UPDATE: Suspected winner files to move case to federal court
An attorney for Phillip Heasley, the winner suspected of violating White Marlin Open tournament rules, says they have filed to remove the case to federal court.
In late August, tournament officials announced they had filed a formal complaint through Worcester County Circuit Court.
White Marlin Open officials are withholding the 2.8 million cash from Heasley, citing a possible violation of the rules but not disclosing details about was the alleged violation was.
Attorney Christopher Sullivan says the new request was filed Thursday and could help Heasley and his crew rightfully defend themselves.
In this year’s tournament, Heasley and his crew caught the one and only qualifying white marlin in the tournament.
In a statement sent to 47ABC, Sullivan says in part “Mr. Heasley and his crew eagerly await the chance to present boat records, eyewitness accounts and other extremely strong evidence to refute the Tournament’s allegations in court.”
Pending ongoing litigation, officials say further comments will not be made at this time.
Full statement sent Friday morning:
“Today [Thursday] we removed this case to federal court so that first place winner Mr. Phillip Heasley and his crew can rightfully defend themselves against the White Marlin Open’s allegations of wrongdoing. We believe a federal court will separate Mr. Heasley from the other named defendants who actually stand to gain from the White Marlin Tournament’s allegations. Mr. Heasley is the only true defendant here.
Upon first learning of the allegations against them, Mr. Heasley and his crew expected to have the opportunity to defend themselves. The Tournament never allowed them this opportunity and instead filed a lawsuit against Mr. Heasley. Mr. Heasley and his crew eagerly await the chance to present boat records, eyewitness accounts and other extremely strong evidence to refute the Tournament’s
allegations in court.
As the matter is currently in litigation we will decline any further comment on the situation.”
