Anglers Aspen Martin and Matt O’Connell, both from Georgia, were officially disqualified from the Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Fishing League (BFL) Regional tournament held on Lake Murray on Oct. 10 -11. The action followed a protest alleging that the anglers violated BFL Rule No. 10, which strictly prohibits contestants from using mobile communication devices to discuss locating or catching fish with outside parties during competition hours. MLF quickly initiated a formal investigation into the protest and allegations.
As a necessary step in the investigation, MLF required both Martin and O’Connell to submit to a polygraph examination, as prescribed by tournament rules, with MLF offering to cover all associated testing, travel, and lodging costs. Aspen Martin cooperated with this request and took the polygraph. However, the results were conclusive, indicating “deceptive (untruthful) responses” to the relevant questions asked during the polygraph. This finding directly resulted in Martin’s disqualification from the regional tournament.
In contrast, Matt O’Connell declined to take the requested polygraph examination. Upon being informed that his refusal would automatically result in a disqualification from the Lake Murray Regional, O’Connell also chose to withdraw from the upcoming 2025 Toyota Series Championship. His decision to refuse the mandatory exam immediately disqualified him from the Lake Murray event.
The consequences for O’Connell were significant and far-reaching: he has been suspended from all future MLF competition and will be eligible to reapply in 2027. Crucially, the disqualifications of both anglers caused a shift in the standings. In the Lake Murray Regional, William Bates of Alpharetta, Georgia, moved up to the second-place position, while Chad Sims of Lancaster, South Carolina, moved up to third place.
Both Bates and Sims benefited directly from the disciplinary actions, qualifying them to advance to the 2026 All-American tournament. Along with their advancement, they will receive the corresponding second and third-place payouts, respectively, from Lake Murray. The prize money for all remaining boater positions at the Lake Murray Regional will be adjusted accordingly to reflect the final, official standing changes following the disqualifications.
