Crazy but real Fantasy Football punishments for last place finishers

Many people take fantasy football very seriously, and want to make sure that all members of their league are adequately motivated to participate each week. One way to incentivize that participation is by agreeing on an embarrassing or undesirable punishment for the owner who finishes last. Friends, family members and colleagues have come up with some pretty wild ideas over the years.

As if finishing with the worst record wasn’t lonely enough, some last place managers have been subjected to having dinner with a large doll or teddy bear. This awkward meal doesn’t take place in the comfort of one’s home, though. It would usually be set in a popular restaurant where strangers can watch the last place finisher chat it up with their mute partner.

There probably needs to be a system for how this punishment is funded, but certain leagues have made their basement-dweller hop on many flights in a small amount of time. For example, one of ESPN’s fantasy football staff members had to fly to various cities in the United States within a 36 hour period.

A popular way to stick it to the last place manager is to have them remove most of their clothing in a public setting. The individual will stand on a crowded street corner or in front of a business in their undergarments, and will usually wear a sign that explains what they are doing there. This route guarantees memorable photos at a bare(pun intended) minimum.

Another interesting idea involves subjecting the individual to a performance for people they don’t know. Public speaking is a fear that many individuals have, and making a group of folks they’ve never met laugh might even be more terrorizing. Seeing the person overcome their nerves to decide what type of jokes they’ll rattle off in a stand-up setting is delightful.

Most people are glad that they don’t have to study for exams that were a staple of their youth growing up. However, bringing that angst back to a person during their adult life is another fantasy football punishment people have used. Leagues have had the individual take tests that are several hours long, such as the SAT.

League-mates have also elected to temporarily alter the hair color of the person who finishes in last place. Dying the person’s hair after the season or before the following draft is a great way to provide closure for the completed campaign. The length of time the person dons their new hue should be decided before the punishment is carried out.

While it’s not advisable to put fantasy cellar finishers in harm’s way, it can be acceptable for them to carry out a reasonable physical challenge. This could involve eating a few stacks of pancakes, running a distance that is slightly out of the person’s comfort zone, or completing an obstacle course laid out by friends and family.

This option has gone in a couple of different directions. For example, the fantasy loser could wear a Dallas Cowboys jersey if they are a Philadelphia Eagles fan. They could also wear a shirt of a person who gave them a ton of fantasy football trouble or grief during the course of the season. Either way, it’ll put a bad taste in the last place finisher’s mouth.