Auburn's Bass Fishing Team Suspended For COVID Violations

The collegiate bass fishing world was rocked Friday when news broke that the highly successful Auburn University Bass Fishing Team had been suspended by the university over COVID-19 violations. The 2019 Major League Fishing National Champions learned that their 2021 summer season has been suspended effective immediately and club officers have been removed from office by the university.

In a letter obtained by Wired2Fish.com, Keegan Ashbee, Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Competitive Sports, explains the decision.

"This memo is to inform you that effective immediately, the Auburn University Bass Fishing club has been suspended as a club sport team and student organization until December 31, 2021.

"This decision is in response to the club's repeated violation of Auburn University's COVID-19 policy regarding travel and events. These violations occurred in July 2020, February 2021 and March 2021.

“During this period of suspension, no member of the club can travel, recruit for, compete, or represent the Auburn University Bass Fishing Club in any capacity. This includes wearing Auburn University Bass Fishing Club uniforms or representing the Auburn University Bass Fishing Club on any social media programs, including but not limited to YouTube, Twitter, Snapchat, Facebook or Instagram.

"The governing bodies of your sport and fellow SEC schools will be notified of this suspension and that the Auburn University Bass Fishing Club is not eligible for competition during this timeframe. Anyone disregarding this notice will be referred to the Auburn University Student Conduct Office on an individual basis. Club members who ignore this suspension could also jeopardize the length of the club’s suspension.”

The school doesn't spell out exactly what the violation issue is, but I've reached out to club vice president Chase Mundhenke to help us paint a picture as to what the problem is here. Stay tuned.