Preds steps aside, formally retires from FF

[Preds]

It is with a heavy heart that I writie this, but the truth is, heart is part of the problem. That is, my heart just isn't in the game anymore, and recognizing that, I've decided to hang up my "stats" so to speak and retire from Fantasy Football.

The game has become too much of a chore for too little gain. Even under reduced workloads the past 2 seasons, I still find myself investing far too many hours into FF, and on the other end finding far too little enjoyment for my efforts.

The kicker is, I rarely watch games anymore, and take little enjoyment from the NFL. The league has gone way downhill in the past few years IMO, and I just don't find much enjoyment in following it. In terms of Fantasy Football, I have done little more than analyze stats the past 2 seasons to determine who I should or shouldn't target. While my teams this year were all winners, they didn't receive the level of attentiveness they had in previous years. And IMO, it showed.

I've hung around the past couple seasons for the camraderie, however, even that has waned from a few years ago, which is disappointing.

I apologize to my leaguemates for having to part ways, and wish nothing but the best for all of you. I hope you guys keep things going in Frenzy and SACD with some new blood. Hopefully Frenzy and SACD can determine new leadership amongst themselves, and will have plenty of time to fill my vacancy. I'd hate to see either league die, but if my heart isn't in it, I don't think I'm doing anyone favors by hanging around.

I'll check in from time to time and hopefully keep relationships with all of you to some degree.

On a happier note, I wish everone here a Happy Holidays.

P.S. - while saddened, I feel like a HUGE burden has been lifted off my back. Go figure.

[Burt the Butcher]

Dang dude!! Sorry to see you go, but fully understand the decision. But damn, kind of like losing a limb here. Almost like the Yankees leaving NY...the Packers packing it in and moving to Deluth!

It's been a pleasure playing with you these past few years. I'll miss all the bashing and discussions! For sure will keep up some of it on IM though.....and don't think you are done telling me to 'look it up in the F'n rules!!"!!

[Nittany Dodgers]

Sorry to see you go, Mike, but I know where you are coming from. This year has been a chore all around and I feel the frustration. But, as my kids are getting older and busier, I understand there just isn't time for stuff like this when it's not giving you the satisfaction and reward of being fun

Take care and keep in touch.

[Philadelphia Freedom]

I finally make the playoffs and the wheels fall off... I was only kidding last week about this being a sign of the apocalypse.

After seven years it kind of feels like losing a friend (albeit one who kicked the crap out of me for the majority of our relationship).

Anyhow, you will be missed and hopefully the joy of the game will return after some time away.

[Popes]

Mike, I 100% understand. It sounds like you're making the right decision. Several years ago I left the league I founded, commish'ed, and played in for 13 or so years. I've never looked back - it was the right decision. I suspect you'll feel the same way down the road.

I enjoyed the one year we played together in the Frenzy. You were a formidable foe on all fronts (drafting, bidding, and playing on Sunday)!

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

As a pastor, I participate in "funerals" quite a bit. There's always sadness. However, when things go "right," they are more like "celebrations of life," than mourning of death.

I'd like to celebrate the life that Mike brought to Fantasy Football. From the "Super Intense Years" to the "Kinder-Gentler Years" of recent. Always ready to give his opinion, to up the bid just-because-it's-a-crime-for-this-guy-to-go-so-cheap, and to work that 16-team blockbuster trade, Mike and fantasy football are like cookies and milk - they just go together.

May you be able to give more of that passion to your family & other hobbies now! Thanks for the legacy of excellence, Mike.

[Preds]

Dang Jim, your comments bring tears to my eyes. Seriously!

Thanks for the kind words guys. Keep the leagues alive. I plan to enjoy watching from the sidelines in 2008!

[Philadelphia Freedom]

I plan to enjoy watching from the sidelines in 2008!

PamOliver:? JimGray:?

Seriously, I loved it when we had the weekly articles and stuff. Some occasional pieces would be great (if you are interested).

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Philadelphia Freedom

PamOliver:? JimGray:?

Seriously, I loved it when we had the weekly articles and stuff. Some occasional pieces would be great (if you are interested).

Excellent idea... though those kinds of things always took more time for me than managing my fantasy team!

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Royal Hawaiian Opihi

Excellent idea... though those kinds of things always took more time for me than managing my fantasy team!

Look at you guys volunteering my time already.

I make no promises whatsoever. Kinda looking forward to the freedom.

[Flaxwless]

Damn you can have your Toilet Bowl then.

Toilet Bowl + Mike >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Expanded playoffs + Lottery - Mike






I bet you change your mind come next football season. You just have to.

[Popes]

Originally Posted by Flaxwless

Toilet Bowl + Mike >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Expanded playoffs + Lottery - Mike

Awww, even Frank's getting mushy.

[Philadelphia Freedom]

Kinda looking forward to cheering for the freedom.

Fixed

[Urza's Ragers]

Dang Mike, I'll fly over to take care of your kids so you have more time for fantasy!!

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Urza's Ragers

Dang Mike, I'll fly over to take care of your kids so you have more time for fantasy!!

Believe it or don't, but it's not about my kids this time around. Sure they'll benefit from my extra time, but this is about me just not enjoying the NFL game itself anymore. Maybe I'm just burned out from it, or maybe it's run its course for me. All I know is when I watch a game, I quickly lose interest and scan the channels for something watchable, or hit the TIVO for a prerecorded program.

When one doesn't even enjoy watching the game that the sport of FF entails, it stops making sense ya know? As a result, I've come to the realization that stepping aside from it makes sense at this time.

[Preds]

Originally Posted by Flaxwless

Damn you can have your Toilet Bowl then.

Toilet Bowl + Mike >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Expanded playoffs + Lottery - Mike






I bet you change your mind come next football season. You just have to.

I appreciate the words Frank, and I'd be lying if I said that had nothing to do with my decision, because it did. Well, at least it put me over the edge. Not losing the fight mind you, I'm OK with that. What put me over the edge was the argument itself. I just don't have the heart for it anymore. It just feels like such a bad use of time for me.

For the record Frank, I've always been in your corner as being a solid contributer to the league. I've always backed you and felt you had a valid voice to add to the league. One that not all will agree with, but then, that's why the league has 12 owners. Anyhow, in that particular instance we didn't see eye to eye, but the instance itself isn't why I've chosen to leave.

As for hoping I'll change my mind... I'm telling you guys to replace me. Do it now. My decision is FINAL for the 2008 season and probably beyond. Don't waste time waiting to fill my spot hoping I might return. I don't want that.

I wish everybody well, I want to see the league continue to excel, and I'll be checking in from time to time. The boards aren't going anywhere. And I'll still be around to advise here and there, or help the league transistion to new management.

Who knows, maybe I'll find more enjoyment as an impartial observer.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

I'd be happy to take over Mike's team... combine our best players... give the leftovers to the Freedom... and make the East a 3 team division.

Do I have a second?

[Philadelphia Freedom]

I'd be happy to take over Mike's team... combine our best players... give the leftovers to the Freedom... and make the East a 3 team division.

I will second this with the thought that you and I have a dispersal draft and that we get money added to our cap to accommodate the talent we would be acquiring!!

[Nittany Dodgers]

Note to fellow Frenzy owners, in addition to replacing Mike as an owner, there are going to be big shoes to fill in his unofficial capacity as league organizer. Mike was generally the one to round people back to the boards come February or March to iron out any rule changes, get people back ready for RFAs and whatnot. After the big game this weekend, I'm sure people will be disbursing, but someone will have to come back to the table ready to take on a bigger role, or things will start to unravel quickly. Plus, we're going to need to find a replacement owner (at least one considering Smitty has been MIA for who knows how long).

[The Knights of Ni]

Sorry to see you go Mike. I'd go to if I were you, cause I was preparing to unleash a beat down on your team next year. Seriously though, the best to you and your family. Hope to see you around the board.

If any help is needed, I'm available. Except April 19. 2008 and the week before and after as I will be getting married and my time will be pretty limited those two weeks.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Originally Posted by Soap Box Derby Car

If any help is needed, I'm available. Except April 19. 2008 and the week before and after as I will be getting married and my time will be pretty limited those two weeks.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! Too bad the rookie draft starts on the 17th this year. I'm sure if you gave us your proxy picks, we'd be happy to scrounge up a few players for you. Right guys?! ;)

[The Knights of Ni]

Thanks Jim. Thanks for the offer but I'm sure my wife will "understand" if I have to find a couple minutes a day to check in a make a pick...at least I hope she will.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

Actually, I was just joking about the start date.

[The Knights of Ni]

Well.......I was just joking also.

[Royal Hawaiian Opihi]

D'oh!