LIVINGSTON, AL — The University of West Alabama is disputing allegations against its fishing program after B.A.S.S. placed the team on probation and suspended its head coach following an investigation into conduct at the 2026 Bassmaster College National Championship.
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B.A.S.S. announced Thursday that UWA Fishing Team head coach William Crawford has been suspended from all B.A.S.S.-sanctioned events through the end of the 2026-27 season, effective immediately.
The organization said Crawford will not be credentialed or permitted at Bassmaster College Series venues during the suspension.
The disciplinary action stems from the 2026 Strike King Bassmaster College National Championship at Leech Lake in Minnesota in August.
According to B.A.S.S., an investigation into Crawford's conduct during the event "confirmed there was a violation of the Bassmaster College Series rules, as well as violations against the Code of Conduct."
B.A.S.S. did not specify in its announcement what conduct prompted the investigation or detail the specific rules it determined had been violated.
UWA responded Thursday night, saying it had received notice from B.A.S.S. and the Association of Collegiate Anglers that restrictions had been placed on the program because of allegations stemming from the national championship.
"The University vehemently disputes the allegations and is determining the appropriate course of action," UWA Athletics said in the statement.
The university added that it will continue supporting its student-athletes while it "builds and strengthens the UWA Fishing Program."
The UWA fishing team will still be allowed to compete in Bassmaster College Series events during the 2026-27 season, but the sanctions will have significant competitive consequences.
B.A.S.S. said West Alabama will not accumulate Team of the Year points this season and will not be eligible for the Team of the Year standings.
The Tigers also will not be eligible to qualify for the 2027 Bassmaster College National Championship through points.
However, UWA anglers still have a path to the national championship. A West Alabama team can qualify by finishing in the top 10% of the field at a Tour event.
The program will remain on probation through the end of the 2026-27 season, with B.A.S.S. warning that additional violations could result in further penalties.
"B.A.S.S. remains committed to protecting the fairness and integrity of its competitions and holding all participants and affiliated representatives to the standards those competitions demand," the organization said.
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