[Reginald Rutledge]

One thing I tell coaches who come into the CBSMF is that "If you can't stand to lose, you really don't need to play". And I mean that with total sincerity. It's not something to discourage anyone on but sometimes, guys think they can't lose or should not lose. When they lose, they sometimes blame the league, blame the rules, or blame an individual. Some people threaten to retire from the game. Surely, I can speak for Greg Hardmon on this one, we want you to play but we hope your ego can handle the losing.

The CBSMF has got a good thing going but it will be interesting to see if guys egos can take the losing. Yeah, I would like to joke with everyone in the league about winning and losing but I've got a feeling some "can give it out" but "can't take it".

What we have in this league is infamous "The Peanut Gallery". Gamechanger LeRon King came up with that name several years ago and for whatever the reason, it fits. "The Peanut Gallery" consist of guys like a Joel Pritchard who can take it as well as he can dish it. Or an RJ, who is quick to let you know how bad you played and in the same confession, will take the brutal attack on his game. Or a Mozeek, who still lives with a loss that we laugh at. Or Shabby J, who has been on the butt of some jokes only to come back and slam somebody else for gettin' a foot put up them. Or a Jim Davis, who played in the "Big Mouth" bracket last year and got silenced only to be one who will slam on a coach with the best of them. These guys bring a lot of energy and fun to the "Peanut Gallery". That's one of the most exciting parts about playing in the Shootout system is we harass each other. We can do that as it is in good-nature. But if you take yourself too seriously, this might not be the league for you to play in. Heck, my good friend, Greg Hardmon dropped half a hundred on me! That happens from time-to-time and Ken Allen was right there to pounce on the situation.

I wonder if the CBSMF will be able to handle the massive ego, especially those who "can give it" but "can't take it". Sometimes, you can just read people by how they write that they get offended and think you're challenging their manhood. If that is how you think, I encourage you not to play in the CBSMF because "The Peanut Gallery" is an intricate part of getting battle-ready to capture a national championship. So ask yourself, "Can I take it?" because giving it (dishing it out) is a lot easier.

This is a fun league. Guys who in the past may not have associated with each other based on "stupid hearsay" spent a whole season giving each other the business and developing friendships. Coaches, it's not that serious! At the end of the season, you will gain a greater appreciation for these leaguemates if you "can take as well as you give".

Just a question.

Reg