Boxgate: 2023 Dad Relays Champion Accused of Foul Play in Car Packing Event

Haddon Heights, NJ – The tranquil town of Haddon Heights is once again gearing up for the highly anticipated 2nd Annual Dad Relays, but not without a whiff of controversy swirling around last year's champion, Andrew DeMaio. Accusations have surfaced from fellow competitor Rick, alleging that DeMaio tampered with the regulation-sized boxes during the crucial Car Packing event in last year’s competition, supposedly giving him an unfair advantage that led to his victory.

According to Rick, multiple witnesses saw DeMaio adjusting the boxes in a manner not consistent with the standard Dad Relay rules. “It’s clear that there was some funny business going on. We all pack like pros, but DeMaio’s trunk looked too perfect. It was like those boxes were made for his car!” exclaimed Rick, who has formally requested that the Dad Relay Committee (DRC) keep a closer eye on DeMaio in this year’s competition.

The event, set to take place on April 27th at 2 pm, has been overshadowed by what the locals are now calling "Boxgate". The Dad Relay Committee issued a brief statement, noting, "We are committed to fair play and are reviewing the concerns raised. We will ensure that all participants adhere strictly to the rules."

Rick has not only called for strict monitoring of DeMaio but is also rallying community support to ban him from this year’s event, circulating a petition at local barbecues and online. “This is about the integrity of Dad Relays. We’re here to have fun, but also to compete honestly. We can’t just ignore what happened last year,” Rick added.

Community members are divided, with some defending DeMaio’s skill and others suspicious of his too-perfect packing technique. As the date of the 2024 Dad Relays approaches, all eyes will be on DeMaio, the boxes, and whether the spirit of competition can withstand the weight of suspicion.

Will this year’s event unfold without a hitch, or will the ghost of last year's controversy loom large over the proceedings? Only time will tell at the Dad Relays in Haddon Heights.