JMI Steroid Scandal Part 2

AP. 
Augusta, ME
Controversy continues to swirl concerning the revelation that the winner of the long drive competition at the JIM6, Joseph Roger Merrill, 37, of Brunswick, ME tested positive for elevated levels of performance enhancing testosterone 450% above the normal range.  Merrill was contacted to give his side of the story however, due to the fallout from last week's public statements; his lawyers have insisted that he refrain from speaking with the press.

Taken in isolation the incident appears horribly inconsistent for Merrill who after all is a member of the honored profession of accounting.  But events of the past persist in percolating to the surface like a bad batch of coffee that will not go away.  The tawdry picture emerging is of a desperate man determined to hold onto a crown - any crown by all means possible.

JMI Classic IV - 2000
In this exclusive scoop this paper is in contact with a confidant of Merrill's:  Marshal Dugas of
Cumberland County, Maine.  Mr. Dugas an itinerant worker has provided dates and receipts that corroborate the following story behind the scenes of the JMI 2000.  The following is the sworn testimony of Mr. Dugas.

"I happened to bump into Joe Merrill in late July of 2000.  It was in my regular bar.  I remember that it crossed my mind on how unusual it was to see him there, but I've learned that when I meet anyone who might buy me a free drink I keep my mouth shut."

"So we had a few drinks and Joe was much more friendly with me than he was in college.  After buying another round he asked how I was doing and that he might have a "little job" for me.  Seems he wanted me to go to the Willowdale Golf Club and when the time came push his ball ahead of some he called "The Runt".  He acted very casual like it was a great joke, but his eyes were cold - bitter.  I just looked away and grabbed another beer, but agreed to do it - it was good easy money - ho wouldn't?"

He gave me $100 with an additional $150 to come after the "prank".   Well when the day came, I hid in the trees where I had been instructed.  I must confess though that it was very warm out and I had a couple beers and fell asleep.  Missed it all. Boy was Joe furious he chased after me with a golf club until I fell in the water and got away.  Haven't seen him since.

JMI Classic VI - 2002
Even close friends are not immune.  Brock Kwiatkowsky, 36, of
Marietta, GA, Merrill's college roommate at the University of Maine, found himself stunned by news of the scandal.  "I just couldn't believe what I was reading.  I thought that it must be some other Joe Merrill, not the one I know."

But soon other "coincidences" gave Mr. Kwiatkowsky thoughts of other possibilities.  "Suddenly I began to make connections between small things that in isolation would seem innocuous but when taken as a whole present a different picture.  Look at this year:  I was all set to fly in for the tournament - then I happened to mention to David Matero that I was buying a Titanium Big Bertha Driver.  I can't say for whether Dave mentioned it to Joe or not, but whoosh, next thing you know the JMI had been rescheduled to a different weekend. 

"Funny thing was that Joe told me that he switched the dates so he could attend a Boston Red Sox game at Camden Yards in
Baltimore, and I wished him well.  But I have it on good account that he never went…"


Next Week:  The Fallout and The Future

 

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