It looks like this issue may not be "Behind the Foul Line" after all.
Multiple bowlers called out local Big East Federation Commissioner Jose Lopez over his handling of an alleged issue this past weekend at the Federation Big East Conference Tour Stop at Westbrook Lanes. Apparently there was a meeting called prior to the event start time over the center having to push the start time back an hour. According to Mr. Lopez, there was an error in the booking by the center, which he found out about upon his arrival. Upon speaking to the center representative, they agreed the start time would be pushed back a half hour and that a meeting with all Team Presidents would take place immediately.
During the meeting, Lopez, who also runs the "Behind the Foul Line" Tournament Series, and in which 2 of the 3 Board of Commissioners members, Mike Ciardulli and Melissa Hulley, were present for, a heated disagreement occurred between the team representative from Rolling Thunder, Brandon Micewicz, and Lopez. Lopez and Ciardulli claim that Micewicz allegedly approached the situation aggressively and started making accusations, insinuating the Federation board isn't transparent with the handling of money as well as a few other issues. The discussion got tense and Lopez asked Micewicz if he had a personal issue with him. Micewicz allegedly replied he did, to which Lopez, by his own admittance, asked if he'd like to "step outside," to handle this personal matter. Lopez, again by his own admittance, removed his jersey "in case it escalated," but eventually walked away and left the meeting. The event went on and Lopez claims that a grievance was filed by Micewicz to the Board, which is currently under review. Upon speaking to Lopez, he did admit he "shouldn't have [removed his jersey]."
Lopez did go on to say that he is aware certain rings are owed to bowlers and that the Team Presidents are aware of the distribution schedule. Apparently it took Lopez a while to find a vendor for the rings after Covid hit and when he received the first batch of rings, there was a spelling error on the rings and that he's taking all necessary precautions to avoid future bulk order errors. Lopez did go on to say that "whatever decision [the board] make over me I will accept." It remains to be seen what that decision will be.
Below is a Facebook post by bowler Lydell James outlining the issue.
