I have been in shock for the past few hours since reading of Edwin's murder. This is a black day for pool worldwide when an advocate of fairness for the players is brutally slain for those ideals. Like many here I followed the saga on AZ and a few times I played devil's advocate to Edwin's position and each time he was able to eloquently and logically make his point. This was a man who stood on the side of right and should not have had to die for trying to make a better world. Although I am angry and sad and want to point fingers and make accusations I know that this will do nothing as those responsible are probably well insulated from justice and accusing them might incite them to further violence.
Instead I propose that we of AZ Billiards do what we can to insure that the name Edwin "Bandido" Reyes lives on FOREVER in Philippine Billiards. To do this I say we of AZ Billiards should sponsor an Annual Tournament that is titled the Edwin Reyes Memorial. We should finance this event through donations and fundraisers and soliciting sponsors. I know that the billiard world is stretched thin financially but the fight that Edwin so passionately fought was something that he hoped would ignite a spark worldwide and be a model for the players to stand up for themselves. And I believe it would have.
I propose that we create this tournament for all players regardless of affiliation, without the need to qualify, without the need to be sanctioned. An independent gift to the players where each is paid an appearance fee commensurate with the time they spend in the tournament.
Let this tournament stand as the player's tournament free of promoters, free of organizations vying for power, free of corruption.
I don't know who wants to join me but I will commit money and time to seeing this come together.
Lastly, I want to donate to help Edwin's family through this tough time. If any of Edwin's friends on this board have the capacity to accept donations and can get them to the family please post how to get the money to you.
Please my fellow pool fans, do not let this man's memory and what he stood for die with him!
Sincerely,
John Barton
Instead I propose that we of AZ Billiards do what we can to insure that the name Edwin "Bandido" Reyes lives on FOREVER in Philippine Billiards. To do this I say we of AZ Billiards should sponsor an Annual Tournament that is titled the Edwin Reyes Memorial. We should finance this event through donations and fundraisers and soliciting sponsors. I know that the billiard world is stretched thin financially but the fight that Edwin so passionately fought was something that he hoped would ignite a spark worldwide and be a model for the players to stand up for themselves. And I believe it would have.
I propose that we create this tournament for all players regardless of affiliation, without the need to qualify, without the need to be sanctioned. An independent gift to the players where each is paid an appearance fee commensurate with the time they spend in the tournament.
Let this tournament stand as the player's tournament free of promoters, free of organizations vying for power, free of corruption.
I don't know who wants to join me but I will commit money and time to seeing this come together.
Lastly, I want to donate to help Edwin's family through this tough time. If any of Edwin's friends on this board have the capacity to accept donations and can get them to the family please post how to get the money to you.
Please my fellow pool fans, do not let this man's memory and what he stood for die with him!
Sincerely,
John Barton