Auburn Bass Fishing Team Reels In A Large Suspension Reduction

Auburn University announced Tuesday night that the school has reduced the suspension of the school's national championship-caliber club bass fishing team from competition for COVID violations. In an email to OutKick, Preston Sparks, Director of University Communications Services, released a statement from the school announcing the team, which was supposed to be banned from competition through December 31, 2021, will be back much sooner.

"After a productive meeting, Auburn University and its Bass Fishing Club have mutually agreed to the club sport team and student organization being placed on suspension until April 22, 2021, with the understanding that the club will adhere to all university protocols in the future," the school announced. "The club committed multiple violations of Auburn’s travel policy and was subsequently suspended for knowingly and repeatedly violating travel regulations."

"These policies, which have applied to all Auburn club sport teams, were put in place to lessen the risk of harm and/or injury to the students, the public and Auburn. Whether in or out of the classroom, Auburn will continue to uphold a high standard of excellence as an expectation for its students, faculty and staff."

The bass fishing team seems happy with the resolution the two sides were able to hammer out and now the team will be back on the water in less than a month.

“I am thankful that Auburn University and its administration were willing to listen to us and consider all of the facts with an open mind. We have reached an agreement and, most importantly, the Auburn Team is excited about being able to resume representing Auburn University as we pursue another National Championship,” Logan Parks, Auburn University’s Bass Fishing Club President, said in a statement.

The university refuses to specify exactly what COVID violations the team committed, and the bass team said it won't discuss the matter until it has a chance to meet with the school.