A Must readon Bassfan by Micheal Jones to Ike!

[ACP]

http://www.bassfan.com/Opinion_article.asp?ID=57

[TomAtkeson]

Good article by Mike Jones. He hit the exact nail that bothered me the most, the flag hiting the deck, intentionaly! I hope it all gos away quietly or they give him the long walk off a short pier because that type of behavior brings a bad name to the sport.

[basstamer]

excellent article- this will cost him dearly and I honestly dont think it will go away queitly. Its hard for me not to be opionated cuz I never did like his "style" or in my opinion lack of! He disrespected the flag and had plenty of oppurtunity to applogize and didnt-enough said as far as I am concerned.
Scott

PS GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[BassTraveler]

Powerful...article.

[NaCl]

Problem is, it is 100% deserved! I think he can still survive this but he better figure out a way to get that blue dress laundered! HAR!

.....NaCl

[Multispecies]

That article was great. I have not been an Ike "hater" and actually thought the break dancing was cool. However what he did at the classic digusted me. So much that I emailed everyone of his sponsors listed on his web site and stated that I am very unhappy with the lack of any kind of statements from them regarding Mr. Iconell's behavior. The only one who did issue a statement was Berkley and that was a load of ... When I emailed Ranger I did mention Rangers unique place in the fishing and was this really what Forrest Wood and Ray Scott envisioned years ago? Berkley is the only co. to reply so far and they seemed to think my disgust was due to the gulp commercial featuring Ike & Skeet naked. And they ask for what I fish for and my address. I guess they think throwing a little product at this will make it go away. Anyways I emailed them back and set the record straight. And those types of commercials are really not needed . I like funny as much as the next guy but what ever happened to the high road? I am going to boycott Ike's sponsors and mentioned that in my emails.
Sorry for rambling, Dylan

[Steve Reed]

its unfortunate that people like me would even have to defend mike. Plain and simple he shouldnt have done it, i agree. But everyones a hater. This guy iaconelli is the man, i disagree with all of the opinions set forth in that article. Iaconelli is really the reason bass is where it is today, so popular because of him, he pretty much did, im sorry, but before that bass wasnt that popular.

I'm an iaconelli fan, i am biased but you guys who hate him are too. The flag thing shouldnt even be brought up.

I am very opinionated about this, and i will be forever, but just make sure you know he will recoup, he will win big tourneys and he will win the classic again. Not to mention he will have the most sponsorship money every year he fishes....hes the man, that guy that wrote the article is an ***.


the kid

[BassTraveler]

"that guy that wrote the article is an ***."


the kid
_________________
THE KID


You go to UC Davis?
There is a culture like You out there, blame everyone else, except yourself.
I was really surprised nobody went up to Ike and pulled his pants down and Whipped his bASS.
You are who you state you are...a kid.
Let's hope UC Davis puts something between those ears.

Sieg Taylor

[photon]

Guess if I don't appreciate someone disrespecting the flag, and acting like an AZZ makes me a "hater"!!??

If Ike is THE man, he should act like A man!

[Fishin' Dave]

"Well. it's never MY fault. It was (insert goat here) that made me (whatever you did). I was only trying to do good and was unaware anyone would be offended. So, while I'm sorry you were offended, I was just being real yo. Mom and dad said if it feels good do it. I feel good, so nothing else matters"


familiar?

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

No one has ever argued that Ike hasn't brought attention to our sport..However is it the type of attention we really want..Some people think that many of us "older" citizens are against him because he is brash and young..In some cases that may be true..I don't care for Mike's general antics, because I just do not like that type of showmanship..Sure he can fish and true he does behave well when not on the water, everyone that I know that has met him says he is an outstanding speaker and presents himself and the sport very well, when in the general public..It is almost as though his entire personality changes when on camera on the water..

His tantrum during the classic did not bode well for him or his sponsors..You say the bit with the flag should not even be brought up, to me, that is the only thing, other than possibly culling dead fish that really should have gotten him DQ'ed..

Mike made a comment that he didn't think it showed bad sportsmanship, that he was truly a sportsman, just look at all of his fans in the arena..I have a response, Mike, fans do not make you a sportsman, they make you a sports figure..Nothing more, nothing less..

Do I like Mike, I like his ability to fish and catch them, usually..I don't care for his yelling antics, but I can live with it, I don't have to live with him..Saturday he displayed nothing more than poor judgement and a good bit of immaturity..

mac

[Phil]

FOR ONE, I BELIEVE THAT MIKE JONES IS JUST IN MY OPINION , BEING AND AMERICAN AND IT CAUGHT HIM BY SURPRIZE TO SEE HIS FLAG, MORE THAN ONCE THIS DECADE BE ABUSED. AS FOR THE COMMENT SOMEONE MADE THAT BASSMASTERS IS ONLY GREAT TODAY BECAUSE OF IKE, WELL MY FRIEND YOU MUST BE 20 OR LESS......BASS IS BASS IS BASS BECAUSE OF THE ROLAND MARTINS THE HANK PARKERS, THE RICK CLUNS, THE LARRY NIXONS OF THE WORLD, YES THE OLD GUYS, WHICH I MIGHT ADD WILL BE JOINED BY THE KEVIN VAN DAMS THE AARON MARTENS OR THE WORLD !!

IKE, YOU SCREWED UP LADD !! JUST FESS UP AND PUT IT BEHIND YOU, TENSION GETS TO US ALL, AND I TRULEY BELIEVE YOU DID NOT MEAN TO DO WHAT YOU DID...........THE BASSERS OF THE WROLD WILL FORGIVE YOU SOONER THAN YOU THINK !!!
JIGS

[Rob D]

Ike did not make this sport! Long before Ike was filling his diapers, MEN like Ray Scott, Bill Dance, Roland Martin, Hank Parker, Larry Nixon, Denney Brauer and Rick Clunn made this sport huge. Ike is just the loudmouth publicity whore who will stoop to any level to get attention.
Kid, you are able to attend UC Davis because men and women have given their lives defending this great nation and it's freedom, the very things that the flag Mike trashed stands for. Ike has still not appologized for it or recognized that he trashed the flag on national television in front of millions of people who have put their lives on the line for that flag. Ike is lucky I wasn't the camera man on his boat or he'd have went into the water right behind that flag. I'm no "hater".... Until Ike threw that flag in the water.... Now I hate Ike!

[RougeBass]

Wow Kid! You don't think the flag thing shouldn't even be brought up. My Great Grandfather servered in WWI, and Grandfather served in WWII, my Dad served in Veitnam, and I did 3 tours in Desert Sheild/Storm. My Dad has 2 folded flags on the mantel in his house that were folded by the VFW at my Grandfarthers furnrels. And I don't look forward to the day I have 3 on mine. I still get chills down my spine any I have to put my hand over my heart and look at the flag for our Nation Anthem. I still get tears in my eyes everytime I hear Taps playing. I still say "One Nation Under God" with pride! The flag is a symbol of our country and a symbol of freedom. And it should be a symbol of the many men and women who believe and procted our country and freedom eveyday. To me Ike trashing the Aerican Flag like he did was disrespectful to the our Country and our service men and women. "But to some this should even be an issue."

[Phil]

COULD'NT HAVE SAID IT BETTER MYSELF ROUGE



JIGS

[Fast 492]

Rouge hit the nail on the head, to many of the kids these days are Liberal #@$% and wouldn't know the first thing about Honor,Duty and Country. Awesome post Rouge !!!!

[Steve Reed]

First my opinions are not those expressed by uc davis...now that the disclaimer is out of the way.

My father served at vietnam, my grandfater in wwII. I am both patriotic and appreciative of what soldiers have done. but lets put things into prospective here. This is fishing...i love fishing, but this isnt something that matters to anyone but us, us fisherman. Anyone in fishing could die tomorrow and their legacy will not be something that will be brought up in the morning news.

I dont think the flag should ever be tarnished, but in his state of anger he made a mistake. True, i agree mistake to act out the way he did, it was childish. I would never do that, especially on television. Ike is huge on fishing the moment, but he was hypocritical in that moment by not just continuing to fish.

Now as for those who have made nonsense posts about what i said...you dont know me. About UC Davis, i am here because i can think for myself, and i dont always agree with people. I have a more expansive way of thinking.

I agree with all of you who believe he did something wrong, he did. But it doesnt change my stance that he is a good guy, and fisherman and he is treated unfairly.

payce

the kid

[Scrappinjack]

Re: Iaconelli disrespecting the flag, I would hazard to guess that his action was heat of the moment and he had no intention of desecrating the American flag. I mean, he's not Jane Fonda or anything. Who among us has not had occasion to lay down a few choice obscenities or take out our frustrations on a piece of equipment during a particularly aggravating trip? Frankly, I have never been a big fan of Iaconelli's on-the-water antics, from the screaming at every fish he boats, to the break dancing and fist pumping, etc. I'm sure that's part of the fuel for all the outrage directed at him. Then again, why don't I read about anyone ragging on the network for showing the meltdown over and over and over again? For the record, yes I am a veteran who served in Vietnam and take my pride in my country quite seriously. I respect the flag and all it represents. But, I'll tell you this much: I harbor more ill will toward those who choose to wear the stars and stripes as an article of clothing than I do against Iaconelli for what he did. I don't like it worn as a headband, a ballcap, a shirt, or even a bikini (I'm wavering on that one). I don't like to see it being waved in faux patriotism by those celebrating some sports victory when they more than likely won't even sing the national anthem at a ballgame or stop talking on their cel phone long enough to care. As for Ike, my son attended the recent Bassmaster U. in San Jose and the one attending pro who took any of his time to stand there and talk one-on-one with my son without trying to pitch a product other than just fishing was Mike Iaconelli. I won't name the rude ones. Let the Kid defend Iaconelli, right or wrong and if you want to attack the pro go ahead--but don't lay out a personal attack on Kidfisher. That's my son. He's as good a young man as there is...period.

[RougeBass]

Kid let me ask you this if his Bassmater Classic Trophy was sitting on the back deck of his boat do you think he would have thought twice before he picked it up and threw it into the lake? My guess would be "Yes" he would think twice before doing that.

I'm not doubting his ability as a fisherman. But calling him a professional NO WAY!

[Mark Langner]

My "comment" to bassfan:

It is refreshing to read an article well thought out, informative, and with some substance, and I feel right on point. I can only hope that his advertizers take notice, and that perhaps the broadcast aspects of the sport can pendulum back toward more core values as it once was. I agree, the sport of fishing isn't made or broken but such antics, but it's the televising and publishing of the sport that is far reaching and of such influence, especially to our next generation.

[Auggie Dog]

Wow....this thread has taken an interesting turn! It's nice to see the first amendment being excercised by some good ol' fashion debate. I guess I too am entitled take part so here it goes.

I think we have covered Mike's antics enough. I do not know him and I am sure he has many good qualities to go along with his obvious temper but there is a line of conduct you do not cross on the water or anywhere for that matter. Mike went way beyond that line and he will now pay for that with the biggest loss a professional fisherman can endure...the loss of his sponsors. I seem to remember he showed up at a Folsom event not long ago and everyone was impressed with him and how he behaved so it goes to show you everyone can make a mistake. I think it is safe to say we have all had one moment in our lives we would love to take back and do again and Mike probably just had his.

Don't get me wrong. I am not defending Mike by any means, he showed very bad judgement with his actions. He is a popular figure in a sport that has one of the most diverse fan bases in the world and he embarrased and insulted most of those fans myself included. This incident will follow him for the rest of his fishing career and that in itself is sad to me because he won the most prestigious title in the sport we we all love but he will now be remembered by most as the guy who went crazy and trashed his boat in a temper tantrum. I think he will regret this for the rest of his life.

As far as the American Flag goes...ScrappinJack, if you are a veteran, you have my most deep honor and respect. The same respect and honor I give to my father, grandfather and oldest brother who all served in past wars for the United States of America. You all fought for your country, a country who's symbol is a flag of stars and stripes and in my opinion, that symbol stands for more than our freedom of speech, freedom of religon, or any other freedom we have attained. To me, it also stands as a symbol of all of the fallen soldiers who have fought and died trying to protect what that flag stands for in the hearts of Americans everywhere. We see everyday, the flag draped coffins of the fallen soldiers coming home from the war in the Gulf region as a reminder of what that flag really should stand for in this great country. The image of a flag covering a young soldier who gave his life in defense of his country is something that is burned into my mind for the rest of my life. Unfortunately, the image of Ike ripping that flag from his boat in a fit of rage and tossing it into the water will remain burned in my mind for just as long. That, my friend, saddens me to no end. I also think that a person wearing a facimile of the flag as clothing only shows a persons love of country and should not be taken as a sign of disrespect. I have a shirt and a hat with a small flag on them that I wear as a way of supporting my country and it's troops. Is that disrespecting the flag? Again, thank you for your service to your country. We have a difference of opinion on this matter and we can express those opinions anytime we want to. We have people like you to thank for that.

Auggie Dog

[Scrappinjack]

Well said, Auggie. Refreshing to see someone who may have competed in a spelling bee for a change. Differing views on appropriate wearing of flag symbol, I guess, but my point was directed more toward clothing actually fabricated from material resembling the flag and not toward lapel pins, patches, emblems, etc. Seems to provide ample evidence that what comprises respect/disrespect can often be found in the eye of the beholder. Perhaps an operative word in this sort of discussion should be intent.

[Calistar]

Jack,
I can appreciate you standing up for you son. I also have a son and do so whenever appropriate. However, he made a couple of inflamatory statements against a whole slew of people. He said that (anyone that disagreed with his opinion) was

a hater

and chastized folks for even

bringing up the flag issue

. Unfortunately the Kid brought a lot of the negative responses upon himself. If I read this thread correctly, nearly every single poster was detailing the reason why they were disappointed with Ike. The Kid's post was directed (not at Ike, or BASS, or any of the sponsors) but at those posters (and fellow anglers) telling them why they are wrong and he is right (in his opinion). If someone is going to directly challenge someone else on this board, they have to be able to take the response. Just because he is your son does not absolve him from rebuttals from others.

Secondly, I am disappointed with your quote:

I respect the flag and all it represents. But, I'll tell you this much: I harbor more ill will toward those who choose to wear the stars and stripes as an article of clothing than I do against Iaconelli for what he did. I don't like it worn as a headband, a ballcap, a shirt, or even a bikini (I'm wavering on that one). I don't like to see it being waved in faux patriotism by those celebrating some sports victory when they more than likely won't even sing the national anthem at a ballgame or stop talking on their cel phone long enough to care.

In my opinion, that is unfair. Every single person I know that sports "the colors" is as patriotic as they come and that includes the folks on this board. If you want to harbor "ill will" against people that display their pride instead of Ike for mangling the flag pole and throwing Old Glory into Lake Toho, then that is your business but something tells me you wrote that to insult someone rather than present relevant facts or opinions. The moment you charged someone with "Faux Patiotism" just because of the clothes they wear then your post lost creedance with me .

I too had the opportunity to meet Ike and was taken with his charisma and charm. He also spent time with my son and I even bought his book to have him autograph. I've even gone so far as to tell folks here on this board the GOOD things that he had done.

So don't think I'm "a hater"....I just cannot, in good concious, agree with what happened last Friday.

Greg H.

[Steve Reed]

I'm insulted that you guys think I can't take your responses. hahaha this is why I love this board. People can discuss (argue) fishing related topics.

Someday I will be fishing professionally, probably not on merit, but solely on my check book. I'm gonna give you guys tons of these kinds of posts to talk about...haha good fun though.

sorry i may have gotten personal, just feel strongly about the subject as you guys do your opinions, didnt mean to stir this up so badly. You guys have fun with it, I'm done.

At least Ike encourages the guys who will take his place.
Unlike some of the "older fisherman"

the kid

[mac (Doyle McEwen)]

I faithfully served in the Navy for 26 years because I take pride in my country and what we and the flag stand for..One of the rights that iwould have willingly given my life for is the right to free speech and actions taken by people expressing that right..Although I do not respect people that destroy or otherwise bring damage to our flag I respect their right to do so..I honestly don't believe Ike had any intention of desacrating the flag, however he did so..

I truly hate that he did..He has apologized and now we have to wait and see if in fact he meant it..There is a ton of debate on the subject and no doubt it will follow him for the rest of his life..Now that it is over lets be done with it..

mac

[Dom]

I think everyone is taking this to the utmost extreme including his sponsors, Yall gotta see it for what it really was he was in the biggest tourn. of the year he bomb last year so yea he was under a little pressure to say the least. He finds out his fish are dieing he probally wanted to throw the camera man in the water at that point but that wont work so he went for the first thing he saw (listen now here is the kicker)

He went for the LIGHT POLE!!! NOT THE FLAG POLE! The flag just so happen to be attached. Next he bent the pole which in turn ripped it out and it hit the water "AMERICAN WATER" (what good enough for us and the fish but not the flag?) Come on!

Hell I am as American as you can get from Texas,my granddad sang with George Jones back when he was dating Tammy In Austin,Tx yall ought to meet my ken folk. (my roots run deep in the south) Im an Earl Pitts fan! I respect the flag as well as a fellow American and I do not agree with his actions but I don't think yall should get the rope either.

The man did the biggest thing a man can do he stood up and took responsibilty for his actions/mistake and he apoligized to everyone.

I dont know about yall, but where I come from it takes a big man to admit when hes wrong and say im sorry! He's got my respect and forgiveness. and I think Ranger should open there eyes and see this for what it really was a "forgivable mistake"

I have seen Skeet on tv cuss cuase he kept missing fish at one time he even threw his rod on the deck,Heard Mike Rynolds say a cuss word when he won one. (sorry dont remember what the word was it was no biggie) and what about Dobyns? we all know that story, yea I named names becuase the point being NO BIG DEAL with fishing comes emotions. ( I channel mine by yelling FISH ON!!! LOL)

Tight Lines and God Bless America

[Waterdog]

It seems to be a no-brainer to me. Ike acted anything BUT professional in the Classic. He made his bed...now HE has to lay in it; it's called taking responsibility for ones own actions. Now he has to learn to deal with the actions and reactions he is going to get from those he meets and deals with.

I wonder what he's going to tell the young boy or girl when they ask him why he acted like he did? Should be interesting, huh?


jim