I know that several of the anglers are not happy with the story I wrote called, Decorum, and Im not surprised at that, pretty much expected it, would I take any of it back if I had a do-over…not a word. I have no problem with Brents column here, I consider the Chapmans family, as I do all the Elites, but sometimes you have to call your crazy Uncle, or weird Aunt, out. I am a fan of sports, a fan of this sport, have been writing about sports for over two decades, and as a fan who listens to fans I have to tell you, and will keep telling you, fans DO NOT WANT TO HEAR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES COMPLAIN. Fans want to hear about the great things you do, they dont want to hear that you almost caught a 5 pounder, they dont want to hear how tough it is to fish an area, they want to hear how you come to a tough place and do greatness. You are living the dream of a multitude of people, dont disrespect their dream. The one thing Im bothered by the most of all of this is the business aspect of all it that is being brought up, I buy none of that because for as far as I know, this sport wasnt free when you signed up and then suddenly switched to pay to play. Everyone involved, everyone knew the full details, had full disclosure before they sign up for every season. There are no surprises, they know the schedule before a dime is due, no one is forcing any one to play. And to those who think I dont know that, I am an Independent Contractor for B.A.S.S. LLC, they pay for some of my expenses but not even close to all of them, I signed up for more than $40,000 less than what I made at ESPN, and have never complained once about it because I love what I do and love the people I do it with…so you out there saying I somehow get a free ride…trust me I have as big a financial dog in this fight as anyone…so shut the hell up. To the anglers shouting the business aspect of this….you are not the only self employed businessman in this country, our country is built on the backbone of millions of small businessmen/women who go through everything you go through, and more with making payroll for other folks lives, and these millions of small business people never complain, they work hard, they dont whine, the know the ups and downs, and most never get to take to a stage before adoring fans, most never get a trophy, most never sign autographs (only checks for taxes/bills/payroll) most never hear anyone clapping for them. Look to the backs of America as a model as what to say and what not to say. I love and respect these anglers, admire all that they do, feel honored to tell their stories, but if those stories takes us down a path that takes away from the sport, that takes away from the joy of the common fan, please know this, and I mean no disrespect, as a columnist, as a sportswriter, I will call you out again. To not do so would be to not do my job. I am not about to start burying my head in the sand. db This is in response to this column on Bassmaster today:
Posted on: Thu, 14 Aug 2014 19:25:02 +0000
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