Interview with the LM of Sheikh Gucci Fantasy League

 Blog-A-Baba had the pleasure to sit down with the LM of SGFL, Qais Yar. We discussed the state of the league, the future of the league, and explored what it's like to be a League Manager in today's geopolitical climate.

Ø The league has been running for years now with many of the team managers returning year after year. What do you think is the secret to a successful league?

·        Having a competitive league is probably the most important thing. The second most important thing is that we are all friends, whether in real life or virtually. Also as the years go on the relationship and friendships grow, and of course the competitiveness grows as well. It also helps that in present-day NBA, there are so many stars and exciting players. 

Ø On the flip side, what would you suggest is the biggest problem the league faces still today?

·        The problem used to be trades, but now it’s just the general policing of the league. It seems that every year there is some situation that disrupts the flow of the league. And this particular year it was a certain team dropping a top 20 player into the free agent pool. I personally never take the league too seriously however I do get upset when the balance of the league is messed up either by a fat finger mistake or by a bad trade.

Ø You have obviously implemented a new Auction Draft system the past two years. Do you feel the change can be deemed a positive one?

·        Yes and no. Outside of my own team I always think about how to make the league more competitive, and auction draft was one of those ideas. Unfortunately, certain teams who do not draft well will be lingering towards the bottom, and it seems to be the same teams in the last couple of years. It seems the stronger teams were already ready for this change and have really benefited from this change in direction.

Ø Gun to your head - who do you think is the best Team manager in the league? Likewise - who do you think is the worst - and why is it SAMJ?

·        The best manager is SAMJ. He maximizes his acquisitions seven out of seven every single week. He notices the times in which other players accomplish their acquisitions. He remembers each and every line up infringement in the last five years. He also remembers the playoff brackets for each individual year for as long as the Lee has been an order. He is the fantasy god and no one will ever be his worthy competitor.

Ø Are there any new rules you are thinking to implement next year?

·        There’s a whole list of potential rules that could be added, but majority of them are met with negative feedback. Some of these ideas have been limiting bench space, limiting daily acquisitions, adjusting scoring, adjusting trades. 

Ø The Ghney bros have year in, and year out, been the cream of the crop as far as Team Managers go which has led some to believe there is a lack of true parity in the league. Do you agree with those beliefs?

·        Yes, I was joking about the best team manager statement earlier. The best manager is most definitely Issa or Roman Ghney, sorry Burhan. The number of championships and finals that Issa and Roman have been too, it’s truly an embarrassment for the rest of the league. And on top of that one of them had essentially a perfect season last year and won the championship. I am honestly shocked no one has tapped out in a league due to their dominance yet.

Ø Collusion is a serious crime in Fantasy Sports, do you think it exists within your league?

·        No, I think throughout the years we have really created rules that eliminate this type of behavior. I really don’t think there’s any potential chance for collusion.

Ø Some have stated that the league is not about winning, it is about ensuring SAMJ loses, what do you say to those who have made such statements?

·        Actually, I have said this, and I was the originator of the statement. I still abide by this, if I beat SAMJ then I have a really won the championship. He really annoys me on a personal level.

Ø There has been an uproar, as of late, about certain team managers using pay-to-win tactics and subscribing to websites like Draft Pros to help guide them through the Fantasy season. What are your thoughts on such tactics and team managers who utilize them?

·        I think this is sad and pathetic. My vision for this league was to have a group of friends casually playing, chatting, and just having a fun time. I think for those serious players they should really seek a paid league or something more serious. This has not happened yet, but if I found out that a team was in fact paying for the services, I would consider asking them to retire from the league. 

Ø There are people who have compared the Trade Committee to the Illuminati and suggesting that the committee has too much power. What are your thoughts on the matter?

·        I think this is nonsense. The only really thing the trade committee does is review trades and modifications to rules. I am always willing to listen to appeals and I know many teams do not hesitate to raise their concerns when there is an issue in the league. I tried hard to be drama free, but this isn’t easy either.

Ø Obviously with your success as a LM, there have been many who have gone out of their way to compare your League a certain - arguably the best - fantasy baseball league headed by SAMJ. How do you think the two leagues compare?

·        I think it is really difficult to compare basketball baseball or to football. one thing is certain I think the members of the league should really have a voice, and the league should be a conglomeration of everyone’s opinions and beliefs. And these types of leagues dictatorship should not be allowed.

Ø What is your biggest goal for this season in Fantasy Basketball, and why is it ensuring SAMJ Loses?

·        That may be my personal goal, but I cannot speak for others. He just annoys me because he is so stubborn. I really want him to lose.

Ø In recent chats SAMJ has made comments that have seemed borderline anti-yahood and there has seemed to be no repercussions. Does the league endorse such comments, and if not, what does the league plan to do about the matter?

·        The league does not support, endorse any hate speech towards any group. The league cannot be responsible for any ethically insensitive comments that are made in the group chat. The league will consider taking legal and criminal action towards any violent or related types statements in the future.

Ø Many have considered the success of relatively newcomer, Doug, to be an example of affirmative action helping minorities gain success. As a fellow Caucasian, how do you feel about these remarks?

·        If you call success dropping a top 20 player into the free agent pool at six in the morning, then he is winning by a longshot. If you originate from the Middle East then technically you are Caucasian.

Ø There have been rumors that you have been getting death threats from Pakistan lately, is there any truth to these rumors and if true, do you feel your life to be in real jeopardy?

·        I was able to successfully track the IP of the threats down to a house in Karachi Sindh Pakistan. The local authorities have been made aware of these threats and should be acting eminently on these allegations. I have a local militia on the ground that are waiting to act once they receive a call from me.