Benelli USA

Interesting. Wish Tom a speedy recovery.

As for Benelli USA, it sure seems a hasty decision so quickly after the years of service he gave them promoting their product. I'm sure they felt the decision was easier since they have Tim Bradley also on the payroll. Maybe we don't have the whole story, but it sure would seem as though he was let go solely on this health condition. Pretty low IMO.
 
I bought one and that will be the last benelli that will ever go into my cabinet. Not real fond of the inertia driven system.
 
I agree with Chuck, No Benelli's in my gun racks not now not ever. The only thing I ever had against Tom, was he was a walking commercial about his gun and shells on his show. Benelli will never be able to replace that devotion..........Bob
 
Never met the guy but saw him perform on TV a couple of times. Always thought he had a dream job. I suppose his health issues made it difficult for Benelli to continue having him perform. It could be an insurance issue as I'm sure Benelli had to carry coverage on his performances. I hope he had a good pension and that he can continue to free lance if he chooses and is able to do it.

But in the spirit of support I've removed all my Benelli's from the gun cases and hiding spots in the house and laid them on the curb. They are laying out there right now - in the freezing rain.....
 
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When a 18 year employee is facing serous heath issues, terminating his/her employment during this time shows a real lack of concern or commitment to the person.

Benelli is already back peddling and has issued a statement trying to slow the public back lash that has spread across the inter-net.
 
This was posted today on another forum by one of their moderators.

ACCOKEEK, MD (March 11, 2010) – Benelli USA is very pleased that Tom Knapp’s health has improved enough for him to resume his exhibition shooting on a limited basis. Benelli USA has multiple agreements with Tom Knapp and the only one affected by his health condition was his exhibition show contract. As per Tom’s request his live show schedule for 2010 was cancelled indefinitely until his health allowed him to resume.

In January 2010, Tom informed Benelli USA that he had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that would require a lung transplant. It appeared, at the time, it might take two to three years for Tom to receive a lung transplant. Tom also informed Benelli USA that his condition required that he be on oxygen 24/7, causing the cancellation of his 2010 exhibition schedule and preventing him from attending the 2010 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.

Tom continues to be contracted by Benelli for his participation in the TV show, Benelli’s American Birdhunter. Tom told Benelli USA that he would be unable to participate in the hunts, but he could continue as the on-camera host while Benelli exhibition shooter, Tim Bradley could step in as co-host.

As clearly stated in a letter sent to Tom Knapp in January, “In reference to additional and future business relations and projects, Benelli USA looks forward to continuing a professional relationship with you (Tom Knapp), whenever and wherever opportunities may arise.”

“We at Benelli have been very concerned with Tom's health. It would seem that there has been a considerable misunderstanding that we intend to resolve. It has never been the intention of Benelli USA to sever ties with Tom Knapp,” said Stephen McKelvain, Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “To the contrary, it was our intention to give Tom the time he needed to recuperate fully from his illness in order that he can continue building his legacy as the World’s greatest exhibition shooter of our time.”
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I agree with Uncle Buck. I think everyone is having a "knee jerk" reaction without having all the facts.

As for me I like my Benelli a lot better than I like Tom Knapp. I have been around Tom many times and tipped a few with him. Sorry, but I just don't care for the guy. Tom is stuck on Tom. He's just too arrogant for my liking. He does put on a heck of a shooting demonstation. However, in the competition hunt at the Ringneck Festival in Huron, SD in 2008 Tom went 0 for 4. Four shells is all you get.
 
Dakotazeb said:
I agree with Uncle Buck. I think everyone is having a "knee jerk" reaction without having all the facts.

As for me I like my Benelli a lot better than I like Tom Knapp. I have been around Tom many times and tipped a few with him. Sorry, but I just don't care for the guy. Tom is stuck on Tom. He's just too arrogant for my liking. He does put on a heck of a shooting demonstation. However, in the competition hunt at the Ringneck Festival in Huron, SD in 2008 Tom went 0 for 4. Four shells is all you get.
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I watched the video of that Tom Knapp "hunt". Four shots at an easy straight away rooster, never cut a feather. It was downright funny.

No, I don't wish anything bad on Tom. He's probably an okay guy, and I'm sorry he has health problems, but...why the big outcry against Benelli for one guy? There were likely more than a thousand other folks, just today, who were put on the street by their employer because they got sick. What about them? Are you going to boycott CitiBank, Gage Brothers, Joe's Pizza Place too?
 
...why the big outcry against Benelli for one guy?
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I totally agree. Yes, I feel bad for Tom having these health problems but I doubt he'll have to sign up for food stamps any time soon. But to say you will never have a Benelli in your gun cabinet because of this one issue is really silly. So you don't think Winchester, Remington, Beretta, etc. have never cut someone lose because their health issue prevented them from doing the job? Ya, right!

I personally like Benelli's. My Monte is one of the best guns I've ever owned. It will always be in my gun cabinet and I would not hesitate to add another.

Get a grip guys!
 
Have you ever?

If you have never been "Let GO" by a corporation for ANY reason "beyond your control" you cannot truly appreciate the irony involved. It has happened to me and it is a unique experience.
I am neutral about Tom Knapp. He is a fine shot day in & day out. I will give him that. As far as the 4 shell tourney event. I have done that more times than I would care to admit (whiffing 4 in a row) with no one watching.
What the heck is wrong with a little knee jerk reaction? I think the country MAY have been better off before all this politically correct B.S. (IMO).
The damge control press release from Benelli is a little laughable. I do own a Benelli Montefeltro & it is a fine piece. Will / would I buy another?
Perhaps, depends on Benelli. My gut reaction is "No hurry / probably not".
I am sure Tom Knapp with the name recognition he has etc should do just fine financially. Should be able to pick up endorsements etc.
 
I read Benelli's first press release about releasing Mr. Knapp. If what they say is true in their retraction then maybe they need to hire some better people to write their press releases!!:thumbsup: The first one made it sound like: "he got sick so we fired him". At least that was my take on it.
As for buying another Benelli, I don' think that I ever will but it has nothing to do with this issue!!!
 
I know this thread is old, but just had to share this. I'm watching Tom Knapp duck hunt on the Outdoor Channel and reading this site. Work is kind of slow right now.
 
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