Thank God This punk isn't sponsored by Kistler

[Lightninrod]

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Dan

[Andy]

AMEN and AMEN!!!

[Boonethelunkerlander]

i disagree sure he was a "punk" on tv but all pros are just most of them dont get caught, i like ike a lot and i think he is great for the sport, that is my stand but i can completely understand why someone would not like him

[Andy]

I could of maybe looked over the tantrum, but not the disrespect of the flag!!! I don't know why it (the flag) doesn't mean anything to some people anymore. He should have been barred from tournament fishing altogether!!!

[Richard Cooper]

I understand what you are saying about the flag, and what he did was wrong, flag or no flag, but if we want to get technical about what is disrespectful to this countries flag, you are also not supposed to leave a flag out in the rain, and the middle part of day three was all rain.

[TurkeyBoy113]

[bart_catlett]

SOME PEOPLE LIKE ATTENTION. Some people don't require it like others. it's always fun to be the rebel, but rarely do rebels perservere (sp*). being excited on stage and throwing a tantrum on the lake in front of ( - - blocked - - ) is 2 different things. if you are happy and you want to dance, i understand how you feel sometimes. i get that way when i hook a good fish in a tourney. but tantrums are just signs of immatureity. maybe he was spoiled and is used to getting his way. who knows. i'm not a big fan of ike, but every so often you have to have a little bit of revolution in anything. revolution is healthy. i'm a huge rick clunn fan, i like the zen attitude. so you can see why i don't "like ike". pushing the envelope is a good thing, if we didn't push the envelope we wouldn't have procucts as good as kistler rods, reaction beavers, and other stuff. i just don't think ike is pushing an envelope, maybe some buttons, lol. but not an envelope. maybe i was raised different than ike. not saying that i was raised better, just different. anyway, enough of my opinion.

later ya'll,
bart

[Lightninrod]

And Ranger is the first to drop him:


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."

> During day 2 of the Bassmaster Classic, Berkley issued a statement stating Iaconelli would remain a Berkley pro-staff member. BassFan is awaiting comment from Iaconelli's other sponsors.



Dan

[Duce]

I think that Ike is a product of ESPN, the whole face of B.A.S.S. has changed sense the take over. I can remember earlier this fall, maybe a E50 event and Gerald Swindle was cussing and acting all bad a$$ that Zell Rowland was fishing his area when the TV coverage showed Zell fishing there the day before and no sign of Gerald anywhere. Thats what ESPN wants. Ike has no one to ( - - blocked - - ) his dead fish on but himself. I think he's been fishing long enough to know to turn pumps on. He sure didn't "hate those things" 2yrs. ago when he won.

John

[TurkeyBoy113]

It's like this, fellas. Let me add what Duce emphasized. Doesn't matter who is the "man" in BASS, BASS itself as an organization really have changed since they were contracted by ESPN. Bottom line: ESPN is all about the highs and lows, they really have to make it necessary to show the immaturity of fishermen in general. The more ESPN expose those fishermen, the more fun it is for them to see those fishermen get labeled and embarrassed at their expense. Meaning what? The more problem for BASS have to face reality nowadays than they barely have to deal with back in the heydays.

Now out of curiousity: since Ike got DQ'ed twice in BASS, will he be banned from BASS indefinitely? It had happened to a few good fishermen who got DQ'ed twice in BASS, they're banned from ever setting a foot or competing in BASS circuits.

I am glad Ranger dropped Ike. Ike do not need Ranger, he looked better in a Triton boat.

[Mission Fishin']

Ike a bad boy? This guy is a focused athlete who had a very disapointing thing happen to him. Big deal, he grabbed the aluminum light pole and snapped it over his knee and threw it overboard. Yes, the flag went with it too and Im sure he never even realized it was attached at the time of his anger. I heard in an interview later that he was super sorry for the flag. Ever watched John MacEnroe during his early days? Watched hockey, basketball or any other pro sport. Talk about crazy. Athletes can have a massive amount of stress on them even when things are going good. Dead fish at his level is a kick in the gut that Im sure would drive any tournament angler momentarily crackers. This guy can fish, he does it by hard work, organization and determination. His passion is unrestrained, his strings are definitly wound tighter than most. He is colorful. Fun to watch. I hope the negativity that Ike has to endure never drives him from the sport. Capt. GJ Longley