USPPA Reno players, did they get paid?

[floppybear]

A friend of mine just talked to Jeff Gregory awhile ago and he has not gotten paid. (He was the $5000.00 winner). The latest excuse was the check he got from the casino needed 10 days to clear. I think the tourny has been over for more than that. He is one hot cookie.
I have cashed in a lot of Reno tournaments, the Usppa and the Open and have always got paid cash immediately after my elimination match. I do not know why going to a different casino from the Sands would make any difference. A lot of b.s. from Tony as usual.

Yes...if my memory serves me correctly they used to have the monies labelled seperatly in paper envelopes (1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc). That was when Gene Stary was owner of the USPPA. It's sad that Jeff didn't get paid yet. It's just another black mark on the image of pool AGAIN. That's might be another reason why people are playing less pool and more poker. The money is on the table...when you win you get paid in cash immediately. I don't think Tony ran with the money, but he should have paid everyone instantly.

 

[12squared]

Can't hold my tongue any longer!!!!!!!

In my opinion, USPPA was a great organization 15 years ago, but since Tony has taken full control he has drove it into the ground. He uses threats of lawsuits to former friends and room owners that have supported him in the past.

Lately he has been going around to pool rooms that he couldn’t give a shit about 10 years ago because he has burned bridges with past rooms. I have never meet anyone out there that has had any nice things to say about Tony. I had supported him when the USPPA was thrown out of the Sands. That’s right, Tony did not leave the Sands he was excused from the Sands. I tried to help him find his way and offered California Billiard Club as a place to hold his annual event until he could find something or someway back to Reno!!! Tony being Tony, decided to go behind my back and wreck relationships with tournament supporters and sponsors of my room. Getting added money from him was a battle and a fight!

I luckily was smart enough to see right through his BS and I separated myself and my business from Tony before he pulled me under.

I hope that the players and room owners out there see what Tony is doing and refuse to let this guy in. We as owners and players need to stop supporting guys like this. The only reason he is around is because we allow it!!!!!!!! Stop supporting Tony and his events and he will go away!!!!!!!

If this is what happens after you release something your holding (in this case your tongue), I hope you're not holding other parts of your body, that could cause some damage once released! :smile:.

But thanks for sharing your insight. I hope all get paid.

Dave

 

[levartze]

I know that this thread is like beating a dead horse - but I agree with 'cabilliardclub' and his assessement about Tony.

I know if my name is mentioned, he starts spewing how I am 'the bad guy' and whatever. Our room in Alaska played in the USPPA back in late 1980's. It was a good system when Gene Starry was involved.

If anyone really wants the 'skinny' on all of Tony's crazy antics, just ask around - ask anyone that has been in the west coast pool scene for 20 years and you will be astounded at the stories. (players are a good source-but the room owners and promoters are the most knowledgeable sources).

Gene died a couple of years ago. I think Tony pretty much had full control for the last 7-10 years or so - and I think his attitude has ruined the reputation of the system.

In addition, I believe Tony destroyed the possibility of continuing the 9' table events at the Reno Sands.

It is too bad - but my advice: check out who you are going to be doing business with.

I like it when someone tries to pull a fast one and the 'billiard community' catches them. The industry needs to get rid of the bad operators - it just makes ALL of us look bad!

Mark Griffin
markg@playcsipool.com

Mark,

Not paying winners at tournaments is ridiculous and unacceptable... Worse, no clear communications on what happened. I can't think of any excuse that will make Tony Annigoni look good.

Gene Stary, was a very good friend of mine. You are right, he did do an excellent job with running the USPPA; and, Tony has nearly destroyed the USPPA. Yes, there is hope for a USPPA without Annigoni. I just spoke with Gene Stary's wife and real owner of the USPPA; Ambar, was totally surprised to hear about the Reno Event and Tony NOT paying the winners. She was shocked to hear this news and no doubt, has come to the realization that she will have to take a more active role in management of the USPPA, if it is to have any chance of surviving. You can bet she will be talking to Annigoni ASAP...

Mark Griffin, I'd like to personally thank you for all that you do for pool players. You are a "Class Act" Sir!
Bob Beaulieu
WorldPPA

 

[dabarbr]

I know that this thread is like beating a dead horse - but I agree with 'cabilliardclub' and his assessement about Tony.

I know if my name is mentioned, he starts spewing how I am 'the bad guy' and whatever. Our room in Alaska played in the USPPA back in late 1980's. It was a good system when Gene Starry was involved.

If anyone really wants the 'skinny' on all of Tony's crazy antics, just ask around - ask anyone that has been in the west coast pool scene for 20 years and you will be astounded at the stories. (players are a good source-but the room owners and promoters are the most knowledgeable sources).

Gene died a couple of years ago. I think Tony pretty much had full control for the last 7-10 years or so - and I think his attitude has ruined the reputation of the system.

In addition, I believe Tony destroyed the possibility of continuing the 9' table events at the Reno Sands.

It is too bad - but my advice: check out who you are going to be doing business with.

I like it when someone tries to pull a fast one and the 'billiard community' catches them. The industry needs to get rid of the bad operators - it just makes ALL of us look bad!

Mark Griffin
markg@playcsipool.com

Wow! Gene is not with us anymore? I didn't know that and I'm really sorry to hear this.

you, Mr Griffin, remind me of him. He was a good guy that everyone trusted always wanted to do something to promote our game. I remember him in the late sixties and early seventies, prior to the USPPA, running tournaments and some with innovative ideas like handicap straight pool along with other creative ways to create interest in group play. I did get a chance to see him again about five years ago in Reno and he was as pleasant as always. RIP Gene.

 

[FranCrimi]

Being that people are taking the opportunity in this thread to thank each other for the things they do for pool, I would also like to jump in and take the opportunity to say thanks to Tony Annigoni.
I just spent the last two and a half years working closely with him. I think that qualifies me to say a few things.

Pool is a tough industry. We are all trying on the administrative end to do what we think is best for our sport. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes things that we don’t anticipate, happen, just like when Mark had to unfortunately cancel his tournament that was supposed to take place at the U.S. Open, or the Sands event that he had to cancel the last minute due to lack of support.

Or for example, Yen Makabenta, the organizer of the World 10 Ball Championship who over the course of 5 years has paid out millions of dollars to players, and then one day finds himself on the receiving end of a corrupt election board who takes all the money that was supposed to be earmarked for billiards, and uses it for a failing reelection campaign. (At least, that’s my take on what happened), leaving Yen to have to resort to measures like mortgaging his house to pay the players.

Tony Annigoni is a stand up guy in my book, and if something happened with the prize money ---- then something happened that he either didn’t anticipate or couldn’t control. Things happen sometimes. None of us are immune to it. One of the things I admire most about Tony is his unrelenting desire to help inner city kids. I went with him one day to see what he does with the kids. He was amazing. If every pool player out there cared even one tenth of how he cares for those kids, this world would be a much better place.

Back in 2008, we were desperate for a location for the Junior and Wheelchair World Championships. Tony agreed to take on those events when nobody else would. He did it on practically no budget at all. That’s how this industry is. We are all struggling. So, is it the right thing to do to use an unfortunate situation as an opportunity to vent anger and frustration towards someone? I disagree with that tactic.

I wish Tony the very best of everything and I know that whatever undertaking he takes on, that it will always be for the benefit of someone other than himself, because that is the kind of person he is.

 

[jay helfert]

Being that people are taking the opportunity in this thread to thank each other for the things they do for pool, I would also like to jump in and take the opportunity to say thanks to Tony Annigoni.
I just spent the last two and a half years working closely with him. I think that qualifies me to say a few things.

Pool is a tough industry. We are all trying on the administrative end to do what we think is best for our sport. Sometimes we are successful and sometimes things that we don’t anticipate, happen, just like when Mark had to unfortunately cancel his tournament that was supposed to take place at the U.S. Open, or the Sands event that he had to cancel the last minute due to lack of support.

Or for example, Yen Makabenta, the organizer of the World 10 Ball Championship who over the course of 5 years has paid out millions of dollars to players, and then one day finds himself on the receiving end of a corrupt election board who takes all the money that was supposed to be earmarked for billiards, and uses it for a failing reelection campaign. (At least, that’s my take on what happened), leaving Yen to have to resort to measures like mortgaging his house to pay the players.

Tony Annigoni is a stand up guy in my book, and if something happened with the prize money ---- then something happened that he either didn’t anticipate or couldn’t control. Things happen sometimes. None of us are immune to it. One of the things I admire most about Tony is his unrelenting desire to help inner city kids. I went with him one day to see what he does with the kids. He was amazing. If every pool player out there cared even one tenth of how he cares for those kids, this world would be a much better place.

Back in 2008, we were desperate for a location for the Junior and Wheelchair World Championships. Tony agreed to take on those events when nobody else would. He did it on practically no budget at all. That’s how this industry is. We are all struggling. So, is it the right thing to do to use an unfortunate situation as an opportunity to vent anger and frustration towards someone? I disagree with that tactic.

I wish Tony the very best of everything and I know that whatever undertaking he takes on, that it will always be for the benefit of someone other than himself, because that is the kind of person he is.

Fran,

Like you I have known Tony for a long, long time and we've always gotten along fine. I've chosen to ignore a lot of the negativity that has surrounded him for so long. But imo, when it comes to prize money for a major (or even minor) tournament, the money MUST be sacred! If you don't have all prize money in hand ahead of time, you've doing something wrong. All added money should be in an account at the casino. That's the way I've always done it with no problem whatsoever. And all entry fee money is then deposited into the same account.

I will reserve judgement until I hear from Tony, but the fact that players remain unpaid speaks volumes. Because someone has done good deeds before in his life does not make him exempt from criticism. I do appreciate you coming on here to defend Tony. That took some guts on your part. But now Tony needs to make his voice heard, with a very good explanation. Like Mark said earlier, there is no excuse for this kind of conduct. It's so unnecessary, and only damages the reputation of anyone else hoping to promote an event at the same location or even in the same city. I know of what I speak. Reno is not that big a town, and what happens at one casino gets back to the marketing people at all the other casinos. Sad, but true. We all suffer for the mistakes made by someone else.

 

[FranCrimi]

Fran,

Like you I have known Tony for a long, long time and we've always gotten along fine. I've chosen to ignore a lot of the negativity that has surrounded him for so long. But imo, when it comes to prize money for a major (or even minor) tournament, the money MUST be sacred! If you don't have all prize money in hand ahead of time, you've doing something wrong. All added money should be in an account at the casino. That's the way I've always done it with no problem whatsoever. And all entry fee money is then deposited into the same account.

I will reserve judgement until I hear from Tony, but the fact that players remain unpaid speaks volumes. Because someone has done good deeds before in his life does not make him exempt from criticism. I do appreciate you coming on here to defend Tony. That took some guts on your part. But now Tony needs to make his voice heard, with a very good explanation. Like Mark said earlier, there is no excuse for this kind of conduct. It's so unnecessary, and only damages the reputation of anyone else hoping to promote an event at the same location or even in the same city. I know of what I speak. Reno is not that big a town, and what happens at one casino gets back to the marketing people at all the other casinos. Sad, but true. We all suffer for the mistakes made by someone else.

I hear you Jay, and while I certainly respect your right to your opinion, I respectfully disagree. I think Tony should just take care of what he needs to do and be done with it. I'm sure he'll explain whatever needs explaining and to whomever it should be explained to. I hope he doesn't post anything here.

As for judging people, sure, we all do it. I wasn't exactly a happy camper when years ago I spent a substantial amount of money to come to California to play in your LA Open only to find that the WPBA tournament arena you set up was outdoors! I think we had to wait for the fog to lift in the mornings before we could warm up! Well, no it wasn't that extreme, but it was bad, Jay. Playing in a pro event outdoors in a tent? Sure, the prize money was paid, but I sure didn't feel like we got a fair shake. I'm trying to remember --- did we have to squeegee the tables before the matches?

 

[justnick]

annigoni

Just received a email from Tony, He stated that he will deal with all of the complaints when he returns from the Bahamas ......

 

[justnum]

Just received a email from Tony, He stated that he will deal with all of the complaints when he returns from the Bahamas ......

Rumor I heard is a close relative is very sick and needs all his attention and finances.

You can't blame a guy for taking care of family first.

The same source did say that there could've been problems at the bank because a clerk mistakenly entered information incorrectly and he has been weaving through the system to help the players. It isn't his fault if someone else screwed up.

 

[actioncentral]

When I get my check I will take a picture of it and post it up so you can all see that we got paid. Next year, the players will get a check that can be cashed immediately at the casino cage so the players can get their cash the same day
Remember, this is a new facility that the tourney was held at, and there are sure to be a few hiccups along the way. This will not be the same next year, It will all be ironed out.
By the way, my name is Jeff Gregory, I won the tourney and I HAVE 100% Faith that I will be paid for winning the Tournament. I too, am a little bummed about it, but I have patience and know this will not be happening again.
I plan on going to the PEPPERMILL again next year to play this event. This place is AWESOME, any pool player who plays the event will have a good time.

 

[Dudley]

It is interesting how many stick up for Tony although his tournament didn't pay the players.

I understand you like him but isn't it crazy that the prize money wasn't at the pepermill?????

I personally would have a really hard time with buying a plane ticket and paying for my hotel room to not get paid if I happen to place in the tournament.

There is nothing better than coming home with more money then when you left. All the bills that are waiting for you when you get home still need to be paid.

This is the first time I have ever heard of something like this happening.

--Boggles my mind--

Dud

 

[Dudley]

Rumor I heard is a close relative is very sick and needs all his attention and finances.

You can't blame a guy for taking care of family first.

The same source did say that there could've been problems at the bank because a clerk mistakenly entered information incorrectly and he has been weaving through the system to help the players. It isn't his fault if someone else screwed up.

really???

This is the 4th story I have heard.

Which is the real one.

glad I didn't play the tournament.

Dud

 

[jay helfert]

I hear you Jay, and while I certainly respect your right to your opinion, I respectfully disagree. I think Tony should just take care of what he needs to do and be done with it. I'm sure he'll explain whatever needs explaining and to whomever it should be explained to. I hope he doesn't post anything here.

As for judging people, sure, we all do it. I wasn't exactly a happy camper when years ago I spent a substantial amount of money to come to California to play in your LA Open only to find that the WPBA tournament arena you set up was outdoors! I think we had to wait for the fog to lift in the mornings before we could warm up! Well, no it wasn't that extreme, but it was bad, Jay. Playing in a pro event outdoors in a tent? Sure, the prize money was paid, but I sure didn't feel like we got a fair shake. I'm trying to remember --- did we have to squeegee the tables before the matches?

I stand before you guilty as charged! Actually this event was played in an enclosed tent on a patio area of Hollywood Park. Who knew that we were going to run into unseasonably cold and damp weather in Los Angeles at that time of year. If the weather had co-operated (i.e. the usual sunny and fair) no one would have ever complained or even noticed. In hindsight I would have needed a crystal ball to predict this one.

I wasn't too happy about it either and felt the wrath of many of the women players, justifiably so. To this day, Allison reminds me about it in a joking way once in a while. I made a mistake, no question about it. Truth be told, we had no other area large enough to hold the tournament in at that time. It was either going to be in the tent or not at all. Did I pay ALL the prize money as promised? Absolutely! I'm glad you remembered that part as well. And no we never had to squeegee the tables and I brought in ten of those large area heaters to help warm the playing area. It did help a little.

 

[justnum]

really???

This is the 4th story I have heard.

Which is the real one.

glad I didn't play the tournament.

Dud

I think I am suppose to ask you which one will inspire you to leave the promoter alone for awhile. Do you like imagining he is working a bank problem because Wall Street banks are always trying to stiff people? Do you like imagining he is aiding an ill relative, which could be terminal? Which one buys more time?

 

[actioncentral]

DUD, Annigoni says you got 2 on the wire going to 8. Lol. next time we play, you got to be more than 10 bucks a game. You are a student of the game of one pocket, you just dont veer too far from home, that is fine, but if I travel to play some with you, can we play for at least fifty a game? Thanks Bud.

 

[spktur]

DUD, Annigoni says you got 2 on the wire going to 8. Lol. next time we play, you got to be more than 10 bucks a game. You are a student of the game of one pocket, you just dont veer too far from home, that is fine, but if I travel to play some with you, can we play for at least fifty a game? Thanks Bud.

Why would anyone play a deadbeat who doesn't pay off?

 

[Dudley]

I think I am suppose to ask you which one will inspire you to leave the promoter alone for awhile. Do you like imagining he is working a bank problem because Wall Street banks are always trying to stiff people? Do you like imagining he is aiding an ill relative, which could be terminal? Which one buys more time?

Ok,

I guess I should leave him alone cuz he's the victim here....

I just hope the players get paid.

I don't have any interest in bashing anyone any more than I have. I just like the idea of knowing when I invest in going to a tournament that the funds will be there for the players who finish in the money.

Dud

 

[Dudley]

DUD, Annigoni says you got 2 on the wire going to 8. Lol. next time we play, you got to be more than 10 bucks a game. You are a student of the game of one pocket, you just dont veer too far from home, that is fine, but if I travel to play some with you, can we play for at least fifty a game? Thanks Bud.

Thats It????

I would need atleast 4!!! (and of course all the breaks)

Dud

 

[justnum]

Ok,

I guess I should leave him alone cuz he's the victim here....

I just hope the players get paid.

I don't have any interest in bashing anyone any more than I have. I just like the idea of knowing when I invest in going to a tournament that the funds will be there for the players who finish in the money.

Dud

Just saying that is how some "businesses operate." At least he isn't promising an even bigger payout but it failed because the online gaming regulations changed and that collapsed the IPO for a start-up.

I don't mean to drag it on, just saying there is a common thread in these stories. I am trying to emphasize the common thread portion and not incite anger.

In short some people are the same and they do business the same way. The things that change are the people they do business with.

 

[Dudley]

Just saying that is how some "businesses operate." At least he isn't promising an even bigger payout but it failed because the online gaming regulations changed and that collapsed the IPO for a start-up.

I don't mean to drag it on, just saying there is a common thread in these stories. I am trying to emphasize the common thread portion and not incite anger.

In short some people are the same and they do business the same way. The things that change are the people they do business with.

Comparing this instance to others doesn't justify what happened.

My sole point is that I feel really bad for the players who thought they had some dough coming.

I think that it is very hard to explain this away no matter what the circumstances.

Dudley