The surfing world’s worst kept secret was revealed this morning by ASP World Tour President Rabbit Bartholomew, in a release – Andy Irons is out for the 2009 ASP World Tour, but back in 2010.
Ok, so what does this mean? Our ASP Addict will weigh in later, but my bet is that it means that he’s waiting for Kelly Slater to depart the scene. (That’s not rocket science, I know.) In our recent interview with Taylor Knox, Taylor expressed that Andy’s 2008 performance was “confusing.” That confusion is now cleared up.
We wish Irons all the best in 2009 – he should grow a beard, grow his hair like Machado, and come back to rock 2010, in what just might be the most interesting ASP World Tour season to date.
Here’s Rabbit’s statement from a press release today:
Andy Irons requested and was granted an ASP Tour wildcard for 2010,” Wayne “Rabbit” Bartholomew, ASP President, said. “Andy cited personal reasons for not participating in the full tour in 2009, however he may participate in certain pet events as an event wildcard. All stakeholders, being the surfers, the Events Council and ASP Management, were supportive of Andy’s request, and the ASP Board of Directors ratified this arrangement officially.
Andy will be sorely missed in 2009 and we look forward to him contending again from 2010,” Bartholomew said. “Each year, three tour wildcards are issued, they are for injury, they are sometimes granted to next in line WQS and they are also granted to former ASP World Champions or someone held in high esteem.
Related posts:
Where is Rob Machado’s wildcard after the crap luck he got kicked off the tour for?
That Justin, is a very, very good point. ASP Addict? Weigh in?