Disputed White Marlin Open winner maintains innocence

In a statement released Thursday, the captain of the Kallianassa boat maintained innocence following the White Marlin Open's decision not to award the record $2.8 million to the fishermen.

“The Kallianassa’s excellent crew and superb captain have always maintained the highest levels of integrity; they will be vindicated and walking tall in the fishing community,” said Philip Heasley, owner of the Kallianassa and the angler who caught the record prize winning fish.

This year's Ocean City-based fishing tournament declared Heasley's 76.5-pound white marlin caught aboard the Kallianassa of Naples, Florida, as the winner. Heasley's fish weighed in shortly after the scales opened at Harbour Island Marina on Tuesday, Aug. 9.

Heasley's statement follows an announcement by White Marlin Open officials on Tuesday, Aug. 23 that the prize is being withheld due to a "possible violation of tournament rules." 

The full White Marlin Open statement regarding the withholding of the prize

What rule was broken was is still unclear. However, those participating in the tournament and have won either $50,000 or more or anglers winning any amount in Level R may be required to submit to a polygraph test prior to receiving any awards.

Heasley's white marlin was the only white marlin which qualified in this years tournament so it is unclear to whom the record $2.8 million award would go.

READ MORE: White Marlin Open win in dispute; $2.8 million up in air

This story will be updated

rghughes@dmg.gannett.com