UPDATE: White marlin winner insists ‘no wrongdoing’ amidst investigation

As officials with the White Marlin Open investigate a possible violation resulting in the withholding of millions in prize money, the angler in question insists all rules were followed.

A 76.5 pound white marlin, the one and only qualifying catch for the white marlin division, was caught by Phil Heasley on August 9. It would eventually be worth more than 2.8 million dollars for the Florida-based crew onboard the Kallianassa.

Late Tuesday, tournament officials announced they were withholding the prize pending an investigation citing only a “possible violation”; however, it is not clear exactly what the alleged violation was.

In response, a statement sent Thursday states the crew “adamantly” followed all tournament rules and regulations and “committed no wrongdoing”.

“The Kallianassa’s excellent crew and superb captain have always maintained the highest levels of integrity; they will be vindicated and walking tall in the fishing community,” says Heasley.

Tournament officials say no comments will made beyond the statement posted on their official website at this time.