Earl tossed out of SBE...

[KMRUNOUT]

The whole tournament. The tournament director, Frank Delpizo, (sp?) and Earl had words in an earlier round. Apparently Earl just did something again, and Frank wasted no time in ejecting him. He then said over the PA that by doing whatever he was doing, Earl was disrespecting Alen Hopkins. This Frank guy seems like a real winner... We all know what to expect out of Earl, but I don't think it's so bad that he needs to be ejected from the tournament. What a disappointment to Earl's fans!

BTW, this is the same tournament director that wouldn't allow the Earl v Alex P match to be played on the 'tv' table so that it could be streamed for the fans to see. His reasoning was that Earl had already played once on that table, and Alex had not. What a joke. We, the fans, lost out on that one as well do to him. Can we vote to eject the tournament director?

I couldn't disagree more with your opinion expressed here. I think that Frank is an excellent tournament director. I've seen him at many many tourneys over the years in various venues. He does not take crap from anyone, and I respect that. He treats everyone the same. Come in, play your match, sit in your chair while your opponent shoots, close your mouth while your opponent shoots...your know, basic respectful behavior...that is what he demands form everyone equally. I don't think he picks on anyone. He simply enforces the code of professional conduct at a nice event like this. Earl was being a total ass. I like watching Earl for sure. He was one of the best ever, and still is great to watch play. But he is a terrible sport often. He was called on it this time. He was held to the standard of adulthood. I say nice job Frank.

KMRUNOUT

 

[KMRUNOUT]

I would rather see a great player shoot pool than a director enforce a rule unless Earl was jumping up and down on top of the table or something.

I'm glad I didn't spend money to go all they way to the tournament and see that.

Earl was smashing his shaft on the table while other matches were going on around him. It was quite disruptive. I would have been pissed big time if *anyone* did that while I was shooting.

 

[KMRUNOUT]

Wow I'm glad I had my Doctor's appointment today and was planning to leave for the SBE a while ago. Now I can stay home and won't ever attend or exhibit at the SBE again! That guy is a piss poor excuse for a tournament director! He's had a vendetta against Earl for years and was just looking for any excuse, as ridiculous as it was, to eject Earl! Allen needs to re-think who he has directing his tournament. I don't see why he doesn't hire one of the professional directors like Ken Shuman or Scott Smith instead of using morons like this goof! Oh well I'll save a few grand that I would have spent there this year and no telling how much I'll save in the future by not going to or exhibiting at the SBE ever again! What a joke!

sounds like you've got all the facts.

 

[beamracing]

I was there. All Earl did was ask the td where his opponent was in a polite way as hard as that may be to believe for some of you. But that was all he did and the td just blew up and told him how unprofessional he was and that was it he was gone. Trust me the a**hole td was the unprofessional one. He is def on a power trip. If he was gonna kick him out of the tournament he shouldve done it when he was having trouble with him earlier in the day. I know im only one spectator but I wont be back just because of that poor excuse of a so called td. I see why he only directs one tournament now.

 

[JAM]

The way I see it, when you have a player with a rep for showing his ass & and a TD who loves being an ass, there aren't too many ways that ends well.

I met Frank Del Pizzo at one of Allen Hopkins and Matt Brauer's Skin Billiards Championship. I think it was in 2005, subject to check. I believe that Frank and Allen are friends. Frank was/is a stand-up comedian by profession. I thought he complemented the atmopshere at the high-profile pool tournaments.

Allen Hopkins has his hands full running the SBE. He has so many pool events happening simultaneously. I do like the SBE, and Allen goes out of his way for the players, unlike some of his staff in previous years who had pitbull personalities at the gate. Thankfully, some of those staff no longer work at the SBE.

Allen is very approachable. If anyone has any suggestions for future events or complaints, he is all ears.

I have seen Frank Del Pizzo work as a TD at several pool events for Allen. He always had a pleasant demeanor each time I saw him. It is true that Earl Strickland is a crowd favorite, an American thoroughbred champion, but he does *not* deserve special treatment. I used to be a strong Earl advocate, but I found out that Earl is only loyal to Earl and does *not* give a damn about anything other than Earl's well-being, even if it's at the expense of those who used to support him unconditionally.

Sorry, Earl, but maybe *you* are a "has-been." Better enjoy the stage while you have one to shoot on.

 

[KMRUNOUT]

I just booted from chat because I was asking what Earl did to get booted. No one has answered that question. Then the mods called me a jacktard and told me to stfu. When I inquired about being called a jacktard (lol kinda funny) I got booted. Earl (god) if your out there, we love you and from what alot of us can gather, you did nothing to deserve getting booted. I feel bad for anyone with money on Earl.
Mods Suck it!

I was sitting 10 feet from Earl during the match with Alex. Earl was doing his normal ranting, which was actually kind of funny. Some of his quotes were "Everyone thinks I'm the asshole. Well let me tell you, there are a LOT of assholes in this game. A LOT." About 10 seconds after that, Earl begins repeatedly smashing his shaft on the table. Frank said "Earl...Earl!!!" He almost had a pleading sorrowful tone to his voice. He rather politely told him that he couldn't abuse the equipment like that. He then more loudly and authoritatively told him "You're not the only one playing here. You are disrespecting the other players and I won't tolerate it. This is your final warning." Earl muttered something about not wanting to be here. So Frank said "so leave...you don't have to stay. Do you want to go?" Earl muttered something else, and Frank again said something like "ok, you want to leave now?" Earl basically said no I'll finish the match. So he did. The rack ended with Alex winning the match. Earl shook his hand, said something to Alex I couldn't hear. Alex chuckled. Earl walked out. About 10 minutes later, my friend comes into the pro arena and said that Earl was outside yelling and swearing. So this is a pro player swearing louding and making a scene at an even filled with amateurs and children (they have an under 14 bracket for crying out loud!). You think that promotes pool, or enhances the event? My guess is that him being ejected was a result of this, because I didn't see Earl again after that.

That's what I know.

KMRUNOUT

 

[JAM]

Oh, BTW, here's an old picture of Frank Del Pizzo from 2005 posing with a player from California taken at the Resorts in Atlantic City.

 

[KMRUNOUT]

I was there. All Earl did was ask the td where his opponent was in a polite way as hard as that may be to believe for some of you. But that was all he did and the td just blew up and told him how unprofessional he was and that was it he was gone. Trust me the a**hole td was the unprofessional one. He is def on a power trip. If he was gonna kick him out of the tournament he shouldve done it when he was having trouble with him earlier in the day. I know im only one spectator but I wont be back just because of that poor excuse of a so called td. I see why he only directs one tournament now.

so you witnessed the whole stick smashing episode and the *final* warning he received earlier? You witnessed the yelling and swearing in front of all the amateurs and kids? You're cool with that?

 

[Luxury]

I will add one thing: John McEnroe was a lot better than just a "decent" player.

 

[beamracing]

so you witnessed the whole stick smashing episode and the *final* warning he received earlier? You witnessed the yelling and swearing in front of all the amateurs and kids? You're cool with that?

I was not there for that and thats definitely not acceptable. If he was gonnna take any actions he shouldve did it then is all im saying. We all know how Earl can be but you cant penalize him when he's not doing anything wrong regardless of his past. You cool with that?

 

[real bartram]

Wow I'm glad I had my Doctor's appointment today and was planning to leave for the SBE a while ago. Now I can stay home and won't ever attend or exhibit at the SBE again! That guy is a piss poor excuse for a tournament director! He's had a vendetta against Earl for years and was just looking for any excuse, as ridiculous as it was, to eject Earl! Allen needs to re-think who he has directing his tournament. I don't see why he doesn't hire one of the professional directors like Ken Shuman or Scott Smith instead of using morons like this goof! Oh well I'll save a few grand that I would have spent there this year and no telling how much I'll save in the future by not going to or exhibiting at the SBE ever again! What a joke!

sherm as a player earl will shark you even if you are just playing
on a table close to him.
thats not fair to the players trying to play.
kick him out good for the tourney dir.

 

[richiebalto]

I met Frank Del Pizzo at one of Allen Hopkins and Matt Brauer's Skin Billiards Championship. I think it was in 2005, subject to check. I believe that Frank and Allen are friends. Frank was/is a stand-up comedian by profession. I thought he complemented the atmoshere at the high-profile pool tournaments.

Allen Hopkins has his hands full running the SBE. He has so many pool events happening simultaneously. I do like the SBE, and Allen goes out of his way for the players, unlike some of his staff in previous years who had pitbull personalities at the gate. Thankfully, some of those staff no longer work at the SBE.

Allen is very approachable. If anyone has any suggestions for future events or complaints, he is all ears.

I have seen Frank Del Pizzo work as a TD at several pool events for Allen. He always had a pleasant demeanor each time I saw him. It is true that Earl Strickland is a crowd favorite, an American thoroughbred champion, but he does *not* deserve special treatment. I used to be a strong Earl advocate, but I found out that Earl is only loyal to Earl and doesn't give a damn about anything other than Earl's well-being.

Sorry, Earl, but maybe *you* are a "has-been." Better enjoy the stage while you have one to shoot on.

No disrespect to u jam,but i think frank the td should go back to comedy because he makes a perfect clown,even looks like one,i got there,in the pro room right after earl was tossed,i heard good and bad both ways,so i cant comment on any of that cause i was not there,but one thing that i heard was the td clapping for parica when he won a game against earl,now that is bullshit,the td is suppose to be there to call good or bad hits,and to fairly over see the game,not clap for any 1 player while doing his job,if i was earl i would of gotten toss right there.while i was there the td just talked out loud when ever he felt like saying something,congradulating players out loud on the mic,as soon as they were elimulated,(while other players are still playing there matches)well thanks for playing,and we will see you next year and to top it off the td says oh btw you play jam up,to all the guys that just got sent home.the td is a clown,he should go back to comedy or the circus!

 

[phread59]

I'm kinda hesitant to post this. But the TD did Earl a favour. This is PA. We were all tought to respect our opponents and other players. Earl's shennanigans is the kind of thing that could set off someone from my area (Central PA). All it would take is a very inappropriate comment and/or action and Earl would get hurt. People from Central PA (and there are lots of them at SBE) are kind and respectful until someone acts like Earl. It is very possible someone coulda popped him one in the kisser. He has great abilities and that is not in dispute. However he has anger issues HE MUST ADDRESS!!!!

I do not see much of a future for him if he does not change. This damn well could set the precident that puts Earl on the sidelines for good. This I feel was a wakeup call. I hope he gets the help he needs.

Mark Shuman

 

[JAM]

No disrespect to u jam,but i think frank the td should go back to comedy....

I don't take it as disrespect, Richie, because I can understand your thoughts for sure. Plus, you are there and I am not.

With that said, I have seen Earl Strickland up front and close on the field, off the field, before events, after events, on the rail, et cetera, and he has always been very polite to me personally.

What is a shame is that Earl Strickland, as everyone knows, is his own worst enemy. I do have a great deal of sympathy for anyone who suffers with medical problems. Earl from time to time gets kidney stones and has competed in a great deal of pain in the past, where other players would just not show up. He does care about the fans in this respect.

His difficulty is that he cannot accept some things in the pool world and has very strong feelings about them. That is because he is very passionate about pool.

The actions of Frank the TD are actually kind of similar to Earl's actions on the table. Fight fire with fire and an eye for an eye, as they say. Earl has been given a long leash at pool tournaments for years now, and it's not fair to the other players. Maybe if Earl is given a short leash, he will refrain from impeding on the rights of his fellow players.

All players should be treated equally, and Earl is no different. Again, I wasn't there, but if Frank and Earl have a previous history together, Earl should have swallowed his pride, suck it up, and played pool. As it is now, who gets hurt in this? Earl loses those precious BCA ranking points he needs to compete in the beloved Mosconi Cup. The fans who paid money to watch the pro event don't get to see Earl strut his stuff, and Allen Hopkins has to face the rage and/or praise, depending on where you stand, of the opinionated pool peeps about this particular incident.

It sickens me to see pool players get favoritism at pool tournaments. Again, all players should be treated equally. If Earl can't stand the heat, then he should get out of the kitchen. If Earl still has a little lightning left in the jug and wants to play pool professionally, then he needs to adjust. If he doesn't change his demeanor, Earl Strickland will become the Charlie Sheen of the pool world and find himself with no job.

 

[$TAKE HOR$E]

After the match.......

Not a wise move on Earls part.

 

[Roy Steffensen]

Some facts regarding the Mosconi Cup and points-events.

These tournaments give points for Matchroom's private Race to the Mosconi ranking. SBE is not one of them, so Earl will still be #1 on the ranking after the SBE

http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=8354

The Events (for Team USA)

Steve Mizerak Championship 4-7 November.
Turning Stone Winter 16-19 December
The Masters 1-5 March
Ultimate Ten Ball Championship 21-24 April
US Open 10-Ball Championship 16-21 May
World Pool Masters 1-5 June
China Open 6 -12 June
World 9 Ball Championship 25 June – 2 July
Turning Stone Summer 11-14 August
Beijing Open 15-28 August
The US Open 9-Ball Championship 16-22 October

 

[JAM]

Some facts regarding the Mosconi Cup and points-events.

These tournaments give points for Matchroom's private Race to the Mosconi ranking. SBE is not one of them.

The Events (for Team USA)

Steve Mizerak Championship 4-7 November.
Turning Stone Winter 16-19 December
The Masters 1-5 March
Ultimate Ten Ball Championship 21-24 April
US Open 10-Ball Championship 16-21 May
World Pool Masters 1-5 June
China Open 6 -12 June
World 9 Ball Championship 25 June – 2 July
Turning Stone Summer 11-14 August
Beijing Open 15-28 August
The US Open 9-Ball Championship 16-22 October

Subject to check, of course, but I think I recall reading something that Allen made a phone call to somebody from the WPA and was given the green light to have the pro event be a BCA ranking point event. I'm not sure about this, though.

I do believe the Mosconi Cup takes into consideration the BCA ranking points as it pertains to who represents Team USA. Maybe next year, we can have Mika on Team USA since he's now ranked by the organizational entity that represents the United States of America. That would be nice.

 

[JAM]

Next month's Players Championship has been including in the list of
American Mosconi Cup ranking events.

The competition, which will be held at the Valley Forge Convention Center, King of Prussia,
Pennsylvania, runs from Thursday, March 10 to Sunday, March 13.

Source: http://www.azbilliards.com/2000storya.php?storynum=8449
[Retrieved 12 March 2011]

 

[Roy Steffensen]

Subject to check, of course, but I think I recall reading something that Allen made a phone call to somebody from the WPA and was given the green light to have the pro event be a BCA ranking point event. I'm not sure about this, though.

I do believe the Mosconi Cup takes into consideration the BCA ranking points as it pertains to who represents Team USA. Maybe next year, we can have Mika on Team USA since he's now ranked by the organizational entity that represents the United States of America. That would be nice.

I added a link. BCA points are worthless for the Mosconi. Might be worth something for other events, but not Mosconi.

Mika is European and will always be. He will never represent America in the Mosconi Cup, that's for sure

 

[JAM]

I added a link. BCA points are worthless
for the Mosconi. Might be worth something for other events, but not Mosconi.

I might tend to agree with the BCA ranking points as worthless, as I feel the BCA
is worthless to the future of American profesional pool.

With that said, the pro event at the SBE is a Mosconi Cup ranking event.
Please read above.

Mika is European and will always be. He will never represent
America in the Mosconi Cup, that's for sure

How nice the Europeans get the best of both worlds.