What started out as a harmless video has turned into something of a controversy for #CAHD (Chad Murphy) and the USBC.
This week commenced the USBC Queens Tournament from Sam's Town Bowling Center in Las Vegas, NV. In what is considered one of the biggest and most popular women's bowling tournaments throughout the year, a controversy has taken over social media over the last few days regarding what can only be described as an oil machine malfunction.
The lanes are supposed to be oiled in a 42-foot, 28mL oil pattern, which many would consider a slick oil pattern in which many of the participants would probably play an inside line. However, 2 of the lanes, 38 and 41, seemed to play much different than the other lanes were playing. Popular female bowler, Gazmine "GG" Mason, posted a video online showing that she was using a plastic Storm ball on lane 38, demonstrating what seemed to be a very inconsistent pattern that was represented on the other lanes.
It wasn't long before social media picked up on the video and the rumors started flying.
Shortly after GG posted her video, Brooklyn Rob of the Sweep the Rack Bowling Podcast tweeted that he had received news that a player competing in the tournament had filed a formal protest stating that a few of the pairs weren't oiled at all. This news was corroborated by a number of other various participants bowling in the tournament.
Bowlage.com spoke with PWBA bowler Shannon Sellens yesterday via text and Sellens confirmed that on lane 37 she was standing on board 26 and throwing it out to about 17-18 (a relatively inside line) whereas on lane 38 she was forced to stand at about board 34 and aiming at the 6 pin. She confirmed that most of other bowlers on the pair had resorted to throwing plastic balls to combat the dry condition on those 2 lanes. Elise Bolton uploaded a YouTube video as well providing a first-hand account of what happened as she bowled on lanes 41-42 in her third game.
However, the situation really got out of hand when The Sport of Bowling - USBC's Facebook made a post yesterday, claiming that the social media comments about the lanes being not oiled were incorrect and no formal protest had been made.
They even provided evidence of the lane tape showing that the lanes were oiled in the same oil pattern as the other lanes, which many on social media took as slights against the knowledge of the PWBA bowlers claiming there were clear differences. The post went on to say that, "USBC investigated the situation, interviewing the lane machine operator and analyzing tapes of the lanes. The operator reported procedures were followed to confirm proper oil volume was applied. Lane tapes indicated the pattern was applied within tolerance. Given the investigation did not reveal evidence of an error or malfunction, there is no further action to be taken at this time."
However, 11thframe.com news analyst Jeff Richgels pointed out in one of his Facebook posts shortly thereafter that the report date on all 3 tape pictures is 5/19, which would've been the day after the situation in question, basically rendering the pictures irrelevant. The USBC did not respond to any further inquiries and considered the case closed, however this did not stop social media from continuing the onslaught against the long-controversial association.
And so it goes, the results of the qualifying rounds were deemed eligible and play continued. What will happen from this, only time will tell. Just another thorn in the side of the USBC.
Cherie Tan leads qualifying after 3 rounds at +377. The Top 64 move onto match play starting tomorrow on BowlTV.
