Dick,

I won't argue that what he posted warranted a public response, because it did. You can't let someone say that publicly and not respond. I only took issue with the tone, not necessarily what you were trying to say. I went back and re-read what you wrote, and it doesn't seem quite as harsh as the first time I read it, although I still think there's at least one thing you said publicly that probably didn't really need to be said publicly.

Do I think either one of those judges showed favoritism to Jon? Not a chance. Don Ramsey and I have talked the particulars of judging on several occasions, and in my opinion, he is one of the most fair-minded judges out there. I've flown in front of Brandon Landry several times (as a judge, not just at our field since he is a member of our club), and if anything he is harder on the people he knows. Now, that's not right either, but I say that simply to point out that he certainly doesn't favor people he knows, I don't honestly believe that he's intentionally any harsher. I think he's hard on everyone, which I like because it's probably more honest scores than some of the others I've received. You probably couldn't have asked for a better judging panel than that when the difference between second and third was so close because the end result will probably be what it should be.

Do I think Ron Barr showed any favoritism? Not a chance. Tuan's scenario supposes that Ron went to Don and Brandon before the round and said, "Hey, make sure Jon beats Tuan." If further supposes that Don and Brandon both would agree to it. The scenario gets more and more unlikely the further in you go.

Heck, Louisiana boys don't expect to win in Texas anyway! (flame suit on) Just kidding fellas!