wrote in message
oups.com...
Just read on BassFan.com that Ranger dropped Ike. I think that this
trend will continue as his schtick is getting old. I recently read a
column from a prominent writer that at the amatuer level, Ike didn't do
his screaming and yelling, it only started when the tv cameras arrived.


"Ranger drops Ike 2/28/2006
Ranger Boats has dropped its sponsorship of Mike Iaconelli based on his
behavior at the recent Bassmaster Classic. Here's the statement from
Ranger president Randy Hopper.

"Based on a series of events that occurred during the recent Bassmaster
Classic competition, Ranger Boats is withdrawing its sponsorship and
affiliation with Mike Iaconelli. We do not believe that Mike's conduct
during the tournament appropriately represents the deep-seated values
on which our company was built and continues to operate.

"Ranger further acknowledges Iaconelli's impressive angling
achievements as well as his commitment to promoting the sport of
fishing. His efforts to encourage others through the platform of
fishing are a credit to his many accomplishments. While we regret his
actions leading to this decision, we wish Mike well in future
ventures." "

~~
Jack Dalzell
www.jdbass.com
~~


That's their right I guess. Iaconelli's actions heretofore would not have
made me "not" buy a Ranger, their pricing did that for them long before Ike
screamed his way into winning the '03 Classic. (And SO much of his carrying
on of the pracitce, IMO, is because of the big deal they made out of it that
last day of the 03 Classic on the TV shows that followed...)

I personally think this is a dumb move by Ranger. Sure, they're upholding
some implied "honor in the sport deal", but Ike isn't going to go away. In
fact, I imagine that boat makers are lining up to take their place as his
boat sponsor today. He lost his temper, on TV. That's a far, far cry from
infractions seen around the rest of the sporting world. I say because of
this, and Ranger's actions yesterday, that Ike will come out on top of this
latest buzz. And I'm like Bob on this, I'm indifferent on Ike. Not really a
fan, but I also do not dislike him.