Kevin VanDam was DQd from the entire Santee Cooper Bassmaster Elite Series, which begins this Thursday, March 30. According to BASS, he was DQd for a violation of Rule 12 (Boat Operation and Expense), which states that co-anglers may not drive the boat during practice or competition, except in emergency situations.
The applicable part of the rule states: "Non boaters are only allowed to drive the boat in emergency situations in both practice and competition with the exception of loading and unloading from trailers."
BASS stated that VanDam's co-angler, Jim Stawiarski, drove the boat during practice while VanDam stood on the front deck to spot bed-fish. Reportedly, another angler notified BASS of the infraction, and apparently, VanDam was unfamiliar with the rule.
Stawiarski was DQd from the event as well.
This is a developing story and BassFan will continue to report on it.
