Note: The change in JAM schedule has reopened the door for Ed McDowell to compete for the title of The JAM's Strongest Man. McDowell is expected to appear at The Bailout JAM on Aug. 15. The following is the initial news report from April:

McDowell disqualified from Strongest Man JAM Commissioner announces changes to event YONKERS, N.Y. (April 14, 2009) -- Ed McDowell may have been on his way to becoming The JAM's Strongest Man in 2007, but he won't hold that title. JAM Commissioner Mike Campoli announced today that other competitors will be given a chance to contend for the position of Strongest Man. McDowell, the preliminary leader, is disqualified for absenteeism. "Since this is the second consecutive year in which (McDowell) has missed The JAM, which is a weak showing, Ed has been declared ineligible to compete for the title of Strongest Man," Campoli said. R.T. McShane finished second in the preliminary rounds at The Johnny Cash Pasta JAM in 2007, winning the caber toss. McDowell's consistent top-two finishes in individual events made him the favorite going to the final event, a mano-a-mano arm-wrestling match. As daylight slipped away, that event had to be postponed to 2008. Neither competitor showed up at the Performance Enhancing JAM, and McDowell received the Steven R. Testa Soft Award for his truancy. McDowell was defiant last year but deferential this time. "I can't deny it," he said. "A weak showing for a strong man." McDowell's repeat absence sets up a final showdown for the title. If McShane appears this year, he will face a challenge from one of the two JAMmers who tied for third in 2007, Rob Andrusco or Tony Gerrits. Andrusco and Gerrits will compete in a preliminary competition to decide the spot in the final. If McShane does not appear, Andrusco and Gerrits will arm-wrestle for the championship May 30 at this year's JAM. If both McShane and Gerrits are not present, Andrusco will compete against the highest remaining JAMmer in attendance, from among Pher Hale, Kelvin Cabrera and Brad Sherman.