James Watson’s MLF Suspension Should Disturb Everyone In The Fishing Community..,

[@horbie5039]

When the guy with the power over the organization is also a competitor, that's a problem.

[@mikelembke5121]

Boyd didn't qualify to fish MLF but since he owns MLF he broke his own rules

[@secretbassrigs]

there's definitely some oligarchy attributes about Boyd's attitude and actions. his personal feelings, overreacting so publicly in such a petty way, only gave more credit to James. what kind of fool tries to do damage control by reminding everyone what a out of touch fool he is? Particular ty[es of wealthy people often can't help showing how undeserving they ultimately are.

[@andylewis7982]

When the fox guards the hen house.

[@kongmoua1761]

A little “conflict of interests” don’t ya think!!

[@johnkommer2842]

@secretbassrigs well,he was prob raised with his father having more money,than a good showdog can jump over,and they didn't teach him how to play with others as they say.

[@tommyhoward5782]

Ray Scott wouldn't put up with any of the crap going on today

[@BartWeddle]

I think about Ray Scott everyday. He would be furious!

[@thock30]

Yes, and Ray Scott most likely would have suspended James Watson for life.

[@FrankSancimino-pp9nr]

Ask Ike....it was good old boy tourney No better just silence I lived it

[@bmannichols4157]

@@thock30 James Watson would not have had to Stand up to Ray Scott because Ray Scott would not let Anglers break Rules.

[@thock30]

@bmannichols4157 I am not aware of any issues that may or may not be happening with other anglers. Things should for sure be consistent across the board. My comments are more about how this specific incident was handled. Take care.

[@bobbytucker6132]

Two boats blow through a no wake zone and crash and they do little to nothing to them! MLF is a joke! Then Boyd Duckett puts Watson out for a year, Boyd cuts 30 pros out of the 2025 season and Watson voiced his opinion and hurt Boyd’s ego!

[@jax9224]

That crash could have been so much worse and they could have killed people but like you said nothing to much happened but this guy is using a protected constitutional activity and gets banned for a season and a half for FREE SPEECH!!!!!! This should really piss all Americans off even the ones that have nothing to do with fishing

[@phillamoore157]

Well said, I just brought that exact same point up in a recent video. This sport is completely out of control, and has reached the point of not being even remotely about fishing.

[@5150Fishing]

MLF suspended them for a year

[@kenbrown5449]

@@5150Fishing Only the rest of this year. Not next year also. Probably should have been kicked out for good. (Not a knock on your comment, just filling in some info)

[@chasekasper]

@@kenbrown5449not true . MLF website says he is banned until December 2025.

[@DavidSmith-fm9qr]

Boyd is the kid that brings the football to the playground and when he gets tackled to hard he gets mad and takes his football home!

[@stevenyoung8038]

Absolutely

[@ElitexxChicken]

I feel for James man.. He just built his new house by us. Crazy. I hope for the best for him. He's helped me out a lot. Didn't deserve that crap. F MLF

[@DAY5-l2f]

Cage fight...Duckett vs Watson...way more exciting than watching a ffs tourney!

[@chaddrumm6809]

Simple solution! At this point it sounds petty without MLF transparency. So, simply boycott Duckett fishing! Not hard to make Duckett fishing the Bud Light of the fishing community! 👍🏻

[@floridasaltlife]

100%

[@keithtimmons378]

I think tournament fishing not only has outlived its usefulness but has become a bad joke that paints bass fishing in a negative light.

[@jordangourley3955]

This is what happens when city folk get involved in rural folk activities. They go to shit.

[@randymiller5008]

Agree 💯👍

[@jsting100]

The problem is professional bass fishing has always been an anomaly in how you define it. Is it really a professional "sport"? It's certainly not like any other professional sport because the players have to pay to play and most never get back what they put in. Is it a legitimate "business"? It's certainly not in a traditional sense because the business is subsidized by the players. What it really is an exploitive ruse to take advantage of a desperate class of fishermen who I think enjoy being screwed over and over again. I never really thought about it like that before but how sad for most of these poor fools. Lets be honest Randy is no longer making a living on tournament winnings and has had to (successively I might add) monetize his image and knowledge and righteous anger in order to make it. He is the exception not the rule. Few anglers score lucrative advertisements and some are able to scrape out a modest living through social media but they are still putting most of that back into the entry fees and operating cost. Good grief why would anyone in their right mind continue to feed this scam?

[@horbie5039]

The problem with this channel is a lot of Randy's subscribers are anti tournament guys.

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

@@horbie5039I am anti tournament, but I really enjoyed tournaments when Ray Scott ran it all.

[@basswingnut]

I for one, appreciate the years of experience, wisdom, and knowledge, that you choose to share with those of us hoping to learn from a pro. Thank you Randy!

[@secretbassrigs]

THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF US.

[@rickyledford9486]

No since in suspending someone when you have a personal difference. Boyd has no business running the organization and fishing too. Boyd needs to be brought down a notch.#FBD.

[@sliderman6899]

It is a shame what has happened to a once great sport. Now it is nothing but a nuisance. If you are a weekend angler you can't get near a boat ramp the tournaments take over the ramps and the parking areas. Shut all down I say!!!

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

No for profit organization should be able to profit from publicly owned waterways. Period. They should have to build their own lakes to fish tournaments on.

[@kenbragg120]

I fish tournaments but I have said for years that there should be limits on the amount. Every weekend on both days is just not good for the fishery and does really impact non tournament anglers .

[@paulmerritt7540]

Too much tourney me first, money money money, greedy quarreling, and even cheating going on. Seen from the outside I’d ban them the heck out of public waterways. The come flying past without regard for the safety of those who don’t know they must turn their boat into those big waves caused by the speed happy tournament fishermen….bad public perception!!!

[@marlowe61]

Amen, I agree with you 100 %

[@richthompson3326]

I think the final straw was Watson's #FBD hats and apparel he sold at the Classic and now online. Boyd got butt hurt and suspended Watson over this and his opinions. Bad move by MLF.

[@daveysketter9186]

Boyd probably was upset that he didn't get a cut from the sales of the #FBD stuff!

[@secretbassrigs]

@@daveysketter9186 lol!

[@kenbragg120]

To me in a civil court of law Boyd would have to prove that FBD stood for something other than Fishing Boat Docks or James would be able to sue Boyd for defamation of character and loss of income making James a very rich man . If the other anglers wore WWJD hats (World Wide James Defender) hats and shirts Boyd would have a brain fart trying disprove that it stood for anything other than the traditional meaning .

[@secretbassrigs]

@@kenbragg120 the best part is that Watson is a free man, and nobody owns Watson but Watson when it comes to his influence in the profession. He's very likely been preparing for the situation, and knows he's gained more than BD could ever take away from him by his own actions.

[@mattwolf9188]

Watson signed a contract with MLF. Boyd Duckett is not MLF. He is just another angler. Yes, I know he is the president, but in a courtroom, he would have to separate himself. FBD is in no way a slam on MLF.

[@kenbragg120]

From everything I have watched and read Anglers who left BASS were promised a lot of things that never developed, Anglers have no input into anything .Boyd Duckett has lost the respect from most Anglers and fans . Duckett may have been a very successful business man in the past but he is destroying what could have been a very successful tournament organization .

[@TomKirkman1]

Duckett has also pushed the idea that he is the one that introduced "micro guide" rods to the American bass fishing public. He didn't. Not even close. North Carolina's Steve Gardner did that and his articles were published years before Duckett ever saw a micro guide rod.

[@secretbassrigs]

@@TomKirkman1 wow! taking credit for other peoples work. no wonder both tournament trails are losing their market share. they've become liars and thieves and lsquandered away the respect that they inherited.

[@ryanmccandless7528]

He must have been taking my wiping advice

[@jimmurphy834]

A guy on the westcoast was using micro guides to make his rods 40 years ago. They were called Revolver Rods. I still have one.

[@guyfoscone3193]

Boyd has been after James since 2016. James was the next angler waiting for a polygraph during an open. It was taking longer than usual and James was told the angler had 2 inconclusive answers. So while technically not failing the angler did not pass the test. James was the next angler in and thought he would advance. He only spoke to an to MLF org. employee about this. He eventually got a call from Boyd ranting about how James was going to ruin this "kid". He then informed him he was getting fined $4000 for breaking the confidentiality clause!!! So trouble has been brewing for some time. Why the other anglers don't speak up is crazy. 3 guys came up with MLF but only 1 is still there. Look how he lured these guys away from BASS and FLW with no entry fees. Now since then that went away and the format changes are ridiculous. I guess ole Boyd needed to stuff his pockets some more. And if you want to know who the angler was that couldn't pass the lie detector, just look at the top of the money standings. Boyd probably gets a cut of his winnings. Just go watch all the podcasts he's been on. FBD

[@kenbrown5449]

We know who you are talking about re: the poly angler, but I personally have only seen Class from him online and on screen. Unless a lot has gone on behind the scenes, in which case ALL the anglers should speak up and out. BD is obviously only concerned for himself... money and a spot to fish in. #FBD

[@phildegraves9024]

@@kenbrown5449that would be one jacob wheeler, boyds adopted kid

[@mikeearhart55]

Conflict of interest? Whose name is on Wheeler’s rods & reels….

[@quenlanier5248]

It's not just that. He let's Sprague snag spawners. No tournament fisherman I have ever seen takes the hook out over the water unless he doesn't want you to see how/where it is hooked. And Sprague is not the only one

[@bigbore4498]

@@kenbrown5449That may have been all you have seen. But that’s not him. You have to understand that he is marketing himself a certain way when the cameras are on. All that thanking God lips service he pays when the cameras are on him is fake. I’ve seen it first hand. I could give you a list of fakes and questionable ethics guys a mile long. And I could give you a list of some great guys I have had the pleasure of interacting with. Like Andy Morgan. Those in the business know the truth.

[@davidfuller4984]

Boyd has a beef with James. MLF should take a look internally with Ducket This is James career that Boyd is going after

[@alexniapas9243]

Boyd needs to swallow his pride and let someone else run mlf, if he wants it to see it succeed.

[@clay7514]

Agreed 💯 percent randy. He has a right to speak his mind about things he doesn’t deem to be fair. MLF shame on yall

[@5150Fishing]

He’s only giving you cherry picked information so everyone agrees with him. Do a quick search and you’ll see that Randy handpicked the information he presented

[@clay7514]

@@5150Fishing I haven’t really looked into it deep yet to be honest

[@secretbassrigs]

@@clay7514 your original instincts are correct on this matter. don't let someone that goes by the name "5150Fisting" make you doubt them. being a fisherman is all about faith! faith in yourself and faith in gods country.

[@mikeharris130]

James was suspended from all MLF events until the end of 2025, so basically 2 years. He also has been pretty vocal about anglers cheating, failing polygraphs, and not being punished adequately. Cutting the field has been a big sore spot as well. The straw that broke the camel's back was his FBD (fishing boat docks) that he colored exactly the same colors as the Duckett fishing logo. Obviously a play on FJB. Unfortunately James is the only one that will stand up to Boyd. Bryan Thrift on Let's Talk Fish this week said he better keep his opinions to himself. With all that said, Boyd Duckett is his own worst enemy. He has no credibility left. I feel badly for all the BPT pros, especially Andy Morgan and Bryan Thrift, my two favs. If the true money guys behind the BPT were serous about keeping it going, they should buy Boyd out, fire him, and bring in someone who can fix the place. It's sinking fast at the moment.

[@RhinoJoeOutdoors]

It is a slippery slope. Just like you said about voicing your opinion on FFS. That shouldn’t be grounds for Lowrance, Garmin, etc to influence the tournament organization to ban you.

[@Dr.Ballsonya]

What’s sad is your enemy fisherman bring toxicity to a sport that is meant to be a peaceful pastime and for some a way of life. I was big into bass fishing in my teens and 20s and got out of it in my 30s. I’ve literally in the last two weeks checked back into the bass fishing community after spending my time just fishing for whatever, and I see it’s only gotten worse and even more toxic. Sad

[@Resistculturaldecline]

I also. Bass fished passionately from 7 yrs old until about 30 yrs old, the son of a regular bass fisherman. The sport began to become something that I didn't identify with anymore, and that gap has only widened since then. I'm not far away from 50 yrs old now, and don't even really identify as a bass fisherman anymore. I mostly just panfish now.

[@Dr.Ballsonya]

@@Resistculturaldecline yup panfish, catfish and anything with teeth for me these days. When I catch a bass it’s a bonus. The whole industry has become more like the WWF and less about a family fun sport. Idk, saddens me a lot as I have two small children.

[@Resistculturaldecline]

@@Dr.Ballsonya Precisely

[@secretbassrigs]

it definitely has changed for the worse ever since random corporate conglomerates started treating a lifestyle like a soulless commodity. And a few YT hot heads that have known nothing but table scraps from their masters, only ended up embarrassing us all by masquerading as our representatives and becoming victims to their very own narcissistic delusions of grandeur,.fueled by anonymous simps. It only took a few undeserving immature personalities and a few years of poking at social media technology to stoke the flames burning down the great establishmentrs they never truly deserved to inherit.

[@TomKirkman1]

Given the new commercial fishing technology like FFS and LS, plus the pressure on the water these days, it might be better to move tournament fishing to an arcade game of sorts. With AI it could be done and the lakes and waterways left to the sportfishermen.

[@secretbassrigs]

💯

[@timmyreakajr.2144]

It is almost a 2 year suspension, till 2026. Almost killing another angler by blowing through a no wake zone due to ego when they bragged about breaking the law, they get dqed for 1 year

[@Tedthib]

Randy we finally agree!!! Censoring your customer base is bad business!... I'll let this sit here for the irony to saturate...

[@joshjohnson3352]

This has to be your first video of yours that I 100 percent agree with.

[@ronrzadzki9460]

I have tried to find out what Watson did but it's been a national secret. If I ran a circuit and had to suspend someone and I felt that I was 100% correct for my actions you can make sure that I would explain exactly why I did it. By not doing that it absolutely looks like Duckett is keeping something from us. Not a big fan of his anyway.

[@jamesham5623]

I’ve never met Boyd Duckett but like Randy said I haven’t seen many people have good things to say about him.

[@reginaldbell6465]

Iam from Demopolis👀👀👀

[@christopher9076]

Guarantee, If I went to the classic and sold #FRB apparel this comment section would be way different.

[@timviering9559]

What a shame. I don't think they understand that sponsorship will not want to deal with MLF or any other series that makes decisions like this. James, keep speaking your mind, brother.

[@rickyledford9486]

On BTL, They interviewed Jacob Wheler and he said that no Angler's new this had happened until it was announced.

[@LarryMcConnell-i8k]

I think all fishermen from MLF and Bass should form a union so that they will have a voice in what goes on with there circuit. Don't think that it can not be done, look at the UAW, the UAW negotiates for both Ford and General Motors. This will put tyrants like Boyd Duckett in there place. There is power in numbers and what a show of power it would be if all pro fishermen stood together. Think of the possibilities, health insurance, 401k, endless!!! Larry Mc from Alabama

[@MrCoffeekelly]

lmao

[@Irishmule169]

No way it’ll happen. Too many suckasses that will vote against it.

[@brentcarr8365]

I agree!!

[@MrCoffeekelly]

@@brentcarr8365 that's because you're not very smart...at all.

[@shadygraves]

Larry Mac, you still alive, old man?!?!

[@abc-yv2js]

I rode along up to 7:49 and decided that if you dont want to tell us what he said by now, the heck with listening to this.

[@bigc8018]

Agreed. Duckett is having trouble cashing checks. No mystery there. However, if you're calling people out, then don't do it half ass.

[@abc-yv2js]

?@@bigc8018

[@5150Fishing]

He has to know more of the backstory. Everyone does. He just chose to omit it. Giving people half the information so they agree with him!!!

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Basically James called out Boyd Duckett over his bullshit and Boyd got him suspended. The Hashtag #FBD is exactly what it means lol aka #Fishing Boat Docks lol

[@Irishmule169]

Think it means “Fk Boyd Duckett” 🤫🤫🤫🤫

[@jeb4836]

Well done Randy excellent, very clear points made that makes all of us think.

[@Tedthib]

Especially the part about censoring your customer base is a bad idea. Free speech is essential to Randy... Mostly

[@stonehorn4641]

Im done with mlf/flw unless they fix this. And I fish flw events

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

No organization should be able to make money off of publicly owned water.

[@kenbragg120]

Corp of engineers does have a regulation prohibiting for profit tournaments but it’s never been enforced to my knowledge

[@tennesseetharp8473]

Heck yeah that includes marinas too

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

@@tennesseetharp8473 I wholeheartedly agree with you. Some of the marinas try to block anglers from fishing around the boat docks.

[@scottankers6690]

That's a difficult proposition. Should the NFL make money from publicity funded stadiums?

[@bobbyrobbins9816]

@@scottankers6690 No they should not.

[@ordinaryangler4153]

I think that all professional bass Anglers should form a union. To form a group to protect themselves from these type situations!

[@MrCoffeekelly]

lmfao

[@ordinaryangler4153]

@@MrCoffeekelly Why? Mike Ikeonelli was talking about it. It's been discussed.

[@MrCoffeekelly]

@@ordinaryangler4153 lmao

[@brentcarr8365]

It would be nice

[@treehunter1]

Absolutely and what would people like Boyd do about it? Embrace ffs to try to get a whole roster of rookies that can only fish using sonar? I doubt that’d work out well for them. Union does make a lot of sense

[@MSL-dv6nx]

This is the same reason these guys won't speak out against FFS. They'll be punished for not subscribing to group think. Either get in line and do as you're told or be cancelled. It's shameful.

[@Irishmule169]

Gutless is what it is !!! Suckass employees ruin every job !!!

[@FishingClearWaters]

At this point does anyone respect the major tournament organizations? Heres another reason why

[@Ron-w8m]

Should do like old days. Put the gloves on bang it out. Shake hands and back to work. Miss the old days. Gloves will humble most men

[@5150Fishing]

Do any of you realize what Worldwide was doing!!!? It was quite a bit more than just speaking his mind😂😂😂 he doesn’t give a crap about being suspended. He all but dared Duckett to do it!! And Duckett took the bait!😂😂😂😂😂

[@secretbassrigs]

great point!

[@Tedthib]

100%

[@MikesBassFishing]

The backstory is 8 years running. If you think BD is a stand up guy, you're sadly mistaken. He is a horrible human.

[@5150Fishing]

@@MikesBassFishing I agree with you 👍

[@chriswhite7677]

I'm not defending BD but these replies are crazy. IDC if u work for McDonald's if u stay on social media and even use the logo to say FMcD I bet u get fired. U can only push the bottom so many times till there's retaliation.

[@jeb4836]

Nice jacket. Those pantagonias are seriously warm and comfortable and light. Good video.

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Man they are that’s the best jacket I’ve ever had. I got it for Christmas a couple years ago and I love it.

[@jeb4836]

@@randyblaukatintuitive they are big into skiing apparel. Huge . Maybe h and Watson can rep them in fishing industry.

[@1304GT]

This is another nail in the MLF/BPT coffin. I hope I am wrong...

[@chrisballenger4519]

The old FLW and old Bassmaster needs to be brought back! They are killing their fan base at the speed of light. Most people hate watching "PROFESSIONAL ANGLERS" be proud that they caught 50 1# fish and think they are doing something! SAD

[@brianandrews4716]

By the published rules of the BPT tour, I’m assuming the suspension was for rule 7 sub A. It’s pretty clear that it has to be reported to the tournament director, and the findings of the report would be ruled on by the MLF tournament director, and a infraction committee made from the following - MLF EVP and GM and MLF VPO.

[@tonyprimm3539]

I LOVE bass fishing. I’ve fished local tournaments occasionally. There is nothing I would rather do than go bass fishing. I have never really followed professional bass fishing until this year and I’m already sick of it. To much drama and whiney babies. I think ALL professional bass fishing tournaments should be abolished. Same reason I stopped following NASCAR years ago. More drama than racing. Pro bass fishing has got just as bad if not worse. I’m out

[@mrvalentine21459]

I wanted to be a professional Bass fisherman when I was younger,but unfortunately God had other plans for me and now at the age of 65,Bass fishing is a hobby for me, not at any professional level. Good video and channel love your show keep up the great honesty of Bass fishing 🎣

[@MrTeamzud]

If it would have been KVD or Wheeler this would not have been an issue. Just saying.

[@danhaire9567]

Saw a podcast with Watson shortly after MLF announced the reduced field for 2025. Said he probably wouldn't be in the top 35. If that was the case he wouldn't be fishing in 2025 anyway. I back him for his stand. Boyd has too much control in MLF to also be a competitor. No way should he be in leadership, participate or sponsor anglers....seems like a huge conflict of interest.

[@mikelembke5121]

MLF gave the 2 boats that hit each other going on plain in a no wake zone less of a punishment,James told the truth and Boyd doesn't like James

[@mr.skeptical3071]

Fishing tourneys is a complete waste of money! Invest your money and you will make way more than you ever will "gambling!"

[@joedavis1735]

The pros should boycott MLF

[@pitcher-od4iw]

Boyd Duckett lives by the old adage "Remember the Golden Rule: The guy with the gold makes the rules."

[@ChrisMcClellan-yg8hq]

Professional angling should move to the gaming circuit not bass fishing circuit. They wouldn’t have to leave there house.

[@paulharris867]

JWW is an incredible representative for the sport of fishing. Met him and his mother back while fishing the Heartland trail. Too much power and politics amongst all the pro circuits these days. Need to be forward thinking of the fan base, opposed to blemishing their circuit. Need to encourage the youth to pursue and achieve their goals, and be true to themselves. Always thought the MLF was the good o'l boy club.

[@donaldmartin4980]

Glad I got out of that insanity decades ago ..

[@frankalvarado9594]

This isn't going on only in the professional bass fishing world. We are being silenced as a whole nation. Do as your told, pay your taxes, and shut up.

[@kirksmith5955]

Randy, Love your work and videos, watch them weekly. Here is a suggestion that could have a solution. Invite Boyd Duckett to join you in your studio for a Q&A session to explain the issue. Do not agree to a zoom or remote interview. Let’s see what type of a man he is, and give him the opportunity to fix whatever problem exist between MLF and James Watson.

[@JotownJack]

I would like your take on the Bryan New/Andrew Upshaw controversy

[@mikeharris130]

Bryan was wrong, Andrew was right, End of story.

[@Tedthib]

​@@mikeharris130I was literally typing the same exact comment... What he said 💯

[@JotownJack]

​@@mikeharris130I agree 💯

[@brianprice7645]

Problem with MLF is one person has to much power, and when that 1 person is a A hole nothing good comes out of it

[@SKEG-BOOTCOM]

Hey Randy what do you think of the T.A.A tournament w/o any ffs and 360 sonar no prefishing and no waypoints

[@brianabercrombie6999]

It’s still a “ live” score tournament….. they all catching them on beds…. lol

[@Tedthib]

Randy loves it! It's just unfortunate that a spotlighter won the event and several scopers in the top 10. The going wisdom was that they couldn't catch them without FFS. We're waiting for Randy to let us know our next direction so we can organize against FFS again

[@seanroustio372]

What's a spotlighter? ​@@Tedthib

[@chickenmessiah]

I’ve long thought that a reality show two vs two would be more entertaining than the current tournaments. There could be one pro and one amateur per team, with occasional celebrity competitors. Randy, you’d be a great director/host. You only have to pay me a handful of jigs for royalties!

[@frankgilroy3189]

I can’t wait to see DC and Wheeler fishing the Opens to get into BASS!!

[@rayvanacore4889]

DC yes, Wheeler no way. egotistical AH

[@jasonperry5456]

Probably won't see that unless BPT shuts down. They are the poster boys for BPT......not that that's a bad thing for them...they have earned it. But would like to see them back at BASS myself

[@jtedwards4993]

Wheeler is Boyd's poster child.

[@shadygraves]

DC already won a BASS Open on the Alabama River.

[@davidharris4030]

Now by saying this Randy you are winning me back somewhat by knowing you feel this way.

[@countryboyoutdoors7963]

I think both sides could have handled this better. Watson, instead of expressing his opinion publicly could have gone to MLF (not just BD, but the organization as a whole) privately and expressed his concerns and why it's a concern. After all, he did sign an agreement that somewhat restricts his 1A rights. If he didn't want that, he shouldn't have agreed to it. On the other hand, MLF, as Randy says, could be way more transparent. Perhaps they could have laid out their perception of what Watson was saying, agree to listen to him and others that might feel the same way, and make MLF better for having listened.

[@kcman8236]

Thank you for what you do, Ken in Harrison arkansas

[@Michael26431]

Did Watson sign the contract? Then we are done here. If he disagreed with the contract, don’t sign.

[@jordangourley3955]

Yeah who needs personal responsibility.

[@chrisbarker9771]

Contracts don’t override the constitution

[@aaronitchkawich3565]

@@chrisbarker9771luckily MLF is not the government and can make any rules they want. 1st Amendment does not apply

[@Michael26431]

@@chrisbarker9771 They do when you put your “John Hancock” on them. May want to educate yourself.

[@dannogrovesii7766]

Fisherman’s union? Force them to be transparent! All major sports have a players union,probably because of what you’re speaking about Randy!!

[@Tedthib]

No

[@Bezzell_Rocket]

Curtailment of speech seems to be in upward trend in every organization/corporation with a power structure.

[@secretbassrigs]

BINGO! EVER SINCE BILL CLINTON!

[@scottyingle1438]

Randy, have you seen Andrew Upshaws video about MLF. Great stuff

[@ronniemitchell9221]

Don’t know nothing about what he did, but I sure hope he didn’t hurt anybody’s feelings. Lol everybody’s so sensitive and soft these days. And I sure don’t want him to hurt anybody’s feelings.

[@rockyj2008]

MAMBY PAMBES

[@chuckgrahamsr5662]

I guess once you sign on with MLF , you lose your First Ammendment rights . James Watson is one of my favorites ,love to watch him fish

[@scottclark2448]

It is not a 1st Amendment violation.

[@chuckgrahamsr5662]

@@scottclark2448 how sad for you

[@MichaelScottFishing]

#FBD, Boyd is a do as I say not as I do person, boyd has not qualified for the pro tour in almost 4 years but yet still gets to fish while they fire everyone else..Just because you own the dallas cowboys does not mean you can be quarterback every game...

[@johndoran7331]

I think your point on, on this one Randy.

[@dwightpierce1891]

I enjoy your views and thoughts!

[@StevenCaldwell-y5v]

Being independently wealthy affords him the ability to speak his mind. That’s the way life works and unfortunately the reality we live with. Kudos to Watson. MLF needs to work on their transparency.

[@BIGMATTYMAN]

How much different is pro bass fishing now that ray Scott is gone?

[@FL-PHILLIP]

Totally agree 💯 #FBD

[@lightning2849]

MLF should be slammed ! Stand up for James. Thanks Randy !

[@5150Fishing]

He’s only giving you cherry picked information so everyone agrees with him. Do a quick search and you’ll see that Randy handpicked the information he presented

[@brianbelcher9567]

MLF will be out of business in five years, hopefully someone will come in and buy it and bring FLW back. Watson got screwed. #FBD

[@humminbird_tips_and_tricks]

Unfortunately, and apparently, the fan's opinions don't matter to the MLF.

[@lastboomer.]

You made some salient points, but in any dispute, when the two parties refuse to talk in a mature manner, trouble is brewing. I will say that I believe that generally, if there IS some lack of transparency by one party, that party either knows they are wrong or they are the initiators of the juvenile atmosphere. I don't know enough about this case to accuse either side of "starting something", but it is just sad that they couldn't talk through their issues. Hope it doesn't get legal. Fishing has enough problems already.

[@jamesknotts8029]

I am an avid bass fisherman grew up doing it but I do not watch MLF or BASS I think it's a joke just like NFL.

[@shadygraves]

I wanna be like you when I grow up

[@blindbasser]

Isn't there a rule about not making disparaging remarks about the tournament organization ?

[@5150Fishing]

Ahhh. But were the remarks about the organization? Or about an individual. The two are not synonymous. Duckett may have walked into a trap. Worldwide might sue him personally and not MLF.

[@Tedthib]

Don't be using all that common sense here! No! Boyd is the devil! 😂

[@genecollins4912]

Thanks for your input

[@davidgarner2170]

I have to agree with you about no explanation, I really don't watch him unless the TV camera shows him as I do others but MLF did not say why, there are stories why but that is 2nd hand , if it was the hats then I don't blame them if he was that unhappy go back to BASS

[@tonygreen4356]

It went exactly how James wanted….

[@Catfish_Ketcher]

Sounds like it’s modeled after NASCAR. Iron handed.

[@toddg.2638]

In the corporate world, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Yes, common sense would say the suspension was wrong, but sometimes you can think that you're doing everything right and it still rains on your parade.

[@Fishing_with_Bas]

I think ur right ... for a tournament organization an athlete who pays 5k every time he competes should be not treated like that

[@Brandon-qy4rs]

Im all about fishing boat docks. #FBD

[@marksmith4539]

This is James Watson's last years of Tournament fishing. He doesn't give a crap about anything.

[@HuntersWheelhouse]

Well said!!

[@ronsaunders4491]

This is what Bass fishing has come to

[@aarons6931]

No one should be banned from any circuit ubless there is cheating, othat than that i think it is discrimination and im sure of james sued mlf he would be owning the circuit

[@rogerglasco5941]

This issue is bad for MLF. Randy, this reminds me of my job as a State Police officer. I put a bad guy in jail and he is out on the streets before my paperwork on the arrest was complete. I had judges that I liked and others I couldn't understand their reading of the law. I don't follow the two people in this issue but I agree it is not good for the sport. I am glad I am not a pro fisherman. $5000.00 is a lot of money to get in a tournament. Like you said, he is a customer. Something is wrong here. Liston, I charged a guy for killing a 5 year girl. I asked months later why the charge was dropped. The judge said I took this case too personnel. That I was too "shallow" in my thinking. What the hell was I suppose to tell the family. My supervisor at the time said I did my job right not to worry about the court system. I could go on and on but this situation could have been handles with a gentleman type conversation between the two guys and resolved.

[@thock30]

Randy, yes, they are customers that agreed to terms and conditions and codes of conduct. They are all free to boycot MLF or compete elsewhere. I often wonder why they don't band together and leverage to start a new tournament trail. To think that you can spread FBD without consequences is crazy. Just because someone is a customer, does not mean that there are no rules to follow. If you break the rules, you can lose the privilege of use.

[@MikeSchmidt-qr1gb]

Sounds like the MLF is ran very poorly!! Looks like BASS will have some more fisherman soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@georgebeard6886]

MLF has just gotten unsubscribed. Not a problem there’s a lot more fishing to watch

[@zacheryboggs9700]

Randy …JWW was doing more than voicing his opinion. I’m a huge JW fan but as a buisness person I see the other side of it as well. You can’t call you’re Boss out in public the way he was and not expect a retaliation. JW was poking the bear, and in my opinion got what he deserved. Wear a F Megabass shirt and see what happens. What would Ray Scott do if you had started saling FRS shirts?

[@secretbassrigs]

well, James has been in the biz and around the block to know it was heading in this direction. He without a doubt had little concern for what BD could do without making things worse for BD. The Boss Man needs his simps like the emperor that wore no clothes. Watson definitely got the last laugh, and there's nothing holding back his laughter now! IT'S GONNA BE GOOD!

[@shanekitchens7089]

He was fined $60k for his comments on Luke Dunkins podcast. This ban came in retaliation to his hats and comments at the Classic. Boyd's cronies informed him of comments that were overheard in face to face conversations with people at the classic booths. Not public broadcast, just person to person conversations.

[@davelivengood1306]

Harsh suspension, better option wouldve been to just quietly ignore James, no cameras in his boat, no media writeups, etc. Instead, Boyd got lured into a mess he cant get out of very easily.

[@Glock-1]

MLF is on its way to disbanding, it has been on a downward spiral for the last couple years!