Tom Knapp & Benelli - Updated Information*

[Guest]

From www.tomknapp.net :

Posted: March 09, 2010

Last November / December (2009) Tom Knapp was diagnosed with a possible immune deficiency which may be associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Although the diagnosis is still pending, his doctors have requested that he slow down for awhile. For this reason Tom has kept a low profile since last November, until such time that his strength returns.

Unfortunately after 18 years, Benelli USA has terminated his employment agreement due to his health condition. Although this is untimely and sad, this will allow Tom Knapp to expand his horizons into more independent freelance endeavors.

"As I recover from my Non-Cancer related health issue I look forward to a quick and steady recovery so that I can get back to entertaining my friends, fans, and colleagues across America and throughout the world."

"I look forward to new challenges and excitement as I travel down my new path to success. I thank all my fans and supporters over my career and look forward to giving thanks by future entertainment."

God Bless America! Tom Knapp

 

[WRM]

Re: Tom Knapp & Benelli Part Ways After 18 Years

Tom Knapp could do some tricks, used to look forward to his segments on some hunting show I used to watch. Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to him.

Benelli's new guy is just about as good, maybe better?...
http://www.timbradley.net/

Thanks,

Bill

 

[EddieNFL]

Re: Tom Knapp & Benelli Part Ways After 18 Years

God bless.

 

[Guest]

Re: Tom Knapp & Benelli Part Ways After 18 Years

There appears to be some inconsistency between Benelli believes and what was posted on Tom's site.

<span style="font-weight: bold">ACCOKEEK, MD (March 11, 2010)</span> – 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.”

 

[smokshwn]

Re: Tom Knapp & Benelli Part Ways After 18 Years

I have some personal experience with Tom Knapp and while I do not wish ill health on anyone, I believe his version of the story about as far as I could spit a bowling ball.

 

[CDiPrecision]

Re: Tom Knapp & Benelli Part Ways After 18 Years

They got a new young guy on staff too, so I would venture to think they are planning on replacing him at some point.