Filipe Toledo suspended from OK Fiji Pro
The WSL today announced that CT surfer Filipe Toledo has been fined and suspended from competition following an incident at the Oi Rio Pro.
After having a paddling interference called against him Toledo was penalised half of his second scoring wave. Toledo surfed out the heat - which, incidentally, he still would've lost even without the interference - he then attempted to storm the judges tower.
The incident has been reviewed by the WSL Rules and Disciplinary Committee with full cooperation from Toledo:
"I'm a passionate guy and surfing is my life," said Toledo. "After getting an interference in the third round in Saquarema, I was very upset and my actions after the heat were unacceptable. After cooling down, I realized that I was not myself. I'm very sorry for my behavior. I want to apologize to the fans, my sponsors, the media and WSL. I take full responsibility for my actions and accept my suspension. I am disappointed to miss the next event, but looking forward to returning stronger for Jeffreys Bay. Good luck to everyone in Fiji and thank you all for the continued support."
The suspension will conclude following the OK Fiji Pro:
"Filipe (Toledo) is a really good kid and an incredible surfer," Renato Hickel, WSL Deputy Commissioner, said. "The WSL is very fortunate to have someone of his caliber on tour and he is constantly progressing the level of surfing in the live arena. It's disappointing when we have to pass disciplinary action for any of our surfers, but that behavior is not acceptable for the sport. Filipe knows this and we look forward to seeing his talent back on tour very soon."
Comments
I notice Charlie Medina is allowed back in the competitors area now.
Can't deny those Brassos sure wear their hearts on their tatooed sleeves.
Those statements from each are about as homogenised and pasteurised as it gets haha!
"... he then attempted to storm the judges tower"???
NOW we're talking excitement. Show me yer battleaxe, Filipe.
Bit of brat move, but he is still my fav of the Brazilians.
5 foot nothing and storming the judges tower. I bet they were quaking in their thongs.
Finally some passion and excitement and they ban the guy. They are doing all they can to make the CT unwatchable, between this kind of thing, the repetitive surfing from 75% of the tour, the lame beachie waves in Brazil and the brain-grating commentary from Kaipo and Pete Mel - it is THE most sanitised thing and is quite frankly boring. Shame because I have always enjoyed watching the tour.
Ronnie Blakey is the only one who doesn't want me to poke my ears with a sharp stick, I love JJF looking at Barton Lynch when he gave him the heat tip after he lost at bells, JJF was gracious but you could tell he was thinking sure thing old man at least I didn't wear an ice cream container on my head at pipe, now @#4k off and empty your adult diaper perhaps it might make a nice helmet. Can't wait for J Bay and Pottz's relentless use of the term wrapping cutback.
Fully computerised judging panels will not be moved by any measure of storming. Enter the data.
Toledo on the marching powder? He should've stormed the commentators box and told Kaipo and Mel what for as well.
I had a feeling he was stewing over it in the line up , hes a sook , but I,m not sure if I agree with the ban. But then again "storming" could be taken to mean several things. Did he kick a security guy in the nuts and throw a few chairs around , or did he just strut around like a turkey , muttering a few profanities in Portuguese