A Note From the Denver Gamblers
Great California Invitational

The Denver Gamblers would like to formally thank MCFFU National League Commissioner Reggie Tisdale for his all out efforts to run a first rate tournament. The professionalism in which he treats the teams is priceless. Granted, everything wasn’t perfect but that is to be expected when an entity of this magnitude leaves the barrel. In due time his determination to please his members will curtail the rough edges and sooner than later we’ll enjoy a pristine tournament experience every time out.

Reggie and Jey Jones (National Union Director) are class acts that are down to earth and committed to doing things strictly to the Union’s letter. When speaking with them a person can actually feel the honesty and integrity of their business conduct, which creates a certain level of comfort by participating teams. Comfort is a necessary feeling when your team is paying 8 – 10 thousand dollars for a flag football trip based on an idea not yet fully developed.

The selection of head referee Larry Michael proved to be a wise decision as his experience and professionalism were a huge factor in the tournaments success. The games were run on time, officiated fairly and temper controlled. All games were managed diligently while at the same time teams were allowed to play the games to their utmost ability. At the end of the day there was no dispute as to who was best, all teams walked away satisfied with their results because the officiating did not create controversy. Larry Michael and his staff of referee’s were outstanding and deserve a standing O for their efforts.

The Denver Gamblers have played in thousands of tournaments and to date our Bakersfield experience was by far the best. From our hotel stay to the post game prayer with the Sleepers, everything we experienced was second to none. The Sleepers proved to be the better team that day and we accept that because of the class that was exhibited by them before, during and after the championship game. But rest assure, a rivalry has been developed and we will reload and launch a full-blown attack in our next meeting.

To Daygo Funhouse , we heard you rooting against us during our Saturday defeat against the Swarm and its cool because we know why. We too respect your talents and personally think you guys can win any given tournament on any given weekend. When the Sleepers defeated you in the Quarterfinal game we felt your pain and related to your gracious exit. You are a class team!

To the Swarm , what else needs to be said, we have great respect for you and appreciate what you do for the game of flag football. To our boy G-Whiz , keep going strong with those young man legs of yours. To the up and coming “ Ghetto Birds ”, hang in there together and in tough games keep your composure so you can focus on the closeout. You guys proved your existence and with a little more experience close game at the end will come a little easier. To team Xavix , it’s because of teams like you the Union will be successful. We didn’t have the opportunity to meet this go around but from what we saw, we were impressed. You compete hard, don’t talk noise and play with class. One thing I can say about San Diego, y’all ball over there!!! To the “Show ”, when things got tough for you, team unity and camaraderie reared its head showing why you are a class act. Keep it going out there and don’t let the officiating distract you from the win. Once you learn how to persevere calls that set you back, you’ll become what some people call an “elite” team.

To the NX Level Devils , you were undermanned, inexperienced in 8 man and still competed on a high level. You never once made any excuses, complained nor degraded the tournament for your downfall, you just competed to the best of your ability. For that the Denver Gamblers respect you and welcome you to the Union.

To Team Fresno , even though our score doesn’t reflect it, you guys are good and will do damage in the future. Between you and the Ghetto Birds, we expect big things as time progresses along. Good game and good tournament even though things didn’t work out for you. Keep fighting and we look forward to seeing you in the future. To the rest of the teams, no disrespect if we didn’t mention you, we just didn’t see your games. However, because of your class and professionalism this tournament was a success and the epitome of the U.

In closing, the Denver Gamblers say thank you for such a great and competitive tournament. It was well run and we were treated like royalty. The competition offered let no team hide. The respect and great things said by many teams regarding the Gamblers is much appreciated and humbling. We’ve never lost in a championship and then have the winning team tell us we are one of the best teams they’ve ever seen. For that much props to the Houston Sleepers and congratulations on your win in the most competitive tournament in years. You’ve represented your title as National Champions well.