What's new
Fantasy Football - Footballguys Forums

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Would you tell them? (1 Viewer)

Hot Sauce Guy

Footballguy
I love ethics questions. They always elicit a wide array of responses.

Here’s a fun FF playoff hypothetical:

You’re in a SF league facing a team with a QB who’s been benched by his team.

Said opponent set their lineup, and it’s clear they missed the news of said benching.

Would you tell them?
:oldunsure:



*based on a true story. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.
 
No

"If given a choice, be good; be a man of character and intellect; be a man of...."

Wait for you to be given a choice- if you even are. This is not on you and he sure didn't make the playoffs by starting benched players
 
He has until Sunday unless the Chargers benched Herbert or the Broncos benched Nix.

I highly doubt both of those have happened.

I’ve mulled this exact situation before. Every time I’ve butted in I haven’t received thanks and I have even gotten an “I was on it” or two. So I let my opponent set their lineup now. I think it’s almost courtesy at this point. I do dislike when they’re starting guys that are out, but merrier for me in the end, I guess. I don’t think there’s any real correct ethical response to this one. I think it boils down to do we let that person have agency over their responsibilities even with the potential downfall vs. a good samaritan, I’ll-bet it-slipped-his-mind concern and I’ll contact him just to be sure.

Eh, maybe that framing I just gave reeks of bias, but you know what I’m saying.
 
Last edited:
Nope. They're grown men. This season a guy had a chance to make it into the playoffs as the 8 seed. All he had to do was win his final game and he'd pass the guy who already lost on the day. He just needed 3 points. He had Ladd Mcconkey in his lineup who had been ruled out well before that game. I didn't say a word because it didn't affect me and would have negatively affected the guy who was going to make the playoffs. As soon as the game started though and th lineup was locked, I proceeded to let him and everyone know how much of a moron he was. Even the guy who made it in didn't realize the guy started Mcconkey. He stumbled in to our chat about 8 hours later and finally realized what he did.
 
Nope. They're grown men. This season a guy had a chance to make it into the playoffs as the 8 seed. All he had to do was win his final game and he'd pass the guy who already lost on the day. He just needed 3 points. He had Ladd Mcconkey in his lineup who had been ruled out well before that game. I didn't say a word because it didn't affect me and would have negatively affected the guy who was going to make the playoffs. As soon as the game started though and th lineup was locked, I proceeded to let him and everyone know how much of a moron he was. Even the guy who made it in didn't realize the guy started Mcconkey. He stumbled in to our chat about 8 hours later and finally realized what he did.
Lowkey hilarious.

There’s literally zero chance of me not busting balls if someone in my league did that.

I’d do it mere seconds after lineups lock.
lol
 
A more interesting hypothetical scenario...

You are fighting for your playoff life. It's Monday Night, and you have already lost, but you need Team A to beat Team B to advance. If Team A wins, you make it in and Team B is eliminated. Team A is behind by 1pt and their kicker was injured the day prior, and the team has called up a replacement. If you butt in and tell Team A, you will make the playoffs. If not, you miss out. What will you do?
 
As Commish in my Dynasty league I monitor overt tanking and one way we do that is I gently remind folks during the regular season of lineup issues up till KO so that way people can't say they didn't know and tank on purpose (Its in our rules that way). It works in our league of 7 years and nobody has any issues.

Playoffs - your on your own because at that point your not tanking your trying to win so its up to them. At this point its not unethical because you SHOULD be trying to win whatever prize is on offer for your playoff results.

So yea i'm with the "it sucks to be you" crowd for playoff matchups...
 
Nope. They're grown men. This season a guy had a chance to make it into the playoffs as the 8 seed. All he had to do was win his final game and he'd pass the guy who already lost on the day. He just needed 3 points. He had Ladd Mcconkey in his lineup who had been ruled out well before that game. I didn't say a word because it didn't affect me and would have negatively affected the guy who was going to make the playoffs. As soon as the game started though and th lineup was locked, I proceeded to let him and everyone know how much of a moron he was. Even the guy who made it in didn't realize the guy started Mcconkey. He stumbled in to our chat about 8 hours later and finally realized what he did.
Had a guy do the same in our league, lost by less than a point (.50) in his W/C game and would have advanced all the way be in the semi finals now had he put in literally any other player on his bench in the Off flex. He was BIG mad the next day....lol.
 
I would, but I only play in casual leagues for which I am the commish.

I don't want to win because some guy is busy or has been unable to check his team. The integrity of the victory in a casual league is important to me at least.

If there was money on the line then probably not.

But really it doesn't matter either way and there's no judgement in any direction. I barely look at my opponents team so I'd probably not notice anyway.
 
Why are we asking this on a Wednesday evening when Kirk Cousins doesn't play until Sunday? Or do your lineups lock on Thursdays? Or has he been starting Cousins over Nix or Herbert?

And, no, I wouldn't tell him.
 
OP question: My lips are locked until kickoff locks that players goose egg into the historical annuls of the league.

TheWinz question: I am providing unsolicited advice to Team A whether he wants it or not. I NEED to make the playoffs, duh.
 
Also firmly in the no camp. At this stage, if you’re in the playoffs and don’t bother to check your lineup, you shouldn’t be there anyway.

ETA: obviously if it’s a serious issue outside of fantasy football for not checking, that’s an entirely different situation
 
I love ethics questions. They always elicit a wide array of responses.

Here’s a fun FF playoff hypothetical:

You’re in a SF league facing a team with a QB who’s been benched by his team.

Said opponent set their lineup, and it’s clear they missed the news of said benching.

Would you tell them?
:oldunsure:



*based on a true story. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.
What makes you responsible for their lineup? Did you agree to take a cut of his winnings?
You have no obligations to show him any news or football related articles or reports on QB changes. It is free for all and available in multiple outlets.
I received 4 different notices just today on this "QB Shake Up" issue.

Simple answer: NO, do not offer the info, but if asked directly, you can respond as appropriate.
 
No
All is fair in Love and War and Fantasy Football
It happened in a league I was in many years ago with other guys from work
The owner who screwed up admitted it
And said his opponent was totally in the right by not mentioning it
 
Why are we asking this on a Wednesday evening when Kirk Cousins doesn't play until Sunday? Or do your lineups lock on Thursdays? Or has he been starting Cousins over Nix or Herbert?

And, no, I wouldn't tell him.

I’ve seen it dozens of times. Me, I’d address that right away. Other players are fine caring for it on Friday or Saturday.

I also wouldn’t be rostering 2024 Cousins but that’s not germane to our topic.
 
Related feedback - I like to give my opponents feedback with the hopes of adding stress to their life about tough decisions. Like pointing out a slight injury designation and asking them if they're planning on benching a player. Or suggesting that a player on their bench should be started because x,y,z.
 
Why are we asking this on a Wednesday evening when Kirk Cousins doesn't play until Sunday? Or do your lineups lock on Thursdays? Or has he been starting Cousins over Nix or Herbert?

And, no, I wouldn't tell him.
This hypothetical is based on something that happened a couple years ago.
 
Related feedback - I like to give my opponents feedback with the hopes of adding stress to their life about tough decisions. Like pointing out a slight injury designation and asking them if they're planning on benching a player. Or suggesting that a player on their bench should be started because x,y,z.
That’s just straight Ruxin. I have no issue with psychological combat.
 
Related feedback - I like to give my opponents feedback with the hopes of adding stress to their life about tough decisions. Like pointing out a slight injury designation and asking them if they're planning on benching a player. Or suggesting that a player on their bench should be started because x,y,z.
I’d be concerned that it would backfire by inadvertently giving them the correct advice.
 
Related feedback - I like to give my opponents feedback with the hopes of adding stress to their life about tough decisions. Like pointing out a slight injury designation and asking them if they're planning on benching a player. Or suggesting that a player on their bench should be started because x,y,z.

Hey dude, do you breathe in or out on your backswing?
 
Last edited:
but that’s not germane to our topic
Nor is it Michael or Tito.

I had Crowell in mind, but #lion4life

missed that this was SF

in general I never bother opponents the week we’re playing, but on occasion I have texted someone 90 minutes before kickoff to point out they have a donut in their starting lineup

most of the time I couldn’t care less about my opponents roster, it’s enough trying to manage my own

:lol:
 
Probably not. I have, however, notified my opponent in a situation where they had set their lineup a player short for a playoff matchup. Depending on the settings, MFL can allow partial lineups (and it's sometimes not blatantly obvious if you've done so), so I just felt that it was the gentlemanly thing to do. And, I was pretty confident that, if my team showed up, I was going to beat him either way. And I did.

As for starting players that are out/inactive, I feel like that's on them. I'm not here to make sure YOU set your best lineup. Just mine.
 
As a wise man once said:

You play to win the game.

It's a game. I want to win. This isn't boxing where I want to beat the best in the world while he's at his best. I don't want the other team's best. I don't think that's "unsporting." It's on each of us to do the basics for our own teams. Setting the best lineup is the minimum requirement. If you can't do that, it's 1000% on you. I'm here to beat you. Not to baby sit you. Not to help you set your best lineup to beat me. The game is so random, and there is so much luck involved. Take a break if it falls in your lap.

I look at this the same way as the defense allowing a catch on a hail mary or even missing the chip shot game winning FG. It's not enough to be there in position to win. You have to complete the thing. No opponent is saying "Well, they woulda won if they made that 20 yard FG that they'll never miss again."

Let the lineup lock.
 
A more interesting hypothetical scenario...

You are fighting for your playoff life. It's Monday Night, and you have already lost, but you need Team A to beat Team B to advance. If Team A wins, you make it in and Team B is eliminated. Team A is behind by 1pt and their kicker was injured the day prior, and the team has called up a replacement. If you butt in and tell Team A, you will make the playoffs. If not, you miss out. What will you do?
Tell them. In a heartbeat
 
I love ethics questions. They always elicit a wide array of responses.

Here’s a fun FF playoff hypothetical:

You’re in a SF league facing a team with a QB who’s been benched by his team.

Said opponent set their lineup, and it’s clear they missed the news of said benching.

Would you tell them?
:oldunsure:



*based on a true story. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.
Ethics attorney here.
No. I wouldn’t tell them unless you have both helped each other before.
 
I've learned many moons ago that advice, counsel, or suggestions to other PEOPLE fall on deaf ear and are not my business. Id stay out of it. Imo

ethics or not, I've learned the hard way... no good deed goes unpunished.

The worst... a little girl was climbing on the railing of the second floor, I asked her to get down, dad came yelling at me. He didn't care that ALL i was TRYING to do was prevent her from getting hurt.

Now, I turn a walk away from every situation. I just can't deal with a-holes any more.
 
In the regular season where it's a team that has checked out I have let them know if they have a player ruled out in their lineup. I don't think it's right for owners to check out but it happens. If it does I don't see an issue with making sure they have a full lineup.

In the playoffs it's a different story. Everyone should be paying attention so it's on you to realize these things. If they don't then they don't deserve to win.

On the other hand, you don't want to mess with the karma gods so maybe you should let them know. Too many variables....haha
 
I'll add a recent backstory to illustrate my mindset on this.

Week 8. Team I was facing in my biggest money dynasty league and what I viewed as one of the main contenders for the highly coveted top two seed had Tee Higgins in his lineup. This was the week that Tee got hurt in practice on Friday. I saw it about an hour before kickoff he still had Tee in his lineup, assumed he'd change it. Checked back with about 15 minutes to go and saw it was not changed.

Not only was I not even considering telling him, but if he took a goose on Tee combined with some mid performances from two key players he had going in the Thursday Night game I was strategizing around it with my lineup calls. With about a minute to go before lineups locked I made sure he left in Tee, made my lineups calls accordingly(which were mistakes but don't want this to get to long winded)

A little over an hour after kickoff I saw an email that his lineup had been changed by the commissioner and Tee replaced. I was not pleased to see a lineup switch over an hour after they locked and no one bothering to explain it to me. Caused a lot of rancor in the league. Story changed a little over why it was done over and hour after kickoff but loose version of the story was my opponent says he's was in an area he could not access the league, but was able to send an email to the commissioner asking him to pull Tee. Commissioner says he got this email a few minutes after lineups locked, but before kickoff, but was on a flight and could not make the change until he landed.

Maybe some of you would have said that's cool. Not me. I don't even care to examine the validity of the story. Could be 100% accurate, don't know or care. You got a deadline to get your lineup in and that's on you is how I see it. I fought this tooth and nail to have Tee removed from the lineup and really caused a lot of rancor in the league, which I hated to do, but felt sure in my convictions.

So that's how I roll. I expect people, especially in highly competitive leagues were decent money is involved, to be responsible for their own team*. I play to win, expect my opponent to do the same and if you are not up to the task I'll try and use it to my advantage.

*if I got reason to believe someone has a health issue to them or their family, stuck in a natural disaster, things like that I would not feel this way. Just wanting to make that known there are instances I would allow a change, inform the owner if I knew he was in this predicament, etc, etc, but in the absence of something like that, hell no.
 
A more interesting hypothetical scenario...

You are fighting for your playoff life. It's Monday Night, and you have already lost, but you need Team A to beat Team B to advance. If Team A wins, you make it in and Team B is eliminated. Team A is behind by 1pt and their kicker was injured the day prior, and the team has called up a replacement. If you butt in and tell Team A, you will make the playoffs. If not, you miss out. What will you do?
I had a similar situation this year. In an FFPC dynasty league in the final week of the regular season, Team A and I were fighting for the final playoff spot. Team A was playing Team B who was out of contention. FFPC has waivers Wed night and Sun morning. On Friday, I noticed that Team B had two unfilled starting lineup spots because of byes and injuries and he had not made any waiver pickups. I pinged him and let him know that I needed him to win for me to make the playoffs and I'd appreciate it if he picked up players to fill his two spots. He didn't respond but he did pick up two players in the Sun morning waivers and started his best lineup. It ended up not making a difference anyway.
 
This happened for real in my redraft league this year. Last week of regular season (week 14). Team A already has a week 15 bye. His opponent must win to get in, but he is also a very close friend to this guy. Team A benches Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins, ensuring his "better" friend makes the playoffs. The league goes nuts, and I jumped in as a co-commish. I told Team A he is free to do what he wants with his team, but if he benches players on purpose, he will not be invited back next year. He puts Burrow and Higgins back in, but still loses! The league is happy once again.
 
I love ethics questions. They always elicit a wide array of responses.

Here’s a fun FF playoff hypothetical:

You’re in a SF league facing a team with a QB who’s been benched by his team.

Said opponent set their lineup, and it’s clear they missed the news of said benching.

Would you tell them?
:oldunsure:



*based on a true story. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

I would absolutely tell them. I would type the message and hit "send" 1 minute after kick-off.
 
I love ethics questions. They always elicit a wide array of responses.

Here’s a fun FF playoff hypothetical:

You’re in a SF league facing a team with a QB who’s been benched by his team.

Said opponent set their lineup, and it’s clear they missed the news of said benching.

Would you tell them?
:oldunsure:



*based on a true story. Some of the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

No. And i wouldnt feel bad about it
 
I'll add a recent backstory to illustrate my mindset on this.

Week 8. Team I was facing in my biggest money dynasty league and what I viewed as one of the main contenders for the highly coveted top two seed had Tee Higgins in his lineup. This was the week that Tee got hurt in practice on Friday. I saw it about an hour before kickoff he still had Tee in his lineup, assumed he'd change it. Checked back with about 15 minutes to go and saw it was not changed.

Not only was I not even considering telling him, but if he took a goose on Tee combined with some mid performances from two key players he had going in the Thursday Night game I was strategizing around it with my lineup calls. With about a minute to go before lineups locked I made sure he left in Tee, made my lineups calls accordingly(which were mistakes but don't want this to get to long winded)

A little over an hour after kickoff I saw an email that his lineup had been changed by the commissioner and Tee replaced. I was not pleased to see a lineup switch over an hour after they locked and no one bothering to explain it to me. Caused a lot of rancor in the league. Story changed a little over why it was done over and hour after kickoff but loose version of the story was my opponent says he's was in an area he could not access the league, but was able to send an email to the commissioner asking him to pull Tee. Commissioner says he got this email a few minutes after lineups locked, but before kickoff, but was on a flight and could not make the change until he landed.

Maybe some of you would have said that's cool. Not me. I don't even care to examine the validity of the story. Could be 100% accurate, don't know or care. You got a deadline to get your lineup in and that's on you is how I see it. I fought this tooth and nail to have Tee removed from the lineup and really caused a lot of rancor in the league, which I hated to do, but felt sure in my convictions.

So that's how I roll. I expect people, especially in highly competitive leagues were decent money is involved, to be responsible for their own team*. I play to win, expect my opponent to do the same and if you are not up to the task I'll try and use it to my advantage.

*if I got reason to believe someone has a health issue to them or their family, stuck in a natural disaster, things like that I would not feel this way. Just wanting to make that known there are instances I would allow a change, inform the owner if I knew he was in this predicament, etc, etc, but in the absence of something like that, hell no.
Our rules allow this, but also includes cc'ing your opponent.
 

Users who are viewing this thread

Back
Top