I agree Jack, except one disqualification was cut and dry, and a clear
violation of a rule, and he didn't dispute it. This most recent was a
judgment call by B.A.S.S, and therefore to me inconsistent with previous
tournaments, and really that is where my problem lies. In all honesty I
have heard a couple of different stories about why he was disqualified,
was it the tantrum and "destroying safety equipment", or was it the
swearing? Regardless, I along with you would have handled it
differently, but I don't think his actions warranted a disqualification
unless everyone is subject to the same penalties, which I don't believe
they are from my observations.

And to answer your post about "A Joke", I also was hoping we were not
arguing :-). This could really get deep, but where I am standing, I
think there is a fine line between individualism and societal
professionalism. I originally couldn't stand Iaconnelli, all the antics
and carrying on, but man, the guy catches fish, everywhere, and
anywhere, and that to me is what I look to him for. I don't care if he
has a mullet and can break dance. I don't care if Takahiro Omori is
japanese, or that Rick Clunn sleeps in a tent. They all catch fish and
that is all that really matters. It goes past entertainment value when
you have a personal stake in it, such as you, me, and everyone else in
this group. But are we giving these anglers, and that is all they are
is anglers too much credit. This pedestal that society puts "people
better than ordinary" on? The difference is , some people say I want to
be him ( I think that is the wrong approach), and some people say I want
to be where he is (the goal oriented). I think KVD always pictured
himself at the top holding the trophy, he didn't want to be anyone but
himself and knock the king off the mountain.

The biggest problem again being the facilitation and condemnation of
these antics by the same organization at the same exact time. It is
spin and unimportant to the actual final result. If it was so
detrimental then why show it. Why always show our friends dying to road
side bombs and then say nothing of the buildings being erected to
promote growth. It may seem like separate instances, but they are the
same, because it is spin based on ratings, and money rather than the
best angler, and therefore controversy sells, and that is what they
produced, not because it was any worse than anything else that has
happened in tournaments, but because they created a character, and mold
that character in the 10 seconds they are on film to what they want them
to be. So, in 10 seconds, somehow people can put someone on trial and
convict them based on that scene. Doesn't make any sense to me. If it
wasn't Ike, and nobody has to believe this, it wouldn't have even been
an issue, that I am pretty confident about.

If I move to the hills of Montana, please don't tell the FBI :-)

Chris
wrote:
Chris,
I agree, different people react emotionally different. But, Ike's
been there. I'm sure that wasn't the first time he's killed his catch
and Ike's problem is (in my eyes), he is ALWAY'S drawing attention to
himself. Ever see the Classic Patterns with him? He catches a 3 lb bass
and screams and yells about it being a giant. I think it get old....I
like Ike, but I don't particularly care for all the WWE type hype that
he brings. He's been disqualified TWICE in the Classic, that's a record
that he should be ashamed of. Swearing, while not the best emotional
release, is, in MY EYES, not nearly as bad as the temper tantrum that
Ike threw. Swearing is a very spontaneous release. Busting up equipment
is just bad judgment.
I also agree that the camera's are there just waiting for this type
of stuff and that should keep you on your toes too. I have walked in
Ike's shoes. Last year, on day one of the Everstart in Cleveland we had
30 mph winds and waves that ran 8-10ft. I ran 50 miles in that (it took
3 hours), fished for 1hr &20 minutes and ran 3 hours back to the ramp.
On the way back, my livewell drain broke in the rough water killing my
entire catch. Before the 2 1/2 lb penalty, I had 17 lbs and was in 4th
place, after I had 14 1/2 lbs, dropping to 8th. I was very concerned
that those dead fish would cost me a trip to the finals, but I learned
my lesson and realized that it was my fault and moved on.
Jack
~~
Jack Dalzell
www.jdbass.com
~~