Fishing legend not alone in opposing sponsor

Fishing legend Jimmy Houston is not alone in his stand against promoting a beer company’s sponsorship of the Bass Angler Sportsman Society (BASS).
   
Three other professional anglers have opted out of the running for the Busch BASS Angler of the Year after learning of Busch’s sponsorship and the subsequent requirement to place its logo on jackets and boats.
   
BASS added Busch as a sponsor last summer, and Houston, who also hosts the ESPN2 television show, “Jimmy Houston Outdoors,” learned of the requirement to carry Busch apparel and decals at BASS events last fall.
   
He refused to comply with the requirement, and so forfeited points needed to qualify for the BASS Master’s Classic tournament and the Angler of the Year Prize.
Results of his stand
   
He is eligible for money winnings at each event in which he fishes but cannot accumulate BASS points for honors or requalification for the 2004 tour.
   
If he competes in 2004, he must qualify through other means, he said.
   
Those consequences apply to fishing pros Paul Hanley of Georgia and Mark Rose of Arkansas who are both holding out on displaying Busch’s logo.
   
BASS spokesman Christopher Murray said Busch and BASS, along with parent company ESPN, agreed to an undisclosed multiyear deal for sponsorship of the Angler of the Year program.
   
Hanley, who is still competing in BASS events, said that deal might send some anglers to exclusively fish the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, the other major bass-fishing circuit.
   
Taking that route is a fourth fishing pro, Lendell Martin. He is currently trying to earn qualification in the circuit. He said Wal-Mart FLW has no alcohol or tobacco sponsors.
   
“[BASS] changed the rules on us in midstream,” Martin said. “I laid awake several nights trying to decide what to do. I’m living for the Lord, not for BASS.”
   
Martin said it is hypocritical of BASS, which tells kids to “get hooked on fishing, not drugs,” to promote alcohol.
   
Murray, BASS spokesman,said four other BASS competitors have opted out of the Angler of the Year program for apparent business reasons. (BP)