any team, who is not paid-in-full by the start of Week 4 games will forfeit all games until they are paid up. Then list the teams that owe money (just this guy). Then privately tell him to deliver a check to you in person or he forfeits. They always pull the "I mailed it already" crap. If he's in the same area, he can drive to you.

I've had this happen a few times over the years & they always paid after threats. I tend to be pretty nasty to people whp try to screw me over though.

 

[5-ish Finkle]

He was commish of the league in a previous incarnation, but was horrible with money ie. some guys still haven't received all their winnings.

I practically stopped reading right there. Cut the cord. He's not only a deadbeat, he's a thief. I was in a fantasy baseball league were crap like that happened. When it came to light the guy was skimming the league's cash, no one could really remember why anyone was so tight with him in the first place. Folks like that rarely change and there is never any good excuse for it happening. Ever. Abort!

 

[Phurfur]

I have been commissioner of a league for about eight years now and the absolute worst part of the job is collecting money. I was lenient like you but wised up a few years back. I booted any deadbeats and now life is good. I would give his buddy another shot at paying for him. If this guy pays or not, do not invite him back next year.

His buddy won't pay for him anymore, now that hasn't paid up his fees.Deadbeat actually works for his buddy over the summer, and if we're unable to find a replacement owner, the only way deadbeat's back in the league next year is if his buddy takes $20 off each cheque he gets to pay his league fees.

No, under no circumstances let him back in and let the entire league know why. You do not want to set a precedent like that. The rule HAS to be pay up on time or you are out.

 

[MOAT]

IMO

You need to make it clear ASAP. Make a league announcement, "If Team X does not get me a check by kickoff this week we will need a new owner. If you he hasn't paid I will lock his team he will be kicked out of the league." If that happens, do it. Explain to the league that his lineup will be set by you every week using the site's predicted points (even if you don't agree with them) until a replacement owner (with check in hand) shows up. This "auto" team would have no chance at playoffs but should produce a semi-viable opponent every week. No add/drops unless someone is out for the year. Then drop the out player and pick up the highest currently rated player in his same position to replace him.

Then...make another league announcement. Fees are due 2 weeks before next year's draft. Anyone that hasn't paid will be suject to being replaced by a new owner with payment.

If it is for fun you don't need these headaches. If it is for money, everyone needs to pay up!

 

[MOAT]

I have been commissioner of a league for about eight years now and the absolute worst part of the job is collecting money. I was lenient like you but wised up a few years back. I booted any deadbeats and now life is good. I would give his buddy another shot at paying for him. If this guy pays or not, do not invite him back next year.

His buddy won't pay for him anymore, now that hasn't paid up his fees.Deadbeat actually works for his buddy over the summer, and if we're unable to find a replacement owner, the only way deadbeat's back in the league next year is if his buddy takes $20 off each cheque he gets to pay his league fees.

You probably can't legally dock his check.

 

[Sack-Religious]

IMOYou need to make it clear ASAP. Make a league announcement, "If Team X does not get me a check by kickoff this week we will need a new owner. If you he hasn't paid I will lock his team he will be kicked out of the league." If that happens, do it. Explain to the league that his lineup will be set by you every week using the site's predicted points (even if you don't agree with them) until a replacement owner (with check in hand) shows up. This "auto" team would have no chance at playoffs but should produce a semi-viable opponent every week. No add/drops unless someone is out for the year. Then drop the out player and pick up the highest currently rated player in his same position to replace him.Then...make another league announcement. Fees are due 2 weeks before next year's draft. Anyone that hasn't paid will be suject to being replaced by a new owner with payment.If it is for fun you don't need these headaches. If it is for money, everyone needs to pay up!

What complicates matters somewhat, is that I play him this week. I'm 3-0, he's 2-1 and we're both in the top 4 in points scored. I don't want to make it appear that I want to lock him out of the league when we play each other, which is why I'm giving him until mid next week. If he, and the rest of the league, are advised that he has until October 3rd to pay up he can't claim that I was looking to get over on him.In terms of taking money off his cheque, it's under the table money, so we don't have to take that into consideration.

 

[burd]

i let people slide all the way to the end of the season and haven't had any major problems.

here's what you do if they're dodging you: you call them and tell them that you need the money asap and that you're going to show up at their work to pick up the cash.

I did that last year to a guy who was dodging me for two weeks.... he showed up at my house w/ the cash within 2 hours.

Point is, no one likes to be made a spectacle at their work. tell them you're going to show up at their work to collect and watch how quickly they pay up.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

I am in a similar position. Long time 16 man league, all friends. Over the years we have spread out and have "satellite " drafting locations during the live draft. Most at the satellite locations haven't paid, as well as some at the draft. If someone comes to the draft w/o money it's hard to send them home because we are friends and then we'd be 1 man short.

This is the Commish message I put on our website Monday:

Topic: Bad news for those who haven't paid

We are all grown ups here. No one really has the time or will to call those who haven't paid the $50. I can call you out if you want, but you know who you are. (Co-Commish) left a message on the message board and no one responded. So...

If (Co-Commish) doesn't get your money in two weeks I am going to prevent your team from making transactions. No votes, no nothing. Once you send your money, PM (Co-Commish).

 

[Brides Maids]

I have been commissioner of a league for about eight years now and the absolute worst part of the job is collecting money. I was lenient like you but wised up a few years back. I booted any deadbeats and now life is good. I would give his buddy another shot at paying for him. If this guy pays or not, do not invite him back next year.

His buddy won't pay for him anymore, now that hasn't paid up his fees.Deadbeat actually works for his buddy over the summer, and if we're unable to find a replacement owner, the only way deadbeat's back in the league next year is if his buddy takes $20 off each cheque he gets to pay his league fees.

Sounds like the deadbeat is a roofer with a drug problem. I mean your gonna try to Garnish his wages??? To play Fantasy Football?? Sounds like this guy has other issues in life he should be worrying about, I'd cut him loose and save ALL of the headaches, yours and his.

 

[mcjc4]

Let his buddy pay the fee for him and they will work it out. Everyone agree's it is a pain in the rear when you are stuck trying to collect money all season long. Remeber, you guys persued him to join the league, he didn't come looking for you. You knew the history and probably asumed it would come to this eventually. I would keep it quit and try to get the money without bringing everyone in the league into it.

Consider giving him a 50% discount if he will trade you Moss and LT for Evan and Cedric Benson. no one needs to knnow!

 

[fsufan]

i let people slide all the way to the end of the season and haven't had any major problems.

I use to do this. Then I had some owners screw me. And then some owner would not pay me till March and April. I got tired of being taken advantage of. I started enforcing the pay on draft day rule. To show I was serious about it, I made an example of an owner who did not pay and kicked him out.

 

[Brides Maids]

IMO

You need to make it clear ASAP. Make a league announcement, "If Team X does not get me a check by kickoff this week we will need a new owner. If you he hasn't paid I will lock his team he will be kicked out of the league." If that happens, do it. Explain to the league that his lineup will be set by you every week using the site's predicted points (even if you don't agree with them) until a replacement owner (with check in hand) shows up. This "auto" team would have no chance at playoffs but should produce a semi-viable opponent every week. No add/drops unless someone is out for the year. Then drop the out player and pick up the highest currently rated player in his same position to replace him.

Then...make another league announcement. Fees are due 2 weeks before next year's draft. Anyone that hasn't paid will be suject to being replaced by a new owner with payment.

If it is for fun you don't need these headaches. If it is for money, everyone needs to pay up!

What complicates matters somewhat, is that I play him this week. I'm 3-0, he's 2-1 and we're both in the top 4 in points scored. I don't want to make it appear that I want to lock him out of the league when we play each other, which is why I'm giving him until mid next week. If he, and the rest of the league, are advised that he has until October 3rd to pay up he can't claim that I was looking to get over on him.In terms of taking money off his cheque, it's under the table money, so we don't have to take that into consideration.

The bold part above is all I needed to see. You should have no problems finding a new owner to take over this team!!