GREENSBORO, N.C., Aug. 3, 1998 -- B.A.S.S., Inc. has put contract negotiations with its founder Ray Scott on hold until after the 28th annual BASS Masters Classic this week in Greensboro, N.C.
"Last Tuesday, we asked Ray Scott to defer negotiations until after the Classic," said B.A.S.S. Chair and CEO Helen Sevier, "but he was adamant he would not come to the Classic without a new contract. So, we were forced to make other plans." Scott is, traditionally, the emcee of the event.
"For some time B.A.S.S. has been discussing with Ray the renewal of his employment contract," Sevier said. "We wanted to renew Ray's current contract and he declined.
Contract negotiations broke down over several things, but were primarily related to business and financial considerations for the company. "Hopefully we'll be able to get back to negotiating after the Classic because we'd like to see him continue with a major role with our organization." said Helen Sevier.
"Ray initially presented us with a multi-million dollar contract we simply couldn't afford," said B.A.S.S. Executive Vice-president and Chief Financial Officer Karl Dabbs.
"When contract negotiations were halted, it was still a matter of cost and a battle of exclusive vs non-exclusive rights," Dabbs said. "We believe Ray's desire to endorse our sponsors' competitors while employed by B.A.S.S. would be harmful to both B.A.S.S. and our sponsors.
"On Thursday after Ray's attorneys submitted his latest demands, it was apparent we were still miles apart," Dabbs said. "Unfortunately, we simply ran out of time and had to turn our attention from Ray to devoting our energies to making the l998 Bass Masters Classic the best ever.
"Our focus this week," Sevier said, "will be on recognizing 46 of the world's best fishermen who have worked so hard to compete in the World Series of Bass Fishing. We owe the fans and our sponsors a great show and a great week" Sevier said, "and we intend to deliver even more than usual. We have some really great surprises in store for everyone.
"The Classic weigh-in and show will feature a lineup of fishing stars and celebrities including Hank Parker, Tracy Byrd, Mark Chestnut, radio personality Don Day, and Fish Fishburne. Plus, there'll be a new format for the final day's weigh in.