The Three Strikes Rule on Criminal Conduct

In dynasty fantasy sports, you’re building for the long haul. Every player you roster is an investment in your franchise’s future. Talent is crucial, but reliability matters just as much — because players who repeatedly make bad decisions off the field can derail your team for years.

That’s why I follow a clear and consistent Three Strikes Rule on Criminal Conduct when managing my rosters.

Why Criminal Conduct Matters

Legal trouble — DUIs, domestic violence, assaults, weapons charges — can wreck a player’s career overnight. Even if they eventually return, the missed time, bad reputation, and team hesitancy often lead to a permanent decline in value.

In dynasty, you can’t afford to tie up years of capital in players who keep putting themselves and your team at risk.

My Three Strikes Philosophy

Strike One: Warning

The first incident is just that — a strike. Usually, it’s not enough by itself to move on. Everyone makes mistakes, and one bad decision doesn’t define a career. But from that point forward, the player is under a microscope. I monitor them more closely, lower my internal valuation slightly, and prepare for the possibility of more issues.

Example: Tyreek Hill’s domestic violence case in college.

Strike Two: Consider Moving On

The second incident raises real concerns. This is when I start actively considering my options. A second serious legal issue usually means it’s a pattern, not a fluke.

I start shopping the player to see what value I can get. If no reasonable offers come back, I’ll hold — but my patience is wearing thin, and I no longer build my team around them.

Example: Ben Roethlisberger’s two sexual assault allegations and suspension; Joe Mixon’s second police investigation; Marshawn Lynch’s second off-field incident.

Strike Three: Move On

The third strike is the end of the line. At this point, the risk of further trouble outweighs any upside. Whether through trade or outright cut, I remove the player from my roster and cross them off my draft board. Even if they turn it around later, I’d rather invest in players I can trust.

Why Not Zero Tolerance?

Some managers have a one-and-done rule. That’s fine for them, but I believe in second chances. Some players do grow up and put the past behind them — as Hill, Roethlisberger, Mixon, and Lynch all showed.

The Three Strikes Rule gives me a disciplined framework to evaluate risk while still giving players room to grow and rebound.

Final Word

Dynasty leagues reward foresight, discipline, and patience. You can’t always control what players do off the field — but you can control how long you’re willing to bet on them.

My Three Strikes Rule on Criminal Conduct keeps my rosters competitive and protects me from holding onto players who keep hurting their own careers.

Sometimes it pays to stick it out through two strikes. But after three, I’m out.

When in doubt: talent wins weeks, but character wins leagues.