Pictured is the 76.5-pound white marlin hooked on the second day of the White Marlin Open.
Photo by Hooked On OC/Fish In OC
OCEAN CITY — The White Marlin Open formally asked the Worcester County Circuit Court on Friday to rule on who should receive the $2.8 million in prize money that was awarded for this year’s top catch in the tourney.
Earlier this week White Marlin Open issued a statement by Jim Motsko announcing a “possible violation of the rules” by angler Philip Heasley and the Kallianassa boat. On Thursday night, Heasley issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.
“In response to a ‘perceived to have committed’ allegation against the Kallianassa, the winner of the 2016 White Marlin Open held in Ocean City, Md., its owner regrets that there is any ambiguity surrounding its successful participation in the tournament,” the statement reads. “The owner, captain and crew adamantly state that they have followed all tournament rules and regulations without exception and have unequivocally committed no wrongdoing.”
Heasley maintains the Kallianassa will be cleared when the all of the facts are known.
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