Poche just mailed out another statement to media outlets, apparently reacting to comments on the situation from fans. This one with apologies. Here is his updated statement to the public since he first posted on Facebook this morning:
First, I would like to apologize to everyone that has been affected by this unfortunate circumstance, including family, friends, fans, my co-anger, competitors, sponsors and BASS. I am fortunate to be a member of the professional fishing community and I am very disheartened that this incident took place. To clarify my account of the incident, I regrettably misjudged the weather environment and how it would affect the momentum of my vessel. Once I bump into the competitor’s boat I realized immediately I made a mistake. I expressed my apologizes to the competitor for the situation I caused. The next reaction I had was to protect myself from harm as the competitor entered my vessel and I was being pushed toward the water. Once I regained my poise I proceeded to tournament officials as required by the tournament rules. I am thankful that I didn’t get seriously hurt from my competitors actions. Once the incident was reported to the tournament director I was advised to proceed with contacting and reporting the incident to local authorities and receive medical attention. I want to be clear to everyone that I did not press charges against Mr. Monroe but only provided details of the incident. The sport of bass fishing doesn’t need this type of media but we must follow the same protocol we would with similar circumstances that occur in everyday life. Again, my deepest regrets this occurred and I express my apologies to everyone involved including Ish Monroe.
Here is Keith Poche’s original statement taken from his Facebook Fan Page:
I’m sure everyone is confused about what’s going on. First, I would like to apologize to everyone that has followed me, my sponsors, Bassmaster and my fellow competitors for the unfortunate situation on 1-16-15.
Just to clear a few things up: I was on the trolling motor when I hit Ish Monroe’s boat. I misjudged the wind and current that carried my momentum into his boat. This is my fault, and I’m really sorry that my trolling motor hit his rub rail.
Next, Ish begin to curse at me and degrade me as a person. I apologized to him about the boat contact. He still continued to yell and saying he was going to jump in my boat and whip my butt. He then jumped into my boat and pushed me overboard. I fell against the back of another boat. Hitting my side on the power poles and motor. My hip is now swollen and I’m in a lot of pain.
I’m just so thankful I didn’t get seriously hurt or bump my head and drown in the current and leave my daughter without a father and my wife without a husband. I’ve never been in this situation before, so I reported to tournament officials to get proper protocol, and they mentioned 911. Just doing what I was told. I wish the best for Ish in the future.
To read Ish Monroe’s statement, click here.
