B.A.S.S. actually put him on the "ones to watch for 2012" list. He's definitely one we need to be watching in 2012, just not for the reasons they mentioned.

http://www.bassmaster.com/slideshow/12-watch-2012

They must have money invested in this guy or something...

Anyway, just that he made the "watch list" is priceless.

That is all.

Yeah I read that the other day. I love their comments that "if he can stay above the fray and avoid controversy in 2012, he'll go a long way to rebuilding his reputation".

Ha! No freakin' way. His reputation is mud, and that isn't changing. He tried to cheat and got caught. Same as cheating. The Elites will not be kind to him.

What did he do lol I dont remember

He offered to buy his co-angler's fish if I remember correctly. Tried to play it off like he was only joking when he made the offer repeatedly throughout the day.

Nor the fans. Nothing he can do in my eyes to redeem himself. I know my opinion doesn't matter but that name doesn't carry anything but shame to me.

Mine either, Mike.

Maby you will see him at lewisville and one of our lucky members will be in the boat with him. Then What

I think if I were a co and drew Wellman, I'd withdraw from the tourney. No way I could spend a day in the boat with the man. Maybe B.A.S.S. will put their own personal observer in the boat with him, rather than saddle a co-angler with that responsibility.

How would that look though fouz? I can't help but think after letting him continue to fish after a blatant violation of the rules,if BASS put their own guy in the boat with him(in essence giving him more special treatment) it wouldn't stir up controversy on just what the real deal was between him and BASS. I'm not saying there's some sort of conspiracy but it definately would raise some eyebrows.

maybe he is on the "watch" list so they can watch him closer lol

So really. . .why does BASS seem to be behind him? I just really don't get it. Pity maybe? Crony-ism? Misguided forgiveness?

Doesn't make sense.

BASS has made a couple "interesting" decisions lately. From the elite level down to the Texas federation level.

I dunno, Mike. But were I a co, I can assure you I'd withdraw. Not fair to any co to have to fish with that guy. Joe Stois did the right thing by turning Wellman in, and got blasted by a lot of people for it (that part I still don't understand). But let's say you're his co and you both catch the heck out of them. Do you think the co's reputation would then come under scrutiny because he did well fishing with a known cheater? No win situation for B.A.S.S. and their co-anglers.

If in doubt, go back to the rule of BASS and follow the rules to the letter and disqualify the angler from all events!!!