Some players who spoke to CNN.com said they have traveled for a league draft, but said that often the players who couldn't make it would send picks by online messenger or call on their cell phones.

CNN: Fantasy sports offers prizes -- monetary and emotional

The U.S. government doesn't pay ransoms, but it did send U.S. troops, acting on a tip from an Iraqi, to rescue Hallums after 311 days of captivity.

FORBES: Kidnap Inc.

France, which has posted troops in many locations in Africa, had said it wouldn't send combat troops to Mali and had pledged to scale back on intervening in local politics and conflicts in Africa.

CNN: Minister: French pilot killed in Mali helicopter raid