B.A.S.S. has completed an investigation into conduct involving University of West Alabama Fishing Team head coach William Crawford during the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Leech Lake. The results of the investigation confirmed there was a violation of the Bassmaster College Series rules, as well as violations against the Code of Conduct.
Crawford has been suspended from all B.A.S.S.-sanctioned events through the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, effective immediately. He will not be credentialed for or permitted at Bassmaster College Series venues during that period.
The University of West Alabama Fishing Team will be allowed to continue competing in Bassmaster College Series events. However, the team will not accumulate Team of the Year points during the 2026-27 season and will not be eligible for the Team of the Year standings or for points-based qualification to the 2027 Bassmaster College National Championship. A West Alabama team may still qualify for the National Championship by finishing in the top 10% of the field at a Tour event. The team is on probation through the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, and any further violations may result in additional penalties.
B.A.S.S. remains committed to protecting the fairness and integrity of its competitions and holding all participants and affiliated representatives to the standards those competitions demand.
