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Red Bluff, Calif. – The BASS ZONE has learned that after three and a half years and 42 entries on the Bassmaster Tour level, 46-year-old Greg Gutierrez is bowing out of the game, for now; hopefully.
It was at the sixth event on the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series that Gutierrez found out that the tests his wife of 21 years, Bobbie, had been undergoing had revealed two growing masses in her lungs, and that doctors would be performing more tests to find out the extent of the situation.
“Bobbie called me during our practice period to tell me the news, and to say the least I was devastated,” Gutierrez said. “I went through the motions in that last tournament, and was only
able to get through it thanks to my friend and roommate Jared Lintner.”
Gutierrez revealed that his wife, a long-term cancer survivor, would be undergoing aggressive treatments that could include removal of significant portions of one of her lungs. “It is a very scary and tenuous time for our family,” he explained. “Bobbie and I have been married for 21-years, and I cannot tell you the thoughts that are rushing trough my head right now; I need to take care of her now, as she has always done for me in my careers; both fins and fires.”
Gutierrez made notice to BASS officials on Tuesday of his decision to withdraw from the rest of the 2008 Elite Series campaign, but said that he will be requesting that they will consider him for a medical exemption should he be able to return in the near future.
“I am so proud and blessed to be an Elite Series angler,” Gutierrez said. “The people at BASS have become like family to me, and I truly hope that I will be able to resume my career after we get Bobbie back on her feet.”
The California pro wants to be clear that “this is not about him, this is about Bobbie, and his decision is not due to financial difficulty. “As much as bowing out for financial reasons would be frustrating, it would be much easier to swallow than the current circumstances,” he said. “I have contracts and sponsor obligations, and I know this creates a hardship for a lot of people, for that I am very sorry to have to make this decision.”
“However, I signed a contract with Bobbie 21 years ago in front of God, our families and friends that I need to attend to right now,” he closed. “She is my best friend and biggest supporter, and I need to make sure she is taken care of before anything else can happen.”
The BASS ZONE staff and family pass on our best wishes and prayers for successful treatments and speedy recovery for Bobbie, and strength for Gutierrez and the couple’s son Greg Jr. We will post details as updates become available in the future.
The text of the resignation letter Gutierrez sent to BASS is
posted below.
Greg Gutierrez
Professional Angler
Approved for immediate release:
For the past several years I have maintained my position as a Fire Captain with CAL FIRE while I competed on the Bassmaster Elite Tour, and believe me, balancing the busy schedule has been very challenging. I maintained that schedule for several reasons, one reason was to live the dream that so many working men and women have dreamed, “To be a Bassmaster Pro”.
I have competed on several tournament circuits over the years and feel I have reached the pinnacle of bass fishing by competing with such a professional organization such as BASS, and against some of the best anglers in the world. My family has grown with and has become part of the BASS family.
It is with great sadness that I must issue this release to my fishing family.
My wife Bobbie of 21 years was recently diagnosed with two masses in her lungs one on the left and one on the right, we don’t know what they are but with her history as a long time cancer survivor we are being very aggressive with this. We are unsure at this time if the surgery will be followed with other know cancer treatments.
I am Bobbie’s only caregiver and she will need me to be there for her, as she has always been by my side for my fishing. With the upcoming surgery and recovery time in the hospital and at home, and with the medical hardship this will cause. I see no possible way to continue competing on the BASS Elite Tour and provide the care she needs.
Stepping down from finishing the tour brings about several additional complications, and my only hope is BASS will recognize my need to care for Bobbie’s medical needs are necessary and unavoidable, and hopefully BASS will allow me to qualify for a medical exemption and allow me to return back to the Elite Tour at a later date.
I know I have made promises and signed contractual obligations to meet but I don’t know if I will be able to meet those expectations right now, maybe I can participate in some type of event to generate some good positive press for BASS and my sponsors.
I’m sorry I can’t continue the Tour, but 21 years ago I made a promise to Bobbie in front of God, my family and friends, that in “sickness and in health” I would care for her and be there for her, I intend to keep that promise.
I’ll try to keep you informed. Hug your family and keep us in your prayers.
Greg, Bobbie and Gregory Gutierrez
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