Ikes apology

[Fishhead]

Hey you have to give this guy credit, he stood up, took the heat, said he was wrong, why he is wrong and asked forgiveness. I for one will allow him his indiscretion, fogive and move on.

What he did is a lot more than some of the other Pro's that have done things wrong in T and said nothing, nada! Arron Martens for instance winning the T without having a proper state license for one, he ws even ticketed by the DNR and he still kept the win and screwed Tim Horton out of the win. I won't even get into our elected politicians who screw up and then act as if its our fault.

I am not an Ike fan of his actions, I think he has great angling ability and fishing sense, but give credit where credit is deserved. He had the nads to admit his mistake and ask forgiveness.

Here is his PUBLIC apology below:


Ike apologizes 2/28/2006
Ranger Boats announced today that it had dropped its sponsorship of Mike Iaconelli due his actions on day 1 of the Bassmaster Classic (see the statement from Ranger president Randy Hopper below). BASS later issued the following statement from Iaconelli:

"I want to publicly apologize to anyone I have offended by my recent actions during the 2006 Bassmaster Classic. As you know, I am a very passionate person. Sometimes my emotions get the best of me and that is exactly what happened. After finding several of my fish dying, I handled this crisis in the wrong way. I wish I could take back my actions, but I am human and I made a mistake.

"I want to assure everyone that my frustrations and anger were in no way purposely directed toward damaging safety equipment or degrading the American flag. I love this country and I love everything that the flag stands for. I am very patriotic and totally support our troops. No group more than professional anglers should feel as fortunate to live in a country that provides opportunity for so many to chase their dream.

"By quoting the famous American President John F. Kennedy, 'When written in Chinese, the word 'crisis' is composed of two characters – one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.' In the spirit of this statement, I ask for the forgiveness of my fans, peers, sponsors and all others who may have been offended by my actions.

"This has been an unfortunate incident and I regret what I did. When things like this happen, you have to learn from your mistakes, keep fishing and move forward. This is what I intend to do and hope you will move forward with me."

[buddylee]

I don't feel that IKE had the Nads as you put it to apologize he did it out of necessity. Financial necessity! He probably lost at least $50,000 a year when Ranger dropped him, maybe more. He's just trying to stop the bleeding. Get real. I like the guy, he's a great speaker and one heck of an angler but he was wrong.

[buckdroppings]

I think it was a forced apology. He defended his actions up until today. Someone had to get to him. I'm sure the Ranger deal had a lot to do with it.

[zx150]

If he was sorry he would have said it before now. He is sorry that he is losing money and Ranger.

[KYHorseflys]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Mar-01-06 AT 01:24AM (EST)[/font][p]He said: "This has been an unfortunate incident and I regret what I did. When things like this happen, you have to learn from your mistakes, keep fishing and move forward. This is what I intend to do and hope you will move forward with me."

He shoulda said: "This has been an unfortunate incident and I regret what I did. When things like this happen, you have to learn from your mistakes, get an anger management couselor, keep fishing and move forward. This is what I intend to do and hope you will move forward with me."

The good thing is America is the land of second chances, and if he proves good on his word, then good for him... if not, just another guy who took for granted the great situation he was in. Next time, laugh like a lunatic at finding dying fish instead of throwing a fit - it'll still turn the cameras your way! And take care of that mad feeling you have inside.

[redneckshadrap]

"Hey you have to give this guy credit, he stood up, took the heat, said he was wrong, why he is wrong and asked forgiveness. I for one will allow him his indiscretion, fogive and move on."

He had too....he didn't want to. He's a wuss...


Redneckshadrap
www.thecreekbank.com
[email protected]

[Chubminnow]

A leopard never changes his spots...

[bassin101]

So what you guys are telling me is you have never done anything wrong. You have never gotten PO'd and done something you regret. I'm not saying he wasn't in the wrong for what he did but he is human. For so many guys to hate Ike so much and think he's bad for the sport you sure do chime in an awful lot on the discussions. I know if I didn't like someone I wouldn't be wasting my breath on them. So why don't you just accept his apology and drop it. He is obviously paying for his mistakes. You guys are relentless.

[BankBeater]

I for one would accept that apology as sincere, Until he gives me a reason to believe other wise...Time to move on.

[chris20]

I think what Ike did in the classic wasn't as bad as Gerald Swindle last year, when he went all the way across the river to cuss out Nixon (I think it was), because he was fishing where he was fishing. What did they do about that nada. Don't get me wrong I like them both and what they bring to the tourney's but if you take action on one, you must be fair and treat everyone the same. I guarantee I would have probably cussed and raised all kinds of hell to if I messed up like Ike did and forget to turn on the aerator

[redneckshadrap]

I guess the flag means nothing to you guys..what a shame...

Redneckshadrap
www.thecreekbank.com
[email protected]

[bassin101]

> I guess the flag means
>nothing to you guys..what a
>shame...
>
>Redneckshadrap
>www.thecreekbank.com
>[email protected]


I don't remember mentioning anything about the flag. The American Flag means everything to me. The flag has nothing to do with the whole situation. It's just another thing critics like you guys want to hammer on him about. Flag or no flag he would have been DQ'd anyway. So this really doesn't have anything to do with the American Flag. I'm sure everyone on this board respects the American Flag. That comment was meant to stir up some stuff and you did a good job of it. Sorry to seem PO'd but to assume someone doesn't repect the flag kind of gets the best of me.