This is an appeal of a tampering violation by user, LB3737, found here.
LB3737’s conduct unquestionably fits the definition of tampering under the Rules, and as such, the Appeals Team unanimously agree with Head Office in that regard.
The Appeals Team finds the cited precedent to be inapplicable to the instant case. Although prior cases have similarly involved cases of tampering that could arguably have been innocent comments or jokes, this case involves a new user who is still learning how the league works, let alone how a broad rule such as tampering is applied. Further, this is among the first appealed cases of DSFL to DSFL tampering. Although tampering in the DSFL is very much possible, the lack of DSFL free agency makes it more likely than not that LB3737’s comment was not an attempt at tampering, but merely a heartfelt comment to another user that he bonded with prior to the DSFL draft. New users will always make mistakes, and it is the duty of *all* DSFL GMs and their War Rooms to educate *all* new users before penalizing them for a mistake. Although it may have been a mistake, tampering must still be viewed at strictly at the DSFL level, so a punishment is still appropriate.
- The Appeals Team has unanimously voted to reduce LB3737’s fine from $5 million dollars to $2 million dollars.
- The remainder of the punishment is unanimously affirmed, although we question how necessary the punishment is given that Rule II(A)(1) requires all GM Hires to be approved by Head Office regardless of a prior punishment.
That being said, this decision should not be interpreted to mean that precedent mandates that all cases involving new users or all precedent involving DSFL tampering should receive a reduced punishment. This new precedent exists solely to acknowledge that strict enforcement of tampering does not necessarily require the same punishment.
LB3737’s conduct unquestionably fits the definition of tampering under the Rules, and as such, the Appeals Team unanimously agree with Head Office in that regard.
The Appeals Team finds the cited precedent to be inapplicable to the instant case. Although prior cases have similarly involved cases of tampering that could arguably have been innocent comments or jokes, this case involves a new user who is still learning how the league works, let alone how a broad rule such as tampering is applied. Further, this is among the first appealed cases of DSFL to DSFL tampering. Although tampering in the DSFL is very much possible, the lack of DSFL free agency makes it more likely than not that LB3737’s comment was not an attempt at tampering, but merely a heartfelt comment to another user that he bonded with prior to the DSFL draft. New users will always make mistakes, and it is the duty of *all* DSFL GMs and their War Rooms to educate *all* new users before penalizing them for a mistake. Although it may have been a mistake, tampering must still be viewed at strictly at the DSFL level, so a punishment is still appropriate.
- The Appeals Team has unanimously voted to reduce LB3737’s fine from $5 million dollars to $2 million dollars.
- The remainder of the punishment is unanimously affirmed, although we question how necessary the punishment is given that Rule II(A)(1) requires all GM Hires to be approved by Head Office regardless of a prior punishment.
That being said, this decision should not be interpreted to mean that precedent mandates that all cases involving new users or all precedent involving DSFL tampering should receive a reduced punishment. This new precedent exists solely to acknowledge that strict enforcement of tampering does not necessarily require the same punishment.
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