PRCA Makes Initial Statement Regarding Ellerman

I just received an initial press release from the PRCA today.

"Statement from The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association Board of Directors
15 February 2007

- For Immediate Release -

Troy Ellerman Enters Plea in BALCO Case

Thursday, February 15, 2007. Today in the U.S. District Court in San Francisco, Calif., Troy Ellerman entered a guilty plea to one count of filing a false declaration, one count of obstruction of justice and two counts of contempt relating to the BALCO matter. The BALCO investigation is not related to PRCA business. Mr. Ellerman currently serves as Commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association in Colorado Springs, Colo.

PRCA Chairman Keith Martin said, “The PRCA is financially strong and, as always, our board remains focused on continued strength, stability and progress within the organization. The PRCA is the No. 1 rodeo sanctioning body in the world, and the board is working hard on a daily basis to continue to promote and grow this great sport.”

Mr. Ellerman will not make any further comments regarding this case until the Court issues its sentence."

Well... I'm not exactly blown over by any "cowboy up" mentality in the release, but it is the early stages after all, and this is the time when everyone typically dances around an issue, looking for the right thing to say and/or not say. Time will tell.

One thing that is of concern to me, however, is the sentence, "The BALCO investigation is not related to PRCA business." I find that to be a disingenuous statement, at best. If your Commissioner is pleading guilty to FELONIES, then it darn well better be related to PRCA business. The organization should stand up and make the issue its business. It's time to cowboy up, and not worry about the media fallout. Do what's right, regardless of the circumstances, then let the chips fall where they may. That is the cowboy way, isn't it? Seems to me the PRCA could generate HUGE goodwill by taking a stand that most others in this world don't or won't.

Once again, good luck to the good folks at the PRCA who are trying to straighten out this whole mess. I have faith they will eventually do it in a fashion that best represents the western way of life.

Best to ya!

Lincoln