Author Topic: Jimmy Houston Needs Support (Read 2185 times)

Skipper · « **on:** March 23, 2003, 03:03:13 AM »

BASS has decided that they will not award Jimmy Houston Classic points in tournaments he fishes in because he has chosen not to display the Bush Beer logo on his clothing or equipment. Jimmy Houston is a deacon in an Oklahoma Baptist Church and member of Felloship of Christian Anglers, and says that displaying the logos would not be consistent with his religious beliefs. I have sent the following e-mail to BASS and encourage you to do similar.

Skipper

Quote

I and my father have been BASS members since the early 70's, and I am concerned about the direction BASS is going with certain sponsors on the tournament trail.

Being a tournament fisherman, I understand that someone has to sponsor the tournaments in order for them to be at all. Still, forcing an individual angler to place a patch on his shirt or sticker on his boat for a tournament sponsor is another matter all together. I can understand forcing a competitor to remove a patch or sticker while fishing in your tournaments if they conflict with a tour or tournament sponsor, but forcing the other way is a whole other matter. With 99% of the sponsors in the world, I really can't see either being a problem, BUT. The day you pick up a controversial sponsor such as a beer company, tobacco company, or possibly a religious institution, you should be prepared for those who object to having the sponsor's name appear personally on their clothing or equipment. To penalize them in the sport because of it is inexcusable.

I am disappointed that Jimmy Houston is currently the only angler to stand up for this issue. I assumed others would, and would be curious to hear Ray Scott's opinion of this, as he is in a similar position in his church. Please, don't misunderstand, I'm not against the beer company advertising. If I understand Jimmy's article right, he isn't either. What I am against if forcing anyone to personally endorse a product that they have religious or moral objections to. I don't drink alcohol in any form. I in fact live in a dry territory where it may not be bought legally. While I'm not going to go up to someone in a restaurant and hit them over the head with a bible telling them to quit boozing, at the same time, I won't be handing out samples or asking anyone to use it. IMO, this ranks with BASS's decision to promote boat racing a few years ago

You can mark me down as being in Full Support of Jimmy Houston's stance on having to place advertising on his person or equipment for a sponsor he disagrees with. I urge you to find some way of allowing him to qualify for the Classic and Tour without displaying the offensive logo.

Skip Walden
Corbin, KY

tournament@bassmaster.com

Lawdog · « **Reply #1 on:** March 24, 2003, 09:31:25 AM »

Skipper,

As a Life Member of BASS I must admit to stealing much of your e-mail to send in on behalf of my family and I. Had to make a number of changes to make it fit our profile. Hope you don't mind. I will support Jimmy and you in this endeavor. Lawdog

Skipper · « **Reply #2 on:** March 24, 2003, 12:54:48 PM »

No, I don't mind at all. I think this is a serious mistake on the part of the board members who run our sport, and needs to be brought to their attention. I just wish I could find more willing to take the same stand.

Skipper

TraplineMusher · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2003, 03:01:12 AM »

Jay Yelas is also one angler that is fighting the Busch beer sponsorship for the Angler of the Year title. He wears the patch though but says he won't do commercial for Busch. He is a die hard christian and should be made to promote something he doesn't believe in.....John

spinafish · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2003, 10:11:51 AM »

But I'm sending a letter in my return envelope explaining as a Christian I can not stay a member of an organization that has taken the stance that B.A.S.S. has. I'll miss the magazine..but I have a friend who might loan me his. I'll have to stand in front of my Lord someday and defend my actions here on this earth and the upper crust at B.A.S.S. will have to do the same.Voting with my pocketbook...

jerrl · « **Reply #5 on:** May 12, 2003, 06:47:50 PM »

I fished a lot of Redman Chewing Tobacco tourneys a few years back. I fished some Budweiser Big Bass Tournments. I don't use either product. If Jimmy feels so strongly, he can fish elsewhere. Hey, he knows the rules. I think he is a prima donna looking for attention. No sympathy here. Look for sympathy in the dictionary, you will find it somewhere between sheep and syphillus

spinafish · « **Reply #6 on:** May 14, 2003, 05:19:07 PM »

and some folks actually have convictions!!!!imagine that....

Savage · « **Reply #7 on:** May 15, 2003, 03:39:36 AM »

Actually jerri has a point. Convictions = actions. If convictions are strong enough the feet will follow. Jimmy could try working for a living. I'll fish in his place! I think he gets along quite well with his boat and tackle sales.
Good Fishing,
Savage

Skipper · « **Reply #8 on:** May 19, 2003, 03:49:01 AM »

No offense, but most people just "Think" they want to be a professional fisherman. I'd venture to say it would be one of the Workingest jobs you ever hired yourself into. Being on the road 300 days a year is a tough job in any book.

Skipper

Savage · « **Reply #9 on:** May 19, 2003, 07:00:28 AM »

None taken.
All the more reason to get out if you are at moral odds with the sponsors!
Good Fishing,
Savage

SingleShotShorty · « **Reply #10 on:** September 15, 2003, 06:56:46 AM »

I think poor Jimmy needs and attitude adjustment, he is one of the most self centered pro's I have ever met and is extremely rude.

And I'm from Oklahoma

ira41magfan · « **Reply #11 on:** September 29, 2003, 10:36:33 AM »

I approve of Jimmy's stand against the support of these organizations, I've never met the man but sounds like to me his heart is in the right place.

1911crazy · « **Reply #12 on:** September 30, 2003, 01:41:29 AM »

Not being a pro fishing guy and looking from the outside in if Jimmy was just starting out I'm sure he would be promoting this product for sure!!! Also the comment here about some pro's attitudes I found that the little guys who fish the little tornies the "want a bees" are worse to talk to than the bigger pro's are like their above us all trying to be something their not. It makes all the good guys in the sport look bad and they actually get a bad rap. I haven't heard much about Jimmy but i have heard about Roland Martin being really nasty to people. I don't even watch him fishing on TV he is boring!! And its with any sport not just fishing. I would do better talking to Mike Tyson for sure!!!
BigBill

While i don't drink nor smoke I have nothing against it but i did find it really funny at my first professional football game the game actually starts outside at the tailgates so by the time most are in the stadium their pretty well lite if you get my point now it gets funny most are for the home team if they gain yardage they cheer if they lose yardage they also cheer too!!! And after the game its tailgate party more!!! Now i see how they make their money (beer companies) and how much they are making!!! And it doesn't look like they give too much back either!! Like starting and helping out programs for kids thats were we need to help out!!! We need to do more for the kids!!!

williamlayton · « **Reply #13 on:** October 03, 2003, 02:07:12 AM »

nobody leaves this world without blemish-ie, imperfections-attached to their resume. most are well earned. the purpose of grace is for the believer. do not pull somebody down to make yourself seem as good or better. judge yourself by the savior and you will not have time to judge others-ya will be too hard at bendin your knees-seems when your bendin down it's hard to see around ya-to pay much attention to the other folks around yourownself.
jimmy took a stand--he knew the cost--its seems well worth it to me. trouble is most folks will not take the stand-this has included me at times.
blessings