Kill me now, please.
When your "wrench buddy" checked the bearing, did he make sure the bearing tang was seated in the rod & rod cap? I see a rebuild, or engine change in your near future. As stated in some previous posts, he would be an ex-friend & if it were me I'd be getting some money or hide for my troubles. No one touches the rotating assembly in my car. I double check myself because I've pulled some real boners on my own...