PLAYING with FIRE: BIKES for AXES Redfield Risks FBA Contract to Play Playoff-Risk Game in UFFL
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
PLAYING WITH FIRE: BIKES FOR AXES Redfield Risks FBA Contract to Play Playoff-Risk Game in UFFL SIOUX FALLS, SD. - There was something brewing underneath the waters of both the FBA and the UFFL, two sports organizations that failed to foresee the events of December 28th. Dakota Bikers small forward Dylan Redfield trotted out to the middle of the hard turf of the Fargodome, in full pads and, with a determined composure, racked up over 100 yards receiving in a playoff contention game against his brother, Aspen, and the rest of the Baltimore Ponies. The problem was that Dylan was supposed to be playing basketball - not football. The sports-viewing community collectively gasped for air - mostly confused, as there was no indication prior to the game that he was expected to participate. Quite frankly, it looked to many fans as some sort of publicity stunt. But if so, it was a dangerous one that could have serious legal ramifications. The initial claims by Redfield himself were part of an obligatory need to find self-worth in his profession, one that has seen controversy in past years. But he went on to claim that he “knew the risks,” and that he intended to fulfill his duty as a member of the Axemen, regardless of the penalties that would await him back home at Sofawolf Stadium. Potential penalties include suspension, expulsion from the FBA (as well as the UFFL), a hefty fine, or a bit more personal, such as getting seriously injured during a play on the field. We know this didn’t occur, but Dylan played as a quarterback for Silverthorn College before having to leave the sport due to injury. At this time, Dylan is suspended from playing for the Bikers until further orders are handed down from Stefan Calico and FBA committee members. The Bikers have been forced to play rookie Matthew Silvius in place of the suspended red deer, which has been met with lukewarm responses, and the animosity toward their troublesome teammate exhibited an underlying discord between Redfield and the Bikers organization. After all is said and done, the question remains: was it worth it? Is it the End of Days for Redfield and his career? Well, the Fargo Axemen made it to the playoffs, but they must fight without him for the championship. As it stands now, it is up to Dylan Redfield himself to decide. -W. Walker (FSPN) THE 2015 FBA DRAFT - 11 thru 24 - (pg. 2) There were unofficially 68 rookies who submitted their names into the FBA draft in 2015. Who are they? Originally there were plans to create a rookie guide* for the 2015-16 FBA season, which would provide every GM with an awesome booklet about the rookies up for the taking in this year’s draft. The ambitious goal was too ambitious. But anyway, we continue going through the picks of the draft by covering #11 through #24. For a full list of the picks from the 2015 FBA Draft (minus “Pork Sammich”), click this link. 11. Derek Kim (Kkachi, G) - Drafted by Winnipeg Voyageurs Derek was slated to go high in the draft, and in some analyst’s eyes, he was ranked as the top prospect. Perhaps with some exasperated opinions about Derek’s readiness for the big leagues, a competitive guard draft, or due to UFLA’s weak college year in 2015, the kkachi fell to #11. Point being, Winnipeg won big with their first-round pick, as the Korean American is light on his feet and intelligent on the court. He can borrow some credit for Winnipeg’s hot start thus far. 12. Misha Maxwell (Cheetah, G) - Drafted by Williamsburg Minutemen Another assumed Top 10 draft pick that fell due to some of the prior team’s needs, Misha Maxwell has an aura; a winning nature running through her veins. Cheetahs don’t often get looked over in this league, for several reasons. As it turned out, the Minutemen had different intentions when drafting the feline from Boston; Maxwell was later traded away to Las Vegas with Damien Nathaniel (hyena) in exchange for Sebastian Koscuisko (toucan). 13. Margo Bates (White Tailed Deer, G) - Drafted by Biloxi Voodoo At the time, the Voodoo did not have a good bench unit at the Guard position, so Bates was a prime choice for the southern team. The cervine was the only pick for Biloxi, so they needed to fulfill that problem with an independent and hard-driven fur. Bates, who comes from the illustrious Cervine University of Michigan, is characterized by her dually-colored eyes. 14. Matthew Silvius (Long-Tailed Weasel, G/F) - Drafted by Dakota Bikers Silvius was a great choice for the Dakota Bikers, who were looking into the future with this pick. Malone’s not getting any younger, and questions over Catherine DeMille’s position on the team (as well as the intrepid Dat Mongoste) meant that the Bikers needed another new man who could serve as a #6. Silvius has had his paws full already, filling in for a suspended Dylan Redfield and an injured Ryan Malone. A lot of work for the young mustelid in his first year. 15. Brian Montgomery (Dragon, C/F) - Drafted by Dakota Bikers The Bikers had two picks in a row this draft, and they surprised nearly everyone by picking up Montgomery. Overshadowed by his off-the-court problems, Dakota may need to work with the young dragon to gain any value from him in 2016. Montgomery also needs to fight for time with Cassidy Whitelatch and Charles Burgh, so the pink “sweetie” may need to wait a while before his chance emerges. 16. Randy Mackenbach (Wistar Rat, F) - Drafted by Bangor Tides Rumors were that Bangor truly upset Vicki Turner and the Seattle unit by drafting Mackenbach, who was a late item as the Combine came and went. Highly intelligent for a talented sports player, the Tides needed someone who could be consistent and supportive of Blanc Mange, who remains the star forward. Most analysts credit Mackenbach as the sole reason that Saola University made it to the 2015 FCAA Tournament. The inital low rankings were due to their first-round dismissal. 17. Niko McNamara (Meerkat, F/G) - Drafted by Seattle Summit Seattle settled with McNamara, the “other meerkat” in the draft, who also emerged in 2015 from the lesser known University of Bardstown. With the forward and center positions locked by the multi-talented Jake Turner and Daniel Quvianuq, as well as Evan Marshall, Seattle needed someone who could either lead or share a lead with Jeri Naranjo, or back up the two forwards in case of injury. Seattle will need to invest time in McNamara, but he is a solid pick. 18. Georges Poulletier (Chicken, F) - Drafted by Tallahassee Typhoons Poulletier was the first pick in the 2015 draft from a European university, and while none were really looking his way, Tallahassee snatched him up as a myriad option with Springer and Pullman, who are both still young and proving whether or not they can stay. Management brought in Rosalie Smoot, who is a bit older and has been accredited with being a great leader. The traveling Frenchfur will look to prove his worth in the Floridian city. 19. Vixey Hallsworth (Husky, F/G) - Drafted by Alaska Arctics Alaska was fighting to keep Alessandro Serra in Alaska, but in the event that the Italian would vacate for a more familiar climate (and he did), Alaska needed some talent at Guard. Hallsworth didn’t make national headlines or grab anyone’s Top 10 list, but she did impact the Arctics’ track for maintaining resilience. It is a crowded place in Alaska, but Head Coach Angus Nelson was rather pleased with the management’s pick. Another wise investment for the burgeoning unit from the North. 20. Ginovani Bartolini (Gorilla, C/F) - Drafted by Plymouth Taproots Bartolini’s name unfortunately faded after the rush of centers drafted in picks 6 through 10, but there was space for a bigfur after Raoul Kidane failed to return to Plymouth. In the “Year of the Primates,” a lot of attention was given to Mallark, but additionally to Bartolini. Native to the New England area, his affinity for rebounding gave him a great chance for a Top 24 nod. 21. Connor Caracal (Lynx, F/G) - Drafted by Williamsburg Minutemen Welcome to sibling rivalry 2015 edition: Connor is the younger sibling of Rocky Caracal, who was affectively named the 2014 FBA MVP when Edmonton would win the conference championship. It was around that time that Connor was coming into his own back home in Vancouver. The younger brother, quite opposite in attitude, did not fare as well in the draft due to the overshadowing, but defensive and mental integrity were enough to convince Williamsburg he was worth their 2nd 1st round pick. 22. Erik Kijani (Leopard, G) - Drafted by Pittsburgh Keystones Kijani spent most of his early days in Africa, and so by the time he became Florida Midwest’s star guard in 2015, analysts were definitely acknowledging Kijani’s court skills but were concerned about whether the leopard could smoothly transition to the FBA, being extremely young (only 20 years). With yellow fur and black hair, he was ironically signed to the yellow and black (Pittsburgh), who got just what they needed nonetheless. They could have a potential star on their paws if they can train Kijani to support what’s looking to be a very strong Keystone team in 2016. 23. Harrison York (Martial Eagle, F/C) - Drafted by Huntsville Mayors York was the first player to draft from outside the Top 24 rankings submitted - a rather astonishing mark for a league that usually finds one way or another to surprise the analysts over here at FSPN.