DBWT Scandal

Official Release from the Dodger BBQ Commissioner's Office:

I am sad to report that my office initiated an investigation into the 2006, 2008 and 2018 Dodger BBQ Washoe Tournament ("DBWT") championships won by Rick Lund.  This was prompted by tweets posted on Twitter by an account claiming to be the cousin of Mr. Lund's 2006 co-champion, Jeremiah Brooks.  Mr. Brooks' cousin stated that Mr. Brooks has not attended a Dodger BBQ since winning the title in 2006, the very first year of the DBWT.  While most of us assumed that he just had better things to do (other than eat tacos, drink beer and watch baseball), Mr. Brooks' cousin informed us that he has been in hiding since 2006 due to threats by Mr. Lund.  

Apparently, Mr. Brooks has information regarding a sophisticated cheating system that was masterminded by Mr. Lund and led to the 2006 championship.  When Mr. Brooks' guilt became too much to keep to himself, he informed Mr. Lund of his plan to "spill the beans."  Due to a related criminal investigation, the details as to what happened next and Mr. Brooks' current location remain confidential.  However, my office had no choice but to take these claims seriously and launch an investigation.  The findings and resulting punishment are set forth below.  It's a sad day for the Dodger BBQ, but I assure you that the integrity of the DBWT is our primary concern and we will work to regain the public's trust.

Mr. Lund appearing with Mr. Brooks in a post-DBWT championship celebratory photo.  Interestingly, Matt Rae - the next teammate to win a championship with Mr. Lund in 2008 - lurking in the background.  It appears Mr. Lund has already initiated a plan to replace Mr. Brooks in case Mr. Brooks can no longer keep quiet.  Unfortunately, there are few photos from Dodger BBQ IV in 2006 that provide additional support.    

Mr. Lund appearing with Mr. Rae after their DBWT championship in 2008.  Again, another Dodger BBQ attendee - Sam Lespron - oddly appears in the photo.  Records indicate that Mr. Lespron has not been seen at the Dodger BBQ since this photo.  It appears that Mr. Lund attempted to recruit Mr. Lespron and after being spurned, Mr. Lund made sure Mr. Lespron would remain silent.

More recent Dodger BBQs have resulted in more photographic evidence.  Carlos Chavez, who we have learned has close connections with Mr. Lund, is sitting conspicuously close to this trash can.  We've received reports of odd banging sounds at certain times when Mr. Lund's team (with Steve Park) was involved in a tournament game.  No such banging occurred when other teams were competing.  We are in the process of obtaining any video evidence of such games that may exist.  We are also looking into the white van in the background which appears to be a communications truck parked extremely
close to the DBWT.

If anyone has information as to what Mr. Park had under this second hat, please let our office know.

This photo shows an unexplained wire hanging from Mr. Lund's wrist. 

This photo clearly shows something - presumably a wire - underneath Mr. Lund's shirt.

An anonymous source provided us with this photo of Mr. Lund changing his shirt after the DBWT in 2018.  We're not sure why he's wearing a batting glove, but the wires certainly raise suspicions.

Several experts retained by our office have yet to determine how Mr. Lund was able to make a Washer stand on end.

The 2018 DBWT championship involved Mr. Park with this throwing technique.  Our office considers this the most damning evidence against Mr. Lund.

Official Findings: While the investigation remains on-going, it's clear that Mr. Lund cheated his way to 3 championships with, at a minimum, the use of a buzzer system and trash cans.  As a result, we are banning Mr. Lund from the state of California.  He will be moving to Idaho within the next month or two.  However, given that he and Jeremy Fannon are the only ones who know how to run double-elimination brackets, he is still welcome at the Dodger BBQ and will continue running the tournaments.  As part of his punishment, he will be limited to 3 tacos at each of the next 2 Dodger BBQs.

If you have any additional information about Mr. Lund's shenanigans (or Mr. Rae's and Mr. Park's involvement and knowledge), please place a comment below.

- John Lawless, Dodger BBQ Commissioner