A High-Stakes Fantasy Football Feud

Please don't slap me for stashing Michael Gallup on my IR slot...

In today’s Fantasy Life Newsletter:

It almost seems too ridiculous to be true. One professional baseball player slapped another professional baseball player over a fantasy football dispute??

But that's apparently what happened on Friday afternoon when Reds outfielder Tommy Pham slapped Giants outfielder Joc Pederson during batting practice.

According to Joc, the altercation stemmed from a dispute in their fantasy league last season where Pham accused Pederson of illegally stashing players on injured reserve who were out, but not technically on IR.

This is a classic loophole on a variety of fantasy platforms, one that has caused arguments in my very own leagues, although this surely marks the first time it has led to blows.

Pham later responded on Saturday, clarifying that the slap had more to do with Pederson disrespecting his then team (the Padres) in the league group chat with what seems like a relatively harmless gif:

If you're reading this newsletter, exploiting loopholes in your league to gain an edge and talking smack to your leaguemates is likely normal behavior. But I guess in light of Pham's reaction I feel obligated to say...stay safe out there?!

I'd ask what everyone did over the weekend, but I already know the answer. You drafted best ball teams in Underdog's new contest, The Puppy. In just a few days, there's already been over 30,000 entries. At this pace, we'll be done in the next week or so.

I fought off some vicious sun glare to draft a few of these at the beach (yes, I'm a hero) over the weekend and all I can say is they are highly addictive.

All it takes is getting sniped on one Justin Herbert stack after drafting Austin Ekeler and Mike Williams and the next thing you know you are back in the lobby trying to complete it again.

Luckily Underdog Fantasy is matching deposits up to $100 for Fantasy Life readers who use promo code LIFE. I did the math for you and that is 20 free Puppy drafts. Just don't snipe me, please.

❤️ R.I.P. Jeff. Cardinals cornerback Jeff Gladney was killed in a car accident early Monday morning. He was only 25 years-old.

🏈 Who is the No. 2 in KC? We know Kelce will lead the team in targets, but it's wide open on the depth chart after that. Here's what Mahomes said about the receiving room at OTAs the other day.

🚑 Will Jameis be ready for the start of the season? Nick Underhill spotted him with a visible limp at OTAs last week.

🤔 Could Antonio Brown return to football? This sounds pretty definitive.

⚔️ Javonte Williams or Melvin Gordon? One is a lot cheaper than the other, but perhaps that gap should be much smaller.

💰 The TE Market is wild. David Njoku inked a new 4-year contract extension, making him the 5th highest paid TE in the league. Darren Waller enters the chat.

Also, an update on our giveaway for Scott Fish Bowl entries. The first round of winners will be contacted soon.