Don Harmon, one of five horsemen currently suspended from racing as a result of ongoing race fixing allegations in the state of Michigan, has spoken out on the situation, as he has gone on the record as saying, "I am innocent
, 100 per cent."
Harmon's comments have come via an article on mlive.com.
The article also quotes Dan Rakieten, who is now the general manager of the Michigan Harness Horsemen's Association, as saying that he doubts there was any race fixing taking place in the state.
In the article, Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Rick Kalm explained that horsemen Harmon, Donald Currier, Jr., Wally McIlmurray, John Moody and Richard Ray were suspended from racing for one year on May 21.
According to Kalm, the five horsemen were questioned about race fixing and asked to turn over financial records. They refused to cooperate. Because they did not cooperate, as required by their racing licenses, they were suspended.
Kalm said the suspension does not mean the five are guilty of anything else. "The license is a privilege, and that's how we view it," he said. "We need transparency and cooperation going forward."
(With files from mlive.com)