October is National Bullying Prevention Month, so lets discuss this issue.

The fantasy league The Coliseum has seen its fair share of bullying. From threats about individuals waiting outside of a 24 Hour Fitness to tampon jokes [referring to grown men] to individuals being called bald and fat to short and fat to individuals with low IQs to insulting one’s religion to disrespecting a person’s political views. Bullying has made commissioners step down from office, General Managers [GMs] removing themselves from group chats, calling/visiting other GMs for hours venting, year-long grudges, and even as far as one GM being at a brewery in San Clemente for close to 6 weeks [wonder who’s going to pay that tab].

There are three types of bullying: verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things, teasing, name-calling, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting, and/or threatening to cause harm; social bullying involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships which includes: leaving someone out on purpose, telling others not to be friends with someone, spreading rumors about someone, and/or embarrassing someone in public; and finally, physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions which includes: hitting/kicking/pinching, spitting, tripping/pushing, taking or breaking someone’s things, and/or making mean or rude hand gestures.

There have been new reports of bullying. GM Edgar has threatened to bring down another GM. The GM being threatened requested to be anonymous as he’s worried for his wellbeing.

Writing Explained defines bring someone down as a phrase talking about physically injuring someone, and its meaning came from the literal idea of causing someone to fall to the ground in pain. Google defines the phrase by causing an animal or person to fall over by shooting them.

The GIF was a is a clip from Parks and Recreation where Ron Swanson [played by Nick Offerman] goes into another office and assaults Tom Haverford [played by Aziz Ansari]. Not only is this a form of verbal bullying, social bullying, and potentially physical bullying, but the league could be dealing with a racist. As Tom [the victim in the GIF is middle eastern] as is the GM whom GM Edgar threatened.

This morning in conference addressing National Bullying Prevention Month, Commissioner Zayd addressed the media and had this to say: “Bullying should not be accepted or tolerated with at any time ever.” He then looks at the reporter with a smirk and continues: “Except in this league. Be the bully or get bullied. The decision is yours.” And as he walked off, he pushed a female reporter who was breast feeding and turned to the camera and said: “You like that?!”

Following this horrific response, GM Amin stepped up to the reporters and addressed bullying: “I’m a bit flustered why we, as a league, continue to choose to set our standards so low and not lead by example. Bullying is an inexplicable act that will not be tolerated in our pristine league. Therefore, from here on out, any manager who engages in any behavior related to bullying will have their feet immediately held to the fire and a referendum will be conducted concerning a potential suspension for next year’s season!” If only he was commissioner would the league deal with this type of penalty. However, if reports are true, GM Amin did bully GM Kayvon early in the season and even went as far as using foul language and wanting to fight [no evidence of this has been shared].

GM Edgar was a no-show for the conference this morning.

GM Aryan was asked several questions regarding bullying, but he continued to say: “No comment.” However, he did mention that his 1-4 start is due to long hours at work, education, lack of sleep, endless trips from the east coast [where he resides] to the west coast, and bottomless tequila bottles.”

Bullying being such an impactful subject, were given a rare interview by the former 3-time champion, GM Yousuf, who had this to say: “I’d say it’s a very volatile environment in this league. It seems like there are three types pf people: the trolls, the sensitive one[s], and the guys that never respond and give a f&@*.”

GM Dizz was the last speaker at the event. He stumbled onto the stage wearing a pinstriped suit and the scent of alcohol on his breath. He had this to say: “Back in the GM Jesse [a former GM whom no one cares to speak of] era of this league, we were a civilized group of men. We would drink tea at high noon, drink old fashions and discuss political affairs, make trades in a friendly manner, and all matches began with a handshake and a ‘good luck.’ Now that the Commissioner Zayd has unleashed Voldemort [referring to GM Kayvon], or as Haroon refers to him ‘he who shall not be named [referring to GM Kayvon],’ or also ‘Mister Sensitive [referring to GM Kayvon],’ we have turned into a bunch of miscreants, scoundrels, thieves, and unruly animals. I believe Commissioner Zayd brought this madness onto our league because he felt the civility of the league was too kind for his snake like ways, so he unleashed hell upon on us. And now, we have taken things past the point of no return! But basically, stop being a b*@^&, grow some thick skin, it’s football a@^ f*@&, not ballet. If you can’t take the heat, go and join a league full of sissy’s, this is a man’s league. Balls are necessary!” Taking a closer look of the pinstripes, it seems to have said “Akbar is a balding f&*@” which also featured a GM Kayvon-themed interior of this photo:

Bullying can occur at any given time. Kindness is one of the most significant contributors to a positive climate. Let’s stop bullying on the spot.