Topic: Clausen won't defend title (Read 1914 times)

rob horn · « **on:** May 08, 2006, 03:49:41 PM »

It is reported in the new issue of Bassmaster magazine that Bassmaster Classic 2006 Champion Luke Clausen will not return next year to defend his title. That is only the 2nd time this has happened(Brian Kechival due to untimely death some years back). I guess sponsors and FWL convinced him not to go back next year, I'm sure in a way he's disappointed, but I figure also well compensated for not going back next year.
Rob

crankbait · « **Reply #1 on:** May 08, 2006, 05:33:56 PM »

Wonder why he is not going to defend his title.

It must have been that he does not think he is good enough to defend his title and for that reason he is not returning. Afraid of a bad showing I guess.

George

Wonder what the real reason would be for not defending a title.

buzzinbass · « **Reply #2 on:** May 08, 2006, 07:58:04 PM »

i think they should make it manitory if they fish the classic one year and they win it then they are required to fish it again next year to defend the title no matter what or get faced with the fine which is half the winnings of the amount he won in the classic.

Jason Penn · « **Reply #3 on:** May 09, 2006, 07:37:53 AM »

I read that article in BM. They didn't slam Luke very hard, but they did make it appear FLW was at fault. Hey what do you expect though, it's their magazine. I think it's kinda cool the guy has got a "hey thanks for the check...see ya" attitude.

Carter · « **Reply #4 on:** May 09, 2006, 08:23:21 AM »

Its hard to tell what the truth is on this issue. Since it doesn't affect me I am not too worried about it. What does bother me though is the lies, no matter where they come from. I would have a lot more respect for a reply such as BASS or FLW saying they gave Luke a choice, fish one or the other but not both.

JackJ · « **Reply #5 on:** May 09, 2006, 08:35:08 AM »

He has always been a FLW fisherman, thats why it surprised me that he was even fishing the Classic. I guess he fished an event that qualified him for it. He wasnt on the BASS tour.

To change to BASS he would of had to change sponsors, but that wouldnt of been a problem. He just felt like he needed to stay with the sponsors and circuit that helped make him what he is today.

rob horn · « **Reply #6 on:** May 09, 2006, 09:01:44 AM »

Jack J,
I imagine that is why he is not coming back. The sponsors and tour he regularly fishes probably spoke with him about it, I doubt they put a great deal of pressure on him, yet I imagine they compensated him accordingly for not going back. With big money now involved in both tours, it is just the nature of things.
Rob

Carter · « **Reply #7 on:** May 09, 2006, 12:55:31 PM »

What a pickle to be in, huh

Waterwings · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2006, 07:04:27 AM »

Heck of a pickle; 27 yrs old and has already won two $500k events.

Carter · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2006, 07:14:51 AM »

Right now, I'd settle for one of those checks...maybe even half of one...in cash

Just4fun · « **Reply #10 on:** August 18, 2006, 06:22:37 AM »

I am as far removed from this as anyone,..but it sounds to me like he's just trying to stay loyal to the folks that've helped him make a living at fishing through the years! My hat's off to him if that's the case!

Although BASS has done a lot for the sport, it seems sometimes like the money is the most important thing with them. FLW strikes me as being more about the sport and less about making a buck! Just my $.02

crab · « **Reply #11 on:** August 18, 2006, 01:44:22 PM »

Well since FLW is as big or bigger than bass now you will see more of this. I think it should be like raceing if you can do both do it and win all you can. When your sponsers and the tour ask you nice not to cross over and im sure they waved a few coins in his face, well lets face it guys MONEY TALKS!!!

Carter · « **Reply #12 on:** August 18, 2006, 06:22:30 PM »

Yep crab, but sometimes it whispers and on occasion it might even scream at you

crab · « **Reply #13 on:** August 18, 2006, 08:36:28 PM »

LOL Yep real hard!!

Carter · « **Reply #14 on:** August 25, 2006, 03:17:53 PM »

Money talks

Chester · « **Reply #15 on:** October 23, 2006, 03:45:29 PM »

Quote from: Carter on August 25, 2006, 03:17:53 PM

Money talks

The only thing my money ever says to me is "GOOD BYE" !!

JackJ · « **Reply #16 on:** October 23, 2006, 04:17:14 PM »

Carter · « **Reply #17 on:** October 23, 2006, 08:47:55 PM »

So does mine but it is still talking

BassBest · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2006, 09:38:32 PM »

My money says goodbye too, especially the money that said "see ya" in this years classic on table rock. Hey Carter, I finally got into this forum, if you remember after my comp crashed I could not return here for some reason, but now I can, and am glad to see it is the great forum I knew at the beginning of the year.
I have not read the mag you guys are talking about but I am a fan of Luke, and I believe that he probably did what was best for his future as far as money is concerned and not what is best for him NOW. His lady (wife maybe?) lives here in Ky, if I'm not mistaken, working as a nurse aide or form there-of, and I am sure he wants the long haul goal and not the greedy choice. But I hope him the best of luck and hope to see him for the seminars this year (or early '07) . I do hope he stays in the UMF as well and whips up on g-man some more like he so badly did this year at the Katawa creek bridge,
Later guys.

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