A Letter to the Commissioner

[Hope]

A letter was sent to the Commissioner of the Iron Fists League. On the envelope was simply the name of the intended recipient. It read as follows:

Dear Brandon J Fox, Commissioner of the Iron Fists League,

I am mailing you today on account of the events that transpired this past Friday, November the 13th at approximately 10:36 PM ET. I'm not someone who's going to talk shit without being prepared to back it up. I think most if not all fighters in the IFL have that degree of respect for one another. We're a self-policing breed; if you run your mouth you're going to have to swing your fists. Herein lies the heart of my reason for taking the time to mail you today: there is no policy in place for those who don't fight. The freedom of speech does not protect you from the due repercussions. I have for you the statements that were made by one G'nort Dragoon-Talanador which cross the fine line between simply "cheering" and verbal abuse.

"C'mon April! Peel the flesh from his bones one strand at a time! Leave him in a crumpled mass upon the ground where the only way they can identify his remains is through one of those DNA scans! Destroy him so hard that his family will feel the pain for twenty-two generations!"

For those who do not know, the one being referred to is none other than Gunther Queen. The Queen family not long ago was struck with tragedy as their daughter Clarice leaped from the top of their tower to her death in a tragic suicide. G'nort's gruesome depiction is no doubt exactly what this family has already gone through. To further his statement by directly involving the family is nothing short of vulgar.

"Make him your prison bitch, April!"

I don't feel this one takes any amount of prefacing to understand. Are rape jokes okay now in a professional fighting venue?

For this to be said during an event that was no doubt viewed by countless spectators let alone those of us present and to go unpunished would be setting a terrible precedent. I'm writing this because I don't believe you would support this behavior in or around your sport, at least on the location of your venue. I believe some sort of disciplinary action is not only recommended but required to prevent something of this nature from becoming a paradigm. A fine, a warning, a statement- something. I cannot believe you or the IFL stands for this type of behavior. If I am wrong, I apologize for wasting your time.

Sincerely,
A concerned fighter/fan/assistant coach,
Hope

((I want to thank all of the players who help make IFL fun, this is in no way seeking to silence anyone in anyway.))

[Devils Advocate]

Fighters of the IFL,

I write to you today because it has been brought to my attention that some of you have been subjected to harsh commentary from our spectators, or perhaps even fellow fighters. In some cases vulgar or abusive discourse, threats or encouragement of your opponents to inflict severed bodily harm. In others, jokes of poor taste or involving indelicate matters.

On the one hand, please accept my sympathies. Surely there's none among us who find joy in being subjected to such offensive heckling.

On the other hand, this is professional sport and I strongly suggest you endeavor to thicken your skins. We are involved in full contact displays of martial prowess and emotions run high, both in and outside of the ring. The league is not inclined to begin policing general commentary of any form. If you, despite being focused and well accomplished fighters, find that you are unable to suffer these remarks, then I can simply suggest that perhaps this is not the proper setting for you. There are rumors of openings in the RhyDin Ballet Troupe, perhaps such a venue would be more fitting.

Thank you for your time and good luck in the rings.

Brandon Fox,
Commissioner
Iron Fists League

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