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It seems like a few bad words about the ASP can get you in big trouble these days as Damien Fahrenfort and Jake Paterson got suspended late last week as webcast commentators of the Quiksilver Pro France 2013 for a rogue comment suggesting unfair judging.
Parko
While waiting for the scores of a heat between tour champion Joel Parkinson and French wildcard Marc Lacomare, the two engaged in an exchange that included a joking comment that suggested tour leaders sometimes get a bump from the judges when it come to close heats. Well, apparently that enough to get your ass handed to you these days and that is the end of the dynamic duo.
A bit troubling to say the least, as the ASP tries to reinvent itself with new owners running the show. Isn't surfing supposed to embody the "rebel attitude"? Or does the ASP hope it becomes as boring and regulated as most other popular sports?
BOOO ASP! That's what I have to say!
"Lacomare led the heat until the last minute but, in a buzzer beater wave, Parkinson gets a good ride. Damien and Jake bet a beer on the heat winner. "World title points?", asks Paterson, referring to a potential biased surf judging, in world title contenders' favor.
Judges award him the score he needed, and ASP World Tour manager Renato Hickel feels offended by the commentators' words. According to our friends at StabMag, a couple of emails are exchanged.
"To have web announcers betting beers, guessing judges scores in almost every single wave, and telling thousands of web viewers that Joel would receive world title bonus points, is completely unacceptable! A stain on a great webcast", Hickel wrote to Quiksilver.
Jake Paterson replied. "I had a look at the heat review of Joel’s heat and didn’t see anything to bad all. Nothing worth your rude email. I think you need have another look at the heat yourself. As for betting beers, what a joke. You really think it's unacceptable! That is a strong word. I take offence to you saying that I am making a mockery of pro surfing. I love the sport and don't think I have done anything wrong"."
