PRCA

Reversal of fortune Troy Ellerman, who resigned as commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association after pleading guilty to leaking secret grand jury documents in the BALCO steroids case, is leaving the PRCA without a parting gift of $200,000. A day after the PRCA board voted to give Ellerman a year’s salary, the board reversed its decision, board member Buster Record said Thursday. Members of the PRCA responded with outrage when they learned about the $200,000 payout, and the furor helped spur the board’s decision, Record said. Yahoo! Sports first reported the vote Tuesday. On Wednesday night, the board voted 7-1 to reverse its decision a day after it had voted 6-2 in favor of giving Ellerman a year’s salary, which board member Steve Gilbert said was at least $208,000 and as much as $300,000. He said his efforts to verify Ellerman’s current salary have been unsuccessful. “Troy did a lot for the association, but it was just causing too much havoc amongst the members,’’ Record said of the severance package. “Personally, I just realized that I made a hasty decision and that I should have thought it through more.’’ In a related move, Tom Feller – the former chairman of the PRCA board and one of Ellerman’s staunchest supporters – was voted off the board, Record confirmed....
Will commissioner's exit spur changes? The search is on. Now that Troy Ellerman has resigned as commissioner of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, who will be the next person to head up the organization? What kind of person would some of the sport's icons want to see as the new leader? There are varying answers. But one thing Ellerman's resignation has left all to agree on is that the top requirement in a new commissioner would be honesty. Ellerman's departure came on the heels of his guilty plea last week to obstructing justice by leaking secret grand jury documents to reporters covering the government's investigation of steroids in sports. Larry Mahan, a rodeo legend and six-time world all-around champion, would like to see a bright businessman in charge. "Someone who is honest, in all capital letters," he said.... One development Mahan would like to see come from Ellerman's resignation is a movement for establishing a rodeo players union. "You need representatives from that players association that can make a difference," he said. "What they have done is stripped the players of their voice. They have a few voices squeaking out there, but that's not going to help grease the squeaking wheel." Rodeo is run by the commissioner and a nine-man board of directors who answer to him. Mahan would like to see the competitors have representation in helping to shape rodeo's future. "It seems to work for all other sports – why not rodeo?" he said. "If they want to consider themselves the athletes they are, then they need to look at these other sports and say, 'Why is it working for them, and why are they growing?".... Don Gay, an eight-time world bull riding champion, said he would like to see rodeo go without a commissioner. "I don't think it's the right position for our organization," he said. "I feel like we ought to have a general manager who runs the office and answers to the board of directors. I think if he didn't have the title of commissioner, then he would work a lot closer with the board." Gay said he would like to see the organization hire a person with a background in rodeo....

----- Original Message -----
From: KC Andersen
Sent: Friday, February 23, 2007 9:24 AM
Subject: Urgent PRCA Business


Howdy Fellow PRCA Members:

I received a telephone call from my representative today, Barb Duggan, (Sec/Timer) with a status regarding the severance package for Troy Ellerman ($208,000.00) being rescinded and the removal of Tom Feller on the board.

I really appreciated the open and honest communication that Barb offered, especially with all the rumor mills working overtime and those whose only intent it seems, is to bring the whole entire PRCA to the ground.

Regarding the rescinding of Troy's severance pay, it is my understanding that BoD voted to rescind the offer that was given earlier this week and open it up to discussion at the March 20, 2007 BoD's meeting. Barb has asked that you forward to her or your event reps, your opinion regarding a severance package and what amount should be given, if any.........

You can either call her, write her or e-mail her with your opinion. Here is our chance as due paying members to let "our" feelings be known and I believe heard.

As for Tom Feller, he was removed / voted off the board by the Contract Personnel Counsel. This step was taken by the other board members due to his failure to act or vote as his other council peers had recommended or by majority of the vote. Mark Swingler. Executive Council Contract Personnel - Clowns/Bullfighter, is replacing Tom on the Executive Board. It is my understanding that this is only temporary. Since there is an election coming up and 3 out of the 5 members' seat are open for election, the counsel believe it would not be "fair" to Mark to take the position on a permanent status at this time.

Finally, as for us Secretaries / Timers, Barb would also like your opinions regarding possibly having a liaison in the PRCA office who "knows" the workings of rodeos and the paperwork / computer stuff. The girls in the office do a great job on the computer problems but really don't have a clue as to why or what PROCOM is and what problems can and are occurring out at the rodeo grounds.

Ok, enough of my rambling. Please take the time to contact Barb or your event representative before March 10th regarding the above or any other concerns that you may have. Also, please take the time and effort to complete your PRCA ballots and return them before the deadline. I am a strong and firm believer in..... if you don't vote then you can't gripe, aka bitch.......

K.C. Andersen

Here is Barb Duggan's contact information:
E-Mail: bduggan@att.net
Address: P.O. Box 183; Canyon, TX 79015-0183