Klein's In, Now What?

   Gary Klein's in the 2005 Bassmaster Classic. Now what?

   Trip Weldon reportedly told several anglers that the final Classic qualifier sheet was complete, and that was the end of the story. What the tournament director says goes. Or does it?

   Weldon said Klein's out. He didn't make the Classic, period. However, roughly three weeks later BASS issued a press release stating that Gary Klein had, indeed, made the Classic.

   Now, what's so bad about a superstar making the Classic? Nothing, if he really did. Here's the real problem, plain and simple: Weldon's authority was undermined. Trip Weldon is well known for his honesty among the pros and media, and is known to be fair as well. However, Klein obviously found a way to get around the tournament director and make the Classic anyway. Someone higher up put him in.

   Up until this point, what the tournament director said went, no matter what. He was the ultimate authority. Was. He isn't anymore. Now, pros who still want to make the Classic can appeal to a 'higher authority' and try to wiggle in. In my mind, if Klein wins the Classic, whoever winds up in second place really won. Klein's win could hurt one of his fellow pros' career, if that pro really won because Klein snuck into the Classic through the proverbial back door.

   See the issue? Tournament directors aren't in control anymore, and someone could get badly hurt by Klein's performance in this year's championship tournament. Even if Klein places 40th place, the 41st pro should have placed one higher! The only real scenario that would be fine is if Klein placed dead last, but even then the extra money has to come from somewhere. And, to be honest, we all know that there is one chance in a million that a pro of Klein's caliber would place last. If he places last, the bass fishing world will be shocked. Including myself.

   Now, do I know exactly what happened? No. Of course not. But from the information I have, Klein's action looks suspicious. It doesn't seem right.

   Where does this end? When what the tournament director says goes, period. See that period? Just like that. End of story.

By Brandon Shook

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