Interview With Tom Yates

Tom, you did it again! 3 weeks and 2 titles....that must feel great! Are you some sort of fantasy ringer?

No, not a ringer at all. Just a fanatic like the rest of the people playing here I would guess. I have won my share think, and mostly in cap style leagues, but I make my living as a construction worker and actor in commercials and voice overs. You are correct in that this feels great. Everyone should get the chance to experience something like this, there is not much like it.



I know you play in the Fantasy Jungle and the WCOFF (I see your picture on their home page)...do you play in any other leagues?

Sure, I am in some local leagues with some good friends, and I play on sportsbuff.com, where I had some success in their playoff leagues last year, and a number of satellite leagues for next years WCOFF. Also some internet leagues with some other football knuckleheads like me....and they are all, very competitive leagues with passionate players. I wouldn't have it any other way.



How are you doing in your other fantasy leagues?

I am 2 and 1 in WCOFF and not near the top in points, but I really like my team there, its developing. This is my first year in the JUNGLE but it wont be my last. I love the scoring, especially the use of a qb as flex option. My team there is middle of the road so far. In the satellites, I am doing quite well in some and horrible in others. Fantasy football is so wonderful in that it can make you feel like a king and also be so humbling. I LOVE IT!



Loaded question, but I have to ask....is the adrenalin rush higher in this contest since it is a weekly game?

YES!!!!



You went out on a limb with Westbrook and his "injury", did you have inside information that he was 100% or did you just go for the homerun on that team and hope for the best?

No inside info, but I will tell you that I subscribe to pro football news and injury report. I have been with them for years, and I don't know of anyone that gets better injury info to their subscribers, and fast. Adam Caplan is one of the owners, and like you guys he participates in the sport as well as running that site. He has been a WCOFFER for years. They raised no red flags about Westbrook NOT playing on Sunday so I figured he was a go. And about Westbrook....I love him this year! I wanted him in the WCOFF but the guy with pick 8 took him in my league (I had the 10) and I got him in the JUNGLE league at 12. He is fantastic when healthy especially in ppr leagues. Great matchup for him in Frisco I thought, but never expected such a special game from him. When he had that long run I was jumping and screaming at my tv and when he stiff armed that guy I couldn't believe my eyes.



Were you concerned when Philly jumped out to a big lead that Westbrook wouldn't play the last half of the game and how glad were you to see him come back on the filed?

It didn't really cross my mind, I was watching a few games at once.



How high did you jump out of your chair when Philly's defense ran back the TD?

At that same time, there were a few things happening at once, like Stover going for a field goal, and that monster lineman running, and things happening in the Az./STL game, where I had Holt and Fitz playing. Points were being scored everywhere it seemed. I have that direct TV Sunday package with 8 games going at once(4 at that time) it was just unreal. I thought that Philly td would get overturned. I just couldn't believe it, but it happened.



You are a Pittsburgh fan. Does it cause you anguish to play Eagles on your team at all?

LOL, not at all. I love my Steelers. In fact I have Hines Ward and Heath Miller on the week 3 team that won, but I will try and put the best players I can on a fantasy team, no matter who they play for. In fact I went to the Steelers game on Sunday. I live near Heinz Field, and I own Chad Johnson in numerous leagues this year, so I was rooting for him to score 3 tds and the Steelers to win the game. Didn't turn out that way though, as he stunk and the Bengals won the game. We will get them back in week 17 and perhaps the playoffs.



Were you worried about the Monday night game at all? Crumpler could have knocked you down a few spots if he catches those dropped passes. I have never seen him drop easier balls than that. You must have had a Crumpler Voodoo doll with you.

Yes, unbelievable how he drops that ball in the end zone especially. I had a great deal of luck holding on this week, from Crumpler not playing up to snuff to so many teams choosing Stallworth and him being a late scratch. Stallworth's scratch also puts Westbrook into the game plan more I think. No one can know these types of things ahead of time, and they certainly helped my team I think.



You are in some tough company here, but 2 wins in 3 weeks is incredible! Do you have more victories in you?

I will do my best every single week, and I have no doubt I am playing against great competitors. I recognize many of the other teams and owner names I have seen in the BIG DADDY'S game, and know there are many champions here. I feel lucky, humble, and determined to field the best teams I can for the rest of this season and let the chips fall where they may. I know this site will grow as more and more become aware of it, and I am grateful to be a part of it now and in the future.



Any plans for the $5,000.00?

Not sure yet, pay some bills for sure.



Are you married and did you tell your wife about this fantasy influx of prize money? (we don't blame you if you didn't)

Not married, I am single and looking for a lovely woman who loves football. (They are not a dime a dozen you know)



Are you a customer for life yet?

YES, AND A DAY!



Congratulations again, Tom. That is something to be really proud of. Good luck in week 4!

Thanks guys! I love the site, and this past week I followed the leaderboard more also, it is great!! Best setup of all the leagues I play in.