Unintended Consequences

Friday, December 20, 2002
by Scot H. Laney

Long ago in the prehistoric era of my life, when I didn't know the difference between a bass and a bagel, I worked as a hostage negotiator. In that job I learned much about a simple yet potentially-grave concept called "the unintended consequences of actions."

I am sad to report that I have seen "unintended consequences of actions" ruin lives and lead to death. I have seen these things with my own eyes so I understand this concept well. The sniper bullet that strays and hits the innocent (my buddy and teammate). The drive-by shooting that claims the 6-year- old boy asleep in his own house.

That's why, based on my experience and my own faith, I feel compelled to tell some of you that you really are missing the boat on the whole ESPN/B.A.S.S.- Busch issue. That is my opinion. Treat it as you will.

The fact is that neither ESPN/B.A.S.S. nor FLW Outdoors is out to ruin anyone or anything. Not the anglers, not the fans, not the sport. And I hope the endless pontification on that subject ends soon.

I know people from both of organizations, and while I don't always agree with what they do, I have never felt that they are disregarding the anglers in any way. Plain and simple, they have a business to run. With Busch, ESPN/B.A.S.S. made its best effort to add value to the BASSMASTER Tour while delivering a like amount of value to their sponsor. I have said before and will say it again: we need this type of thinking.

With that said, both organizations are now suffering from unintended consequences of actions.

First, the Pros and Alcohol

If you think that tour anglers wanting more money is a form of money-grubbing, so be it. But you're wrong. Most of the tour pros make so little that it will be a long time before they can be compared with athletes from the NFL, MLB and NBA.

And for those of you of the "they should be happy that they get to fish for a living" mindset I ask this: Since when do we as Americans get penalized for working at what we enjoy? I love my job. I would laugh at anyone if they ever held that against me in a monetary way.

As for the whole issue of alcohol, come down on it where you may. But I believe that it is fairly obvious that all of us do things that others find objectionable. The very act of fishing, some will argue, is morally suspect. I don't agree with those people, but you can see how things can be rank with hypocrisy.

As for the anglers not fishing B.A.S.S. because of Busch's involvement, with all due respect I say hooey to them. You can never change something by running away. Stay and advocate for what you believe. See this as an opportunity to present your views to others, as Jay Yelas points out.

The Leagues and a Solution

Both ESPN/B.A.S.S. and FLW Outdoors have a similar opportunity to address the unintended consequences that have arisen. Both of these organizations are good citizens staffed by competent people. As such, they realize that business is a constantly changing and fluid environment. Good corporations roll with the punches. They juke and jive to meet the needs of the market.

So what do you say, ESPN/B.A.S.S., to eliminating the "no patch, no points" rule? For this season. Before it starts.

I understand that this is the 11th hour, but this is the world we live in. I'm certain that the introduction of Busch was never intended to draw these lines in the sand, and this is a perfect chance to right the ship. And if the issue is with Busch, then I say the same to them.

But FLW needs to bend also, and do what's right. They never intended for the no alcohol/no tobacco provision in angler contracts to transcend the entire sport. The provision was intended to govern some anglers who are fishing their tour.

I have spoken with several of the FLW Tour sponsors, and my sense is that it is not a big deal to them. Remove the no alcohol/tobacco contract prohibition as it relates to fishing non-FLW events. And do it prior to the end of next week -- in conjunction with ESPN/B.A.S.S.

Neither of you intended to get to this point. But now you have an excellent opportunity to show the fans that you will address, for the good of the sport, these unintended consequences of actions.