USBC Declares Motiv Jackal/Jackal Challenge Approval Revoked

[Mike White]

Mike...your points are valid...but I ask you to entertain THIS:

Why was Bill Clinton almost impeached? Why was Martha Stewart sent to prison?

The issue wasn't what they DID...it's that they lied about it.

The congress tried to impeach Clinton because in Washington, it's one party vs the other.

The real issue with the impeachment process is people in congress who called for the impeachment where just as guilty of the same "crime" as Clinton.

As for Martha Stewart, she was sent to prison due to insider trading.

If she hadn't done that crime they wouldn't have been asking her the kind of questions she decided to lie about.

So she committed 2 crimes, but was only convicted of one.

Was Al Capone's only crime tax evasion?

Thats all he went to prison for.

[Amyers]

So again...what you're saying....is it is perfectly legal and acceptable to a player to cheat...so long as technically the USBC doesn't find out until afterwards?

Your logic is;
- Company cheated (per USBC specifications)
- Player knowingly used companies products.
- Company exposed.
- Player claims it was fine because the company wasn't exposed before he used the products.

Imagine it isn't bowling. Because, apparently cheating in bowling is okay. Imagine it's...baseball.

Louisville Slugger makes a bat. They submit it to the MLB for approval and it's tested and approved. Lousiville slugger then drills out the middle and puts in lead weights. They ship it to Barry Bonds and tell him to use this bat, it contains lead weights and will make it hit the ball farther. Barry knows that is not legal. Lousiville Slugger says not to worry about it, baseball never checks.

Barry uses said bat and hits 6HRs in one game, clinching a playoff berth for the Giants. After the game, the other team asks the bat approval lab to test his bat...they test it...find out it contains lead weights. The testing lab delists it as "approved". Lousiville Slugger simply states they will recall all of those bats that have lead weights in them and replace them with solid wood bats.

Do you think the MLB would simply release a statement saying, "Yeah...it sucks for the Dodgers fans...but technically the testing lab said the bat was approved...all be it without the weights added....and Louisville Slugger is a good organization and so are the Giants."?? The HRs count, the record counts, the Giants make the playoffs, and it's all "OK" because even though the cheating was intentional by both the company and the player...it wasn't discovered until after the fact?

Why is this "OK" in bowling and not in any other major sport?

IF Motiv knew...and Falkner knew...his title should be voided and given to Ciminelli and Cimminelli would have an almost lock-tight civil case to claim the difference between 1st place and 2nd place money.

I still find it curious though....you honestly think that it was okay...even IF...Motiv and Falkner knew?? That's a balsy stance, I must admit. I mean, in criminal court...you are absolutely right. The lawyer for Motiv/Falkner could argue that since the ball was technically legal, even though they knew it probably wasn't, they at worst committed fraud and to prove that "beyond a reasonable doubt" would be difficult without concrete evidence that Motiv informed Falkner the ball was definitely out of spec....illegal, etc... But in CIVIL preceedings...they'd lose automatically...wouldn't even need the expense of a trial. In that case, they defrauded Ryan Ciminelli and the PBA fans by knowingly cheating and violating USBC guidelines that govern equipment specifications. Motiv could be on the hook, in a civil trial, for thousands of dollars owned to other competitors who did not cash but were close to the cash line. They'd owe punitive damages. They'd owe the PBA fans compensatory damages. Pro shops could be entitled to money. Civil cases can get very, very expensive. Ask OJ Simpson....he skirted the double murder charge...but lost in civil court easily and owed more money than he was worth.

Somebody asked what I want. IF Motiv admitted they knew. And IF their athletes admitted they knew. I would hope the PBA would suspend Motiv and fine them. I would say a fair settlement would be a 2-year suspension for Motiv from PBA competition. As far as the fine, I think that could be...maybe 2 million with 1 million going to the PBA and the other million being divided among the competitors in 2014-2016. The PBA could use their million to continue to sponsor events Motiv was supposed to sponsor in 2016-2017.

But see...that's why "whether they knew" is so important. It's the difference between a minor quality control issue that results in an inconvenience to Jackal owners and a slap on the wrist USBC fine...versus...a civil liability case that could cost Motiv twice what they plan to shell out in recall costs. Will it happen? Probably not. Proving that a company knew or that the athletes knew is difficult. It would take a credible whistle-blower. And since the PBA isn't interested in pursuing this, it would take DV8 and Ryan Cimminelli bringing a suit against them...which given the weakness of Brunswick right now....is doubtful.

The diffrence between baseball and bowling is that baseball has specifications for its bats that cover such items as you mentioned. The PBA does not have a specification for undrilled differential. Also in the case of baseball if you get caught with a corked bat they don't replay the games, take the home runs from his official stats, or change the winner and losers from the games he played in. The worst that happens is he gets fined and/or suspended.

Truth is you don't know that Ciminelli's equipment was any more legal than Falkner's was or wasn't because there are no guidelines or testing for this stuff.

You can't fine Motiv for breaking rules that don't exist. Neither can Brunswick sue motiv/Falkner for breaking rules or misrepresenting a rule that doesn't exist.

[Aslan]

Wow.

I have a feeling...Amyers...you may find out you're entirely incorrect. I'm still hopeful the PBA responds to my e-mail. I'm also hopeful that if they don't, and I make a couple calls to Motiv and the USBC that they can clarify things a little better than in their press releases. But if not, and some newspapers get interested in this story...given the potential political implications and it being an election year and all...I have an erie feeling that "intent" is going to play a very key role in this discussion.

I'm still amazed that you, and probably others, think that if an equipment manufacturer purposely intends to break rules...that is just 'part of the game'. I can almost 99.998% guarantee you...that the general public will not agree. Intent in the legal system is a massively important factor. And in the court of public opinion...it is a just as crucial factor. I know others have decided this is a 'dead horse' issue...some because they really want it to be...some because they believe I'm just following in Iceman's footsteps as the resident conspiracy theorist...but I wouldn't close this chapter just yet. There are too many unanswered questions and too many people trying very hard to 'forget'....and that is usually a recipe for scandal.

The question is..."Is bowling, the most popular sport in terms of participation in the United States, important enough that the general public will care?" That I don't know. Obviously, the public could care less about differentials and Motiv....probably only 2% of the population even knows those two things exist. But people tend to care about more general concepts like "cheating" and "scandal" and "cover-ups" and "incompetence" and "fairness". People can relate to those concepts.

I agree with you...if there was no knowledge or intent...this is a non-issue. Fach and Falkner and Tackett used equipment that they believed was approved for use by the USBC and PBA. There is no issue. BUT....if there was intent...if Motiv KNEW...and their athletes KNEW...then I disagree with you completely. If they knew...they acted with 'intent'...another way to say it is, ironically, they had "MOTIVe". That makes if fraud. And given these tournaments were held outside of Michigan, it means it's a federal case because the fraud crossed state lines.

And ALL of this suspicion...because of an omission from Motiv's public statement. Why didn't they say that they were unaware of the problem? Why didn't the PBA investigate? Or did they? An internet guy like me...posting in forums...I probably can't get to the bottom of something like this. All I can do is try to be fair and ask the questions and give the organizations a chance to respond. If they don't, it's going to take "real" investigators and people asking questions that have actual 'status'....newspaper folks, etc... And that's why the visit to the white house may be the "feel good story" that actually ignites the blaze....in a political climate like our's....in the US....where we spend millions to investigate Benghazi and worry about private e-mail servers...where a fairly large % of the country really, really dislike the President who is in office...I just think there's a LOT of conservative news folks that could care less about bowling....or the USBC...or Motiv...or differentials...but they would travel to the ends of the Earth if they thought they could embarrass the administration. It's a "perfect storm"...and Falkner may be a completely innocent victim. But, it's a "tangled web we weave..."

[Amyers]

Wow.

I have a feeling...Amyers...you may find out you're entirely incorrect. I'm still hopeful the PBA responds to my e-mail. I'm also hopeful that if they don't, and I make a couple calls to Motiv and the USBC that they can clarify things a little better than in their press releases. But if not, and some newspapers get interested in this story...given the potential political implications and it being an election year and all...I have an erie feeling that "intent" is going to play a very key role in this discussion.

I'm still amazed that you, and probably others, think that if an equipment manufacturer purposely intends to break rules...that is just 'part of the game'. I can almost 99.998% guarantee you...that the general public will not agree. Intent in the legal system is a massively important factor. And in the court of public opinion...it is a just as crucial factor. I know others have decided this is a 'dead horse' issue...some because they really want it to be...some because they believe I'm just following in Iceman's footsteps as the resident conspiracy theorist...but I wouldn't close this chapter just yet. There are too many unanswered questions and too many people trying very hard to 'forget'....and that is usually a recipe for scandal.

The question is..."Is bowling, the most popular sport in terms of participation in the United States, important enough that the general public will care?" That I don't know. Obviously, the public could care less about differentials and Motiv....probably only 2% of the population even knows those two things exist. But people tend to care about more general concepts like "cheating" and "scandal" and "cover-ups" and "incompetence" and "fairness". People can relate to those concepts.

I agree with you...if there was no knowledge or intent...this is a non-issue. Fach and Falkner and Tackett used equipment that they believed was approved for use by the USBC and PBA. There is no issue. BUT....if there was intent...if Motiv KNEW...and their athletes KNEW...then I disagree with you completely. If they knew...they acted with 'intent'...another way to say it is, ironically, they had "MOTIVe". That makes if fraud. And given these tournaments were held outside of Michigan, it means it's a federal case because the fraud crossed state lines.

And ALL of this suspicion...because of an omission from Motiv's public statement. Why didn't they say that they were unaware of the problem? Why didn't the PBA investigate? Or did they? An internet guy like me...posting in forums...I probably can't get to the bottom of something like this. All I can do is try to be fair and ask the questions and give the organizations a chance to respond. If they don't, it's going to take "real" investigators and people asking questions that have actual 'status'....newspaper folks, etc... And that's why the visit to the white house may be the "feel good story" that actually ignites the blaze....in a political climate like our's....in the US....where we spend millions to investigate Benghazi and worry about private e-mail servers...where a fairly large % of the country really, really dislike the President who is in office...I just think there's a LOT of conservative news folks that could care less about bowling....or the USBC...or Motiv...or differentials...but they would travel to the ends of the Earth if they thought they could embarrass the administration. It's a "perfect storm"...and Falkner may be a completely innocent victim. But, it's a "tangled web we weave..."

I still don't think you get it. On the PBA side their can be no "Intent" as you say because their is no rule. There has to be a rule to have intent of breaking such rule. Now on the USBC side yes their could possibly be legal fallout by not paying for drilling fees if they choose not to but even with this they can fall back on the fact that it's normal industry practice and most likely not enough money to get anybody real interested. That's why they agreed to exchange the balls their was a rule broken there and a now unusable product sold.

This is why their is no "intent", "cheating", "scandal" or anything else going on the PBA side because their simply isn't a rule against it. As I said earlier even right now they could go pull a Raptor Talon out of their bag with the exact same core in it as the Jackal win a tournament and not have broken a rule because that ball is still on the approved list.

[Aslan]

I still don't think you get it. On the PBA side their can be no "Intent" as you say because their is no rule. There has to be a rule to have intent of breaking such rule....This is why their is no "intent", "cheating", "scandal" or anything else going on the PBA side because their simply isn't a rule against it.

That's incorrect. There is a rule.

12.1 Code of Ethics. Members shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner commensurate with
the PBA Code of Ethics. The title "Professional Bowler" must be and at all times remain synonymous with
honor, service and fair dealing. Integrity, fidelity to the sport of bowling and a sense of great responsibility
to employers, employees, manufacturers, clients and other professionals should transcend all thought of
material gain in the motives of the true professional bowler. The conduct of each member must always be
in keeping with this ongoing standard. If at any time PBA officials have reason to believe that a member is
acting in violation of the PBA Code of Ethics, disciplinary action will be taken.

12.2.2 Failure to Meet Obligations. Any member failing to promptly meet his or her
membership or PBA contractual obligations or otherwise acting in a manner that is reasonably likely to
injure the reputation and standing of the PBA and/or its members.

11.1 General. It is the player's responsibility to make sure all bowling balls used in PBA competition
are cleared for use by the PBA and meet all PBA specifications.

12.2.3 PBA Rules Violations. Any member who violates PBA Rules and Regulations may be
subject to a code of ethics violations if the circumstances warrant.

Now, here's where it gets tricky....and this is why "intent" is so important. The PBA has a huge rulebook...but nowhere in it does it mention specifically that the differential has to be < 0.060. Why? Well, one reason is that can't be measured once the ball is drilled. So, Amyers...this is where you are correct. Fach and Falkner didn't violate PBA bowling ball specifications per their rulebook.

But....did Ray Rice violate the NFL rulebook when he punched his girlfriend in the elevator of a Vegas hotel? No. The NFL doesn't regulate the punching of girlfriends. But it does regulate conduct. If Fach and Falkner and Tackett didn't KNOW...there is no issue of "conduct" and thus there is no reasonable guilt on their part. But...if they KNEW...then is knowingly cheating by using a ball known to be outside the specifications of the body designated with the function of approving bowling balls (the USBC)...does that constitute a violation of the PBA Code of Conduct?

And where the PBA is going to struggle with this...is the vast majority of their rules and codes...are just nonsensical rules about jerseys and logos. Strictly adhering to their code of conduct...PDW could get drunk after an event and slap his wife in public...but he's more likely to violate a rule if the jersey he had on had a logo in the wrong spot. The rulebook is vastly more concerned about sponsors and logos and how to pay dues than it is about actual cheating or misconduct. That's why they have that general statement:

If at any time PBA officials have reason to believe that a member is
acting in violation of the PBA Code of Ethics, disciplinary action will be taken.

If Motiv knew...and their athletes knew...then the PBA is bound by it's own Code of Ethics to take disciplinary action. If they don't, they have a legal problem. What if DV8 sues? Right now, DV8 might be able to sue Motiv in a civil case and win. A case against the USBC would probably not happen...even though a case could be made that they didn't do their due diligence and it took DV8 submitting the balls to force their hand. But that's a tougher case. The PBA....however; if they knew that Motiv knew....and that the athletes knew...and the PBA doesn't enforce it's own code of conduct...or even worse!...decides to punish DV8 for reporting the problem...the PBA becomes an accomplice to Motiv's actions and are thus partially liable.

You can't make a rule against everything...that's why almost every organization has code of conducts. This website has a "code of conduct"....because if they didn't...it would be impossible to fairly enforce rules because you'd have to have a rule for EVERYTHING. The PBA is bound by their code of conduct to investigate this matter. If they do not....they take on the legal responsibility.

I think I told this story before....but I used to be on another non-bowling website for like 3 years. I was controversial, as you might expect. The site never "liked" me...but they knew I was popular enough that they couldn't just kick me off for no reason. One day, I was having a conversation with a person on the site and he mentioned a "hitman scenario" and I responded with something like, "Well, give me their contact info...I might have a job or two for them." He then responded that I couldn't afford that. Now, it was just a joke...everyone knew he and I were just joking. But the member who disliked me the most...saw this as an opportunity and reported it to her friend who was the site administrator....who hated me. My account was deleted later that afternoon. The reasoning, was that I violated their Code of Conduct by making threats against other members.

Obviously, I feel I was mistreated...but if I take a step back...I can appreciate WHY they might have chosen to take that action. If they had not...and for some reason I actually DID hire a hitman and do harm to do this person...the website could be sued as part of a civil case. In essence, they did not enforce their Code of Conduct and it contributed in part to the horrible outcome. Now, it's ridiculous...and the people who enforced it just looked at it as a convenient way to get rid of me...but from a LEGAL perspective....it shows why Code of Conducts exist and from time to time, MUST be enforced.

[Mike White]

Now, here's where it gets tricky....and this is why "intent" is so important. The PBA has a huge rulebook...but nowhere in it does it mention specifically that the differential has to be < 0.060. Why? Well, one reason is that can't be measured once the ball is drilled. So, Amyers...this is where you are correct. Fach and Falkner didn't violate PBA bowling ball specifications per their rulebook.

The Why part is completely wrong.

The differential can be measured before, and after drilling.

USBC only has a rule in place about before drilling, which is rather stupid.

The reason USBC has to word the rule this way is because they can't reasonably expect every pro shop to invest in an RG swing, and training to use it, to confirm the post drilling values.

The modern bowling ball has become a cancer to the sport of bowling, and ball manufacturers are bowling's tobacco companies.

[Amyers]

That's incorrect. There is a rule.

12.1 Code of Ethics. Members shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner commensurate with
the PBA Code of Ethics. The title "Professional Bowler" must be and at all times remain synonymous with
honor, service and fair dealing. Integrity, fidelity to the sport of bowling and a sense of great responsibility
to employers, employees, manufacturers, clients and other professionals should transcend all thought of
material gain in the motives of the true professional bowler. The conduct of each member must always be
in keeping with this ongoing standard. If at any time PBA officials have reason to believe that a member is
acting in violation of the PBA Code of Ethics, disciplinary action will be taken.

12.2.2 Failure to Meet Obligations. Any member failing to promptly meet his or her
membership or PBA contractual obligations or otherwise acting in a manner that is reasonably likely to
injure the reputation and standing of the PBA and/or its members.

11.1 General. It is the player's responsibility to make sure all bowling balls used in PBA competition
are cleared for use by the PBA and meet all PBA specifications.

12.2.3 PBA Rules Violations. Any member who violates PBA Rules and Regulations may be
subject to a code of ethics violations if the circumstances warrant.

Now, here's where it gets tricky....and this is why "intent" is so important. The PBA has a huge rulebook...but nowhere in it does it mention specifically that the differential has to be < 0.060. Why? Well, one reason is that can't be measured once the ball is drilled. So, Amyers...this is where you are correct. Fach and Falkner didn't violate PBA bowling ball specifications per their rulebook.

But....did Ray Rice violate the NFL rulebook when he punched his girlfriend in the elevator of a Vegas hotel? No. The NFL doesn't regulate the punching of girlfriends. But it does regulate conduct. If Fach and Falkner and Tackett didn't KNOW...there is no issue of "conduct" and thus there is no reasonable guilt on their part. But...if they KNEW...then is knowingly cheating by using a ball known to be outside the specifications of the body designated with the function of approving bowling balls (the USBC)...does that constitute a violation of the PBA Code of Conduct?

And where the PBA is going to struggle with this...is the vast majority of their rules and codes...are just nonsensical rules about jerseys and logos. Strictly adhering to their code of conduct...PDW could get drunk after an event and slap his wife in public...but he's more likely to violate a rule if the jersey he had on had a logo in the wrong spot. The rulebook is vastly more concerned about sponsors and logos and how to pay dues than it is about actual cheating or misconduct. That's why they have that general statement:

If at any time PBA officials have reason to believe that a member is
acting in violation of the PBA Code of Ethics, disciplinary action will be taken.

If Motiv knew...and their athletes knew...then the PBA is bound by it's own Code of Ethics to take disciplinary action. If they don't, they have a legal problem. What if DV8 sues? Right now, DV8 might be able to sue Motiv in a civil case and win. A case against the USBC would probably not happen...even though a case could be made that they didn't do their due diligence and it took DV8 submitting the balls to force their hand. But that's a tougher case. The PBA....however; if they knew that Motiv knew....and that the athletes knew...and the PBA doesn't enforce it's own code of conduct...or even worse!...decides to punish DV8 for reporting the problem...the PBA becomes an accomplice to Motiv's actions and are thus partially liable.

You can't make a rule against everything...that's why almost every organization has code of conducts. This website has a "code of conduct"....because if they didn't...it would be impossible to fairly enforce rules because you'd have to have a rule for EVERYTHING. The PBA is bound by their code of conduct to investigate this matter. If they do not....they take on the legal responsibility.

I think I told this story before....but I used to be on another non-bowling website for like 3 years. I was controversial, as you might expect. The site never "liked" me...but they knew I was popular enough that they couldn't just kick me off for no reason. One day, I was having a conversation with a person on the site and he mentioned a "hitman scenario" and I responded with something like, "Well, give me their contact info...I might have a job or two for them." He then responded that I couldn't afford that. Now, it was just a joke...everyone knew he and I were just joking. But the member who disliked me the most...saw this as an opportunity and reported it to her friend who was the site administrator....who hated me. My account was deleted later that afternoon. The reasoning, was that I violated their Code of Conduct by making threats against other members.

Obviously, I feel I was mistreated...but if I take a step back...I can appreciate WHY they might have chosen to take that action. If they had not...and for some reason I actually DID hire a hitman and do harm to do this person...the website could be sued as part of a civil case. In essence, they did not enforce their Code of Conduct and it contributed in part to the horrible outcome. Now, it's ridiculous...and the people who enforced it just looked at it as a convenient way to get rid of me...but from a LEGAL perspective....it shows why Code of Conducts exist and from time to time, MUST be enforced.

You are grasping at straws. The PBA has no interest in causing themselves bad publicity. Especially since there is no simple way to prove that ball Falkner used was illegal and pretty much everyone knows that a small variance in differential makes no real world difference. Why would they want to go down that road? The PBA has no dog in this fight which is why you are hearing very little from them on the issue.

[Aslan]

You are grasping at straws.

Ray Rice and Tom Brady agree with you.

The PBA has no interest in causing themselves bad publicity.

If THATs the reasoning the PBA is using, they better dig in for a fight. I'm sure Bill Clinton originally lied about Monica for the same "bad publicity" reason. As it turns out...the publicity will be much worse after the fact than it ever would have been had they dealt with it immediately.

Especially since there is no simple way to prove that ball Falkner used was illegal

If the PBA is asking my advice, it would be to assemble all Motiv sponsored athletes and give them one chance to come clean. If they do, and they admit they knew the balls were out of spec, they receive immunity from suspension. They receive a minor fine and could lose any titles they won...but no suspension. If they choose not to, and it's found out later that they knew...they are banned indefinitely from the PBA and will face legal prosecution.

I can almost guarantee they will either admit it...or if they don't, it'll probably be because they are telling the truth. If one knows, they all probably know. And a guy that has no title to give up is not going to risk their PBA future just to save Motiv or Fach or Falkner.

and pretty much everyone knows that a small variance in differential makes no real world difference.

Again, in the "Amyers Rulebook"...apparently the athletes and manufacturers get to decide what rules they follow and what rules they don't based on their perceptions of what matters or doesn't matter. Granted, no other sport would allow that....ask Tom Brady.

Why would they want to go down that road?

They don't....which is why they've yet to release a statement. They are hoping the USBC and Motiv will cut a deal and DV8 will get a "not so nice warning" to stop causing trouble...and in 2 months nobody will even remember this.

The PBA has no dog in this fight which is why you are hearing very little from them on the issue.

They perceive they have no dog in the fight. I would caution them that they are wrong. If it is found that there was intent, and the news gets wind of it...and the political pundants get wind of a black bowler, who won a title fraudulently, then visited the White House (despite that being unusual)...and they dig a little deeper...and a little deeper...pretty soon you have a "STORY". And that "story" is going to paint Motiv as cheating businessmen and their athletes as cheaters and the USBC as incompetent and DV8 as vindictive and the PBA as an accomplice to fraud. Victims will emerge out of the woodwork....Motiv athletes claiming they didn't know, Ciminelli claiming he didn't know what DV8 did...pro shop owners claiming they either knew or didn't know...and Motiv lovers claiming they were betrayed and demanding damages. Tournament venues claiming they were lied to...officials claiming the PBA tried to "quiet them"...Representative Cohen (TN) claiming his office had no idea and was shocked to learn about the scandal. The White House press secretary reminding the public that the President didn't even know and wasn't even at the White House...while conservative activists claim Falkner only got the invite because he was black.

ALL of that....ALL of that because the PBA assumes they "don't have a dog in the fight". It's happened before...many industries, many corporations, many officials...all sit back and hope it "isn't a big deal" or will "just go away on it's own". Watergate happened that way. A minor break-in...no bigee. And it led to the resignation of a President.

I'm not trying to "sensationalize" this. I have NO DOG in this fight. I don't want Motiv to suffer and I respect them for what they've accomplished. I have no beef with any Motiv athlete nor am I a DV8 or Ryan Cimminelli fan (nor can I spell his name properly). I just want the truth. And I want the PBA to stop writing rules about logos and how to collect their dues....stop trying to change the sport to a fancy new scoring system...stop having stupid things like "The League" and "Celebrity Showdowns"...and DO THEIR JOB...investigate the matter...and reassure us in the bowling public that they CARE. Not sit back in some softball interview with an industry slappy like Richgels...and answer softball questions praising Motiv. Motiv cheated. The PBA needs to investigate to ensure it's athletes were not cheated and no code of conduct was violated. If they don't, someone else will.

The PBA has the opportunity to "control the narrative". If they don't, then people like me control the narrative. And eventually, they start getting phone calls from people like me....which they ignore. And people like me, good or bad, hate one thing more than anything...to be ignored. So we find people who won't ignore us...and those people, eventually, find a "story". And when that happens, the PBA no longer has the ability to "control the narrative". And that's when we finally get to the truth.

The only question is...."Is bowling important enough for anyone to care?" Thus far...I'm hearing, "no". I have a sneaking suspicion...that "no" becomes a "yes"...eventually. But THAT is where I have the highest likelihood of being "wrong"....bowling just might no be important enough for the general public to care. Not with March Madness going on and Donald Trump and suicide bombings in Europe. But..we'll see... I know I'm not going to stop asking questions until I get answers. I may be wrong, but I refuse to be ignored. If the PBA owners think that because they bought the league, they own the sport...they're wrong. They shoulda bought a horse or boat or a race car instead.

[vdubtx]

I'm not trying to "sensationalize" this. I have NO DOG in this fight.

Yet, you keep wanting to argue. SMH.

[NewToBowling]

Look, a dead horse