By Rick Briggs, Asylum Fantasy Sports

Just as the under-rated players are so often forgotten in the melee before fantasy drafts, so it is the opposite with the over-rated players. Not forgotten; but over-hyped to the point that you think you are drafting the second comings of Jim Brown or LT with some of your picks. These players can sink your fantasy season as quickly as a screen door in a submarine. Here are my top 10 over rated players going into 2015.

1. Mike Evans – Look, I like Mike Evans a LOT, but going where he is going in current ADPs is not what I’m willing to pay for him. Currently he is going 3.03. Evans is ahead of such wide receivers as Emmanuel Sanders, Kelvin Benjamin, Brandon Marshall, DeAndre Hopkins and Andre Johnson. I know many owners are looking at the twelve touchdowns Evans had last year, but especially in PPR formats, he was what I consider a red flag. Evans had fewer receptions (65) than all of the previously mentioned receivers. “What does that mean, Rick? He had more touchdowns,” you ask? Yes , but a dip of three touchdowns for Evans and an increase of 2 or 3 touchdowns for say a Kelvin Benjamin, can mean all the difference. Let’s not forget Tampa has a rookie quarterback as well. Temper your expectations for Evans.
2. Jonathan Stewart – I do not believe Jonathan Stewart is going to be a #1 running back; period. He may start the year as a starter for Carolina, but consider Stewart has missed 20 games in the last three seasons, and he has not had over 180 carries in the last five seasons. Blame DeAngelo Williams all you want, but this guy can’t carry the load, and face facts: He never was as good as all the hype told you. Going early in the fifth round in current ADPs, I’m telling you now not to waste the pick. I look for Cameron Artis-Payne to be playing by Week 7. Take Gio Bernard or Joique Bell instead.
3. Julius Thomas – These over rated designations do not mean I think certain players are lacking, but it is because I want to warn the average player about over-drafting them. Thomas is one I think you could gamble on; but in my mind, his move to Jacksonville has dropped him from a top five tight end to a lower tier one. Current ADPs have Thomas ahead of Antonio Gates, Owen Daniels (his replacement in Denver) and Delaney Walker. I don’t think it is a new lease on life for Thomas in Jacksonville. I think he will go from a great fantasy tight end to just a decent one.
4. Joseph Randle – Currently going at 4.09, Randle to me, is a gambler’s dream. I don’t think he will pay the huge dividend, but the potential is there. If (a mighty big IF)Darren McFadden stays healthy; Randle’s opportunities dwindle. Even if (or when) DMAC gets injured, there is still Lance Dunbar. Dallas can afford to spread it around, because none of these guys are DeMarco Murray. At 4.09, he is still at the lower portions of running backs. Unless you have two studs and want to gamble on potential, take safer picks such as Gio Bernard or Andre Ellington. Better yet, if you are gambling, go for TJ Yeldon or Todd Gurley!
5. Jimmy Graham – Jimmy Graham is not one I want to put on here. Some of my colleagues are still red hot on this guy, and others have said his production is doomed. I throw out this caution because he is still the second highest drafted Tight End, behind only Rob Gronkowski. Just remember that Graham is in a new offense on a new team. This team is and has been built around ‘Beast Mode’ style play on both sides of the ball. Graham will be called upon to block more; a feat he has yet to embrace, and he must face the fact that his targets will dip in 2015. On a positive note, he is still a beast in his own right and Russell Wilson should love having him in the mix; especially around the end zone after last years’ Super Bowl ending. Go for Graham, but don’t over-pay. There will still be a Greg Olsen, Martellus Bennett, Antonio Gates or Delaney Walker out there if you are not sure.
6. CJ Spiller – It is no secret that I have never believed in the CJ Spiller hype. But that aside, drafting Spiller at 4.02 (Current ADPs) is not sound fantasy drafting. Mark Ingram produced at a very high level for New Orleans last year, and Spiller’s propensity to injury is something I want to avoid. He’s an asset to New Orleans, but not to your fantasy squad at 4.02. Take guaranteed starters like Alfred Morris, Carlos Hyde, Andre Ellington or Latavius Murray instead.
7. DeSean Jackson – Much of the luster has faded from the name DeSean Jackson, but current ADPs have him going at 6.02. While this is not a position where you are drafting him as your WR1 or even WR2, he is still ahead of such players as Vincent Jackson, Allen Robinson (a guy who almost made my Top 10 UNDER rated players), Roddy White and Victor Cruz. Washington is bad, and if you do not get the long bomb for a touchdown to Jackson, his stats are very vanilla. Jackson has been known to quit on a team too, so if things continue down the same road in Washington in 2015, look for DJAX on the end of the bench staring off into space again.
8. Keenan Allen – What you want in the middle rounds is either consistency or that huge upside you are willing to gamble on. Keenan Allen has the potential, but San Diego’s offense often times sputters. Consider in 2014, Allen had four games with eight or more receptions, but only two of them were over 100 yards. He also had six games with four or fewer receptions. Not only did he have ten games less than 65 yards, six of those were less than 40 yards as well. While Allen is sitting at a modest 4.12, I would not pull the trigger there when I could get a Brandon Marshall, Jarvis Landry or Sammy Watkins. If I saw Allen in the sixth, then I would take him.
9. Tevin Coleman – OK, I’m pushing a little here, but do you want to tap into that Atlanta backfield in the sixth round? That’s where Tevin Coleman is right now and unless you have drafted two Running Back studs already, don’t gamble on him as your RB2 or flex. He’s a good player and there’s room for him to take over in Atlanta, but will he start immediately? I don’t think so this year. Temper expectations, and don’t over-pay for Coleman. If he is at the end of the seventh or in the eighth, take him! If not, then pick up a Bishop Sankey, Isiah Crowell or Chris Ivory instead.
10. Peyton Manning – This future Hall of Famer is winding down a brilliant career. Look, Manning will still be a very potent fantasy quarterback in 2015, but the reason he is on this list is because people sometimes have blinders on when drafting “old reliables” such as Peyton. Manning was still the third leading scoring quarterback last year, but the gap is closing. The cold always has bothered him, but playing in Denver has taken its toll. His last five games last year starting on November 30, he mustered only 234 passing yards per game and his touchdowns and interceptions were 5 and 6 respectively. Considering he is currently going at 4.06, you can wait up to three rounds and still get Big Ben, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson, Matt Ryan, Tony Romo or Cam Newton. I would highly recommend waiting and load up on solid receivers or running backs, then grab a quarterback who will give you comparable numbers.

Top 10 Most Underrated Fantasy Players

By

Rick Briggs, Asylum Fantasy Sports

Stock Down?                                                                     Good News!

We all know the hype of players. There are thousands ofoutlets telling you who to draft; especially in the early rounds. Seasoned Fantasy Owners know that championships are won in the middle rounds.  Of course you know that Dez Bryant, Le’Veon Bell and Aaron Rodgers are great picks. Problem is: everybody else knows it too, and if you stopped your draft in round 3 or 4, I would find it pretty difficult to pick the top three teams. But rounds 5 through 10 are the meat and potatoes of your team. Sure, you laid a good foundation with your top three or four picks, but if you build a straw house on top of it, you are doomed. Recognizing some diamonds in the rough is the key to success. I am going to lay out my top ten most underrated players going into 2015. These are the guys you should grab in the middle rounds that will pay dividends for you.

1. Terrance Williams – Lost in the Dallas carnival of Jerry Jones, Tony Romo and Dez Bryant, there was a second year man who quietly made a difference. Terrance Williams is a third year man in 2015, which is the oft-hyped “breakout year”, but with Williams it could be. It has been the Bryant/Witten show, but Jason Witten is aging and declining. Get this: Williams played in 18 games last year including the playoffs. He scored 11 touchdowns. He has great Yards per Reception at 16.8, and he can certainly find the end zone. Williams’ biggest concern is the lack of receptions. This is where I think most owners will undervalue him and here’s why:

1. Tony Romo is healed and healthy in 2015. The back nerve problem is gone. Romo knows his chance is now. Look for him to be passing more in 2015. Why?
2. DeMarco Murray is gone. The line is still great, but Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar won’t be called upon to do what Murray did, and I will never believe Darren McFadden ever could. The Cowboys will be airing it out even more and Williams will be the clear-cut number 2.
3. Witten’s role is clearly diminishing and he is aging. Gone are the 100 catch years for Witten. This future Hall of Famer will see less work and Gavin Escobar, another third year man, will see more action.

Terrance Williams will not be a star WR1 by any means, but if you are looking for depth; a solid WR3 or flex, he could pay well in 2015.

1. Latavius Murray – Latavius is the other Murray. A big back that can run. He’s a little too tall for my liking at 6’3”, but at 225 pounds, he can be bruising as well. Murray averaged 5.2 yards per carry to Darren McFadden’s 3.4. On top of that, in just over one half the carries, Murray had 90 yard run to DMac’s 25 for longest run; and he had (4) 20+ yard runs to McFadden’s 1. He is behind such backs in current ADPs as Carlos Hyde, Alfred Morris and Lamar Miller; sitting at 4.08. This guy has way more upside. Oakland has beefed up its O-Line; Derek Carr looks like the real deal, and let’s face facts: Roy Helu and Trent Richardson will not be threatening to take his job. Roy Helu is a good pass catcher and Marcel Reese is still at Fullback, but Murray will get his chance to establish himself as the Number 1 running back. The Raiders are improved and with the AFC West not looking quite as explosive, Murray could be that great RB2 or flex you are looking for.
2. Ryan Tannehill – Lots of owners love to take the top tier quarterbacks. You know the guys who jump on Rodgers, Peyton or Brees. Then there’s the run at Big Ben, Romo, Rivers, Brady, Newton and so on. But I have a guy for you that just happens to be one not talked about much. The savvy owners have their eye on him, so watch him around the ninth round. Tannehill threw for over 4,000 yards, with 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was second to Lamar Miller in rushing and he now has three fine young receivers in Jarvis Landry, Ken Stills and DeVante Parker who will mesh with the talented quarterback. Additionally, the veteran presences of Greg Jennings along with new Tight End Jordan Cameron, the Dolphins have plenty of weapons. Tannehill is in line for a 4,500 yard season, and considering you can get him in the ninth round; those are good dividends.
3. Owen Daniels – Many owners will be tracking the progress of Julius Thomas as he landed the largest guaranteed money to a Tight End ever. But do they remember when Dallas Clark wasn’t a Colt? Catch what I’m throwin’ here? Dallas Clark, Julius Thomas and now Owen Daniels. Here’s 32 year old tight end who signed a nice deal with Denver. He’s capable, tough and in a great offense for shorter passes. You will benefit by passing on a Julius Thomas and reeling in Daniels for a tight end. Current ADPs have him below such guys as Zach Ertz and Julius Thomas. He’s not being ignored, but where would Julius Thomas be ranked if still in Denver? Look to get Daniels in the middle of the 8^th round or so.
4. Giovani Bernard – With all the Jeremy Hill hype, many folks are forgetting Bernard. This is not to say he is a forgotten man, but current ADPs have him 3 rounds behind Hill. This isn’t even mentioning the fact that Jonathan Stewart is ahead of him! Here’s a guy that was on pace to rush for about 860 yards last year, and the Bengals will do what they can to keep both on the field. He has great hands and can get the job done. Because he has great hands he will be an asset to any team in PPR formats. He will warrant enough playing time for a flex spot and if Hill goes down, the upside is tremendous. He should be available in most leagues in the late fifth or early sixth rounds.
5. Eric Decker – Remember Decker in the Denver season? His ADP plummeted when he went to the Jets, and rightly so. But he put together a 74 catch, 962 yard season. He scored a modest 5 touchdowns, but it was the Jets, right? Well, bear in mind that Brandon Marshall is in New York now, Geno Smith is a year more seasoned, and Ryan Fitzpatrick is there is case he bombs. Look, nobody is going to confuse either quarterback with Dan Marino, but both can throw it. As an owner, interceptions aren’t what you are worried about here. The run game is still suspect, but with Marshall drawing top coverage all the time, Decker will benefit from this. Look for an 85 catch, 1,000 yard season with 6-8 touchdowns. Keep your eye on him, but he is going in the late tenth and early eleventh rounds. That’s a steal in my book.
6. Mohamed Sanu – Andy Dalton was erratic last year, and AJ Green had a down year with injuries. But bear in mind that the Bengals have a top defense, an established two-headed monster in the backfield, and a now healthy Green. Sanu can catch and throw, and he put together a nice season last year. Now comes the good news: He is currently a full round behind Marlon Brown! He is 5 rounds behind Torrey Smith. Smith had more touchdowns, but Sanu had more receptions and slightly more yards. Smith is in a new offense with an inconsistent and underwhelming quarterback. Say what you want but if I can get this guy to supplement my roster in case of injury or even a flex, I will take him! Right now he is going in the late fourteenth round. He is currently behind Dwayne Bowe, Jaelen Strong and Josh Huff for crying out loud!
7. Derek Carr – I am not touting the Raiders; I grew up a Raider-hater in the 70’s. But I have to call ‘em as I see ‘em. This kid is good and I am betting he will be a top 12 quarterback in 2015. Translating this from current ADPs, where he is 26^th at the quarterback position, he will be a steal. The Raiders have beefed up the offensive line, and the running game will be just fine. The Raiders don’t have what you might consider a stellar receiving corps, but Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater and newly drafted Amari Cooper will be plenty good enough. Last year’s stats of 3,270/21/12 are extremely respectable for the young kid. I see the Raiders making some noise this year and Carr will be a big part of it. Draft him as your second quarterback if you want, but considering he is behind Sam Bradford, Teddy Bridgewater, Marcus Mariota and Tim Tebow (yes, Tebow), you’ll be getting a bargain. I’m telling you, this kid is the real deal!!
8. Steve Johnson – Here’s a guy who was stuck in Buffalo, then went to a floundering offense in San Francisco, but now is in San Diego. Steve Johnson is coming off a knee injury, but looks explosive so far. He should eclipse Malcom Floyd as the WR2 in San Diego. That being said, with Phillip Rivers as the quarterback, how can you not expect things to improve for Johnson? Currently, he is right above Sanu in the ADPs, and this is another bargain receiver. We know you have plenty of wide outs to pick from, but when down in the late rounds like this, you can grab PRODUCERS! The Chargers will be throwing and throwing a lot. Even if Johnson is the WR3 for a spell this season, picking him up in the 14^th round is still good value.
9. Marquis Colston – Many owners are done with Colston, and I can’t say I blame them. He has been erratic at times and downright terrible other times, but consider the following: Marquis Colston has had six 1,000+ yard seasons and Jimmie Graham has moved to Seattle. Colston has been over 900 yards the last two years and with Graham gone, look for his touchdowns to rise slightly. The Saints glory days are behind them, but who has a better report’ with Drew Brees than Colston? Kenny Stills is gone, and you will have to draft Brandin Cooks 7 ½ rounds before Colston. Brees will make sure the 32 year old gets plenty of looks. Look, it is a bad division and the Saints can certainly win it. Grab Colston as a WR3 or 4 and you just may end up starting him before the year is out. He is currently going at the end of the tenth round.

By Rick Briggs, Asylum Sports

It is always sad when great players say goodbye to the game. It is perhaps sadder when they try to hang on too long. Troy Polamalu and Ike Tayler both retired from the Steelers earlier this year and frankly, it was almost too late.  Polamalu was credited with exactly 1 covered pass all season and he only missed 2 games. Taylor was injured most of the year with a broken forearm, but when he did come back, it was sad. Receivers outran him down the field all day.  The Steelers did not pressure the opposing quarterbacks nearly enough during the year, chalking up only 33 sacks and 11 interceptions. Their defensive rankings have been on the downslide the last couple of years. In fact, 2014 saw their pass defense fall to 27^th.

The above reasons and a few more prompted Pittsburgh to start drafting for defense. After winning the AFC North and commanding the 22^nd pick, Pittsburgh was stunned and elated when Bud Dupree was still there. It probably took them all of ten seconds to make the selection.  The Defensive End out of Kentucky is an impressive specimen who just may switch to outside linebacker and provide Pittsburgh with a much needed pass rush. At 6’4” and 269 pounds, he relies on speed and agility and left Kentucky as the all-time sack leader. As he matures, look for him to get stronger: this translates him into becoming  a beast of a pass rusher.  I look for Dupree to make an immediate impact in Pittsburgh. You should see him get plenty of playing time right off the bat.

Although small, second rounder Senquez Golson should be a starter from Game 1. He has an immense load of talent and agility. He will have a tough time guarding the big guys like Dez Bryant or Calvin Johnson, but he has a good nose for the football, speed and quick reading of the offense. I think Golson is an immediate upgrade at the cornerback position. He could start over Cortez Allen if Allen even makes the cut this year.

Sammie Coates, the Wide Receiver out of Auburn was a value pick at number 3. He’s big and has a lot of talent. He is an inconsistent player right now, but Coates doesn’t need to come in and start right away.  He could certainly be a major player in the years to come.

Although not the flashy player, 4^th rounder Doran Grant was a great pick for this secondary. He’s got decent size, and he is a physical corner with a good eye for the play. Most importantly, in my opinion, is Grant loves contact and is tough to fight off blockers. He is a hard hitting corner that needs some grooming.  This is a solid player, folks. Some say he actually second-guesses himself, but sometimes raw players can look lost when they are learning their craft. I can see Grant getting playing time in 2015 and Steeler fans hopes he catches on quickly.

How can you fault Penn State’s Jesse James in the 5^th round? This kid is huge and is a great blocker. A little stiff at times, but you can’t find a better teacher than Heath Miller. Heath is not done yet, but when the time comes, I think the Tight End position is in good hands.

Helping solidify the Defensive line with Leterrius Walton was not a bad idea. This raw DT out of Central Michigan is 6’5” and 320 pounds. He can plug holes quickly and that’s one thing a tackle needs to do. He has the typical NFL body: large frame, long arms and a quick step off the ball. One of his biggest knocks is his lack of strength. Many young men get only stronger through their mid to late twenties, and if that is the biggest knock, I’ll take it in the sixth round!

Another sixth rounder, Anthony Chickillo from Miami is one those guys with potential. He had a great combine, and Shrine game and should lock down a spot on the roster. At 6’3” he’s not too tall and can stay low to force lineman back. He is a proto-typical Steeler: He is tough, plays through minor injuries and doesn’t seem to slow down.  He has a Brett Keisel-like attitude, which fits in well.

Finally, Gerod Holliman out of Louisville is a free safety that covers really well. Once he learns (and that is not a given) that football requires tackling, he could become a nice addition. He’s not afraid to hit, but sometimes is not in the right position to hit the ball carrier. Polamalu could get away with being helter-skelter out there, but that is rare. Holliman will be well coached, but what he does with it is his choice. He could contribute or be a bust.

This draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers was one of their finest in years and I think they have gotten some players who will help immediately. In a league where the pass is dominant, you must stop it. Getting more pressure on the quarterback and actually covering receivers are the two ways to stop the pass. Pittsburgh has addressed those concerns in a big way. The defensive line should be very solid, the line backing core is better and should help sack the quarterback more. The biggest concern of all was the secondary, as we discussed.  Although there will be some rough growing pains, I think by mid-season it should be a secondary than can at least adequately cover the pass.

We here at the Asylum Fantasy Sports Show are looking to expand our brand and are proud to announce the creation of The Asylum Fantasy Sports Network. We are currently looking for fantasy sports shows covering the MLB, NBA, NASCAR, or dynasty football.  Here’s how it works……..we will provide you with access to our Blog Talk Radio studio one day per week. You can do up to a two hour show on your assigned day. We will advertise your show on our weekly shows, including the over the air show we perform on the Fantasy Sports Network.  Also, your show will be a part of our iTunes feed as well as listed in the episode guide of our homepage.

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If you are interested in joining our network, forward a 5-10 minute demo to asylumfootball@gmail.com . The four best will be selected to join our network . Thanks and good luck!

Well, since I am posting this after the Seahawks ran over the Pack, I will tell you that I predicted it 100% accurately!! Don’t believe me? Then come with me as I see the future for the rest of Week 1.

Buffalo @ Chicago – The Bills are desperately trying to improve and the Bears are looking to get over the hump. Cutler and his array of weapons should be way enough to put away a defensively improved Bills team. Bills run too much to keep up with the high powered Chicago offense.  Bears 31 – Bills 16

New Orleans @ Atlanta – I have predicted a comeback year for the Falcons, but the Saints are a bad draw for Week 1. Graham owns the Falcons and the Falcon D cannot solve the Saints offense. I see this as a high scoring game that has much to do with the coming year.  Saints 35 – Falcons 31.

Cincinnati @ Baltimore – The Ravens have no Ray Rice, but they may have moved on from him anyway. It will come down to defenses. Baltimore must stop the Bengal offense and of course, visa versa. I think the Ravens have the tougher task. Dalton, Bernard and Green should prove too much.  Bengals 27 – Ravens 20

Jacksonville @ Philadelphia – I loved the Jags draft this year and the improvements they have made on defense. Unfortunately, they lack weapons especially with Blackmon staying stupid, Shorts a little tender and Sanders suspended. Not mentioning the high flying Chip Kelly offense, I would still take Philly.  Eagles 34 – Jags 17

Washington @ Houston – Talk about two teams with a lot to prove. Houston can’t be as bad as they looked last year, right? Washington certainly is closer to 10-6 than that abysmal season of 2013, right? It comes down to RGIII and company vs what still should be a very good defense.  Closer than you might think. Redskins (yes, I said it) 26 – Texans 21

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh – Big Ben and the Steelers need to start strong this year and Cleveland should be the ticket. No Gordon for the Browns and a QB position in question. The Browns still boast a good defense, but Pittsburgh has many weapons. I see the Steelers taking off quickly.  Steeler 34 – Browns 14

Minnesota @ St. Louis – A real interesting game here. St. Louis has a great defense, but lost Sam Bradford for the season to injury. Minnesota seemed to have QB problems, but Norv Turner may have Cassel in a comfort zone while Bridgewater learns. Not a flashy game, but a close one.  Vikings 23 – Rams 20

Tennessee @ Kansas City – The Chiefs lost a plethora of Offensive lineman this offseason, but still have Jamaal Charles. The Titans have people scratching their heads over who will be the running back and just what can Locker do if he stays healthy. I think the KC defense may pull one out. Chiefs 21 – Titans 17

New England @ Miami – Will Gronk play? He’s cleared, so I say YES! When the Pats are healthy, they are tough to beat and Brady is really out to win another one as he feels Father Time creeping up on him. Miami has some people excited and others not so much. Me? Not so much. Patriots 37 – Dolphins 23

Oakland @ NYJets – I think Rex will have them competitive again. The Raiders are coming across country and relying on rookie QB Derek Carr to carry them as Matt Schaub continues his downward spiral.  Geno has been looking pretty fair and the offense has some upgrades with Decker and CJ?K.  Jets 27 – Raiders 21

San Francisco @ Dallas – The Cowboys can’t stop anybody and Michael Sam isn’t going to change things. The Cowboys’ offense is potent enough to win, but can they hold SF to under 35? Not too sure about that one. 49ers 35 – Cowboys 30

Carolina @ Tampa Bay – Both defenses should provide some highlights. Newton is Questionable at this writing, but probably playing. The Bucs have many questions including Doug Martin. Carolina should win, but I’m yanking down an upset. Bucs 24 – Panthers 20

Indianapolis @ Denver – This has fireworks written all over it. Big day for Luck again? I love Denver at home…no disrespect for Indy. Peyton will pick up here where (excluding the Super Bowl) he left off last year. Broncos 37 – Colts 27

NYGiants @ Detroit – The Giants really want to improve this year and Eli has to be the first. Unfortunately, the high powered Lions’ offense will prove too much in Week 1 until the G-men get on track. Stafford and crew should blister New York in Week 1. Lions 29 – Giants 17.

San Diego @ Arizona – The Chargers look to compete with Denver this year and another year in the Mike McCoy offense will have them doing just that. The Cards too, are looking to compete again in the brutal NFC West where 10-6 doesn’t seem to get you far. Dockett is gone for the year and that hurts immensely. This is going to come down to fewest mistakes. Chargers 22 – Cardinals 20

We had the pleasure of covering the Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio. We met and interviewed the class going into the hall and many other members who were there for the festivities. During our down time, we shot some shorts and put together material and things of that nature.

When the ceremony was over with, the last thing on the agenda was covering the first pre-season game of the year. Of course we know this is pretty much a meaningless game, but it was the ONLY NFL game being played and the chance to get the season under way and capture some post-game interviews was appealing.

We were happy to have front row seats on the 30 yard line on the Buffalo side when the game started. When it was winding down, I could not wait to head down to the field to get some interviews. Truly, I wanted to get a little player insight, but mostly to get away from the obnoxious fans next to us. I have seen drunken fans, extremely loud fans, angry fans, even the degrading screamer. But there seems to be a new breed of fan that is growing in numbers and it hit me at this Hall of Fame Game. It’s the Gimme Fan. It is not the fan who is seeking an autograph with a sports star. It is not the fan seeking a photo of or with their favorite player. It is not the fan throwing out some verbal support in hopes their star will return a comment, a nod or a high five.

I’m talking about the fans, who by the mere fact of buying a ticket; feel entitled to whatever the players have.  It was prevalent during the game when fans with goofy hats, stupid costumes and odious personalities screamed at the top of their lungs right by the sidelines for players to drop what they are doing and come over for a picture or autograph. They are on the job and working people. It really doesn’t matter what job you have, be it a plumber, a doctor or a busy burger cook at a fast food restaurant; that is your task at hand. You don’t just leave when you feel like it. Additionally, who would feel like walking over to someone who is having a hard time standing acting like a photo op with him is as appealing as having one with the player.

So I’m a little surly. I’ll grant you, fans can scream all they want, so I’ll let it go. But what fueled my fire was after the game. As we gathered waiting for players to head to the locker room, shower and come back out for some interview time, I was appalled at the spectacle made by the remaining fans. Now, I’m not judging all fans by a few bad apples: Hell, I’m a fan! At this point most all of the fans had left. But not the Gimme Fans. As players headed down to the locker room the calls from fans were not asking for a photo. They were not asking for an autograph. They were not shouting words of encouragement or even fan wisdom for the player to react to. It was a DEMAND for something. “Gimme that Gatorade towel!”,  “Gimme those gloves! You don’t need ‘em anymore!” (An actual quote).  I actually heard a demand of “Gimme your shoes man!”

In an age where the players are crucified for being too aloof, because they make so much money and have no connection with the real world or the little people, these fans are as demanding and angry as a hungry infant. It is a breed of fan that is angry and feels they deserve a piece of whatever the athlete has. This is a disgusting display of envy and jealousy that makes me sick. If I buy a ticket to Mumford and Sons, do I deserve that one of them gives me a guitar? It’s ridiculous and they should be ashamed of themselves. Wake up fans! It’s miserable to be around miserable people at a game that should be so fun.