Save Barry Behrman's US Open events

[justnum]

Barry Behrman's US Open events are at risk for failing unless the ABP lifts their proposed boycott.

No one wants to see the US Open events vanish again. But who can convince Barry that the changes proposed by the ABP are for the better?

If Barry thinks the US Open event will still be worth his effort without the ABP player attendance then he wants the US Open to collapse.

 

[Mole Eye]

Just for clarification, what are the ABP's demands? I know they want the money in escrow so that they can be paid immediately after the event, and that would be ideal, but are there any other changes they are asking for?

 

[Rich R.]

Just for clarification, what are the ABP's demands? I know they want the money in escrow so that they can be paid immediately after the event, and that would be ideal, but are there any other changes they are asking for?

In addition to the money in escrow, the ABP wants their members seeded to give them a better chance at winning a share of that prize money.

If there was a lot of money in pool, the money in escrow would not be a problem. However, we all know there is no money in pool. Promoters, including Barry, need the gate money and entry fees to pay prizes. They do not have the money laying around to put in escrow.

The players should be getting together to help promoters, not threatening them with boycotts.

If the ABP thinks it is so easy to promote an event and raise the prize money for an escrow account, why aren't they doing it themselves? No, they rather sit back and make a lot of demands and threaten promoters.

 

[JAM]

In addition to the money in escrow, the ABP wants their members seeded to give them a better chance at winning a share of that prize money.

If there was a lot of money in pool, the money in escrow would not be a problem. However, we all know there is no money in pool. Promoters, including Barry, need the gate money and entry fees to pay prizes. They do not have the money laying around to put in escrow.

The players should be getting together to help promoters, not threatening them with boycotts.

If the ABP thinks it is so easy to promote an event and raise the prize money for an escrow account, why aren't they doing it themselves? No, they rather sit back and make a lot of demands and threaten promoters.

I agree with you about Barry, and I'm definitely a strong U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship supporter.

That said, I believe the ABP is trying to put pressure on Barry to change the error of his ways as far as how he is running the event.

I like this event, and I have fun. It's a well-run event in my eyes. To the players, though, some of them not getting paid for long durations of time, they, I think, suggested a boycott to get Barry's attention. :embarrassed2:

And guess what? It worked!

It's not my business how Barry and his daughter Shannon handle the business affairs of the U.S. Open. I have noticed that there are not as many vendors as there used to be at this tournament. I believe there are things that can be done differently to ensure the payouts. It might mean cutting back on extravaganza, like that convention center, though it is pretty cool.

I think the latest press release from Barry says he and the ABP legal counsel are set to have a powwow. I think we all can agree that we want both sides to walk away happy! :smile:

 

[Mickey Qualls]

In addition to the money in escrow, the ABP wants their members seeded to give them a better chance at winning a share of that prize money.

If there was a lot of money in pool, the money in escrow would not be a problem. However, we all know there is no money in pool. Promoters, including Barry, need the gate money and entry fees to pay prizes. They do not have the money laying around to put in escrow.

The players should be getting together to help promoters, not threatening them with boycotts.

If the ABP thinks it is so easy to promote an event and raise the prize money for an escrow account, why aren't they doing it themselves? No, they rather sit back and make a lot of demands and threaten promoters.

The money is escrow would be ideal. However, if that can't happen, then there needs to be a clear understanding of how and when players will be paid.
If the US Open can guarantee, say $50,000 (just to pick a random number) before the gate money, etc, then base the payout schedule on that. So if the winner is promised $10,000, then the US Open will pay the winner a minimum of $5,000 now, and the remainder within 30/60/90 days, or whatever terms are agreed upon (all based on the guaranteed money). If the gate takes in enough to pay EVERYBODY that day, then pay them ASAP.
Everything I've read in regards to getting paid at the US Open is that BB pays everyone eventually. And that it hasn't been a secret that payouts from this event take the time that they do.

I can respect the position of the ABP wanting to have the monies upfront. But if BB makes it known prior to the event that some players will not be paid entirely at the conclusion of the event, then anyone in the money has no leg to stand on when it comes to immediately getting paid or not.

If I am considering playing in a tournament, and the TD tells me PRIOR TO THE EVENT that if I win, I have to wait 60 days for some or all of my money, it is then MY choice as to play or not.

Pro or not, if you can't wait the 60 days for your money, it's simple. Don't play.

 

[Mickey Qualls]

As far as seeding goes ?

There's another thread talking about fixing games, cutting up prize money, and throwing each other savers.

I enter a tournament with a friend. In the first round we are drawn to play each other. It's the nature of the beast. If my friend and I don't meet until a money match, I beat him, and I want to throw him a saver (his entry fee), that's one thing. I don't see that as dishonest.
But if I decide to do that, then you shouldn't hear me b****in' about the money.

To decide to 'dump', or 'chop the prize money' ? That's something else entirely. If I'm a potential sponsor, just hearing that players, especially the 'pros', are the ones responsible for 'chopping' or 'dumping' is going to have a huge influence when considering whether or not I want to associate my product with that type of behavior.

One of the big questions with this is, do the railbirds know about the dump or chop ? Are there sleepers in the crowd that know who's going to dump and who's not ?

Can one of the pros answer this question ? Are the players involved with a dump or chop the only ones who know ?

 

[SCCues]

I have noticed that there are not as many vendors as there used to be at this tournament.

JAM,

I didn't see you or Keith at last years US Open, but I have to disagree with you on this statement. There were so many vendors last year that Meullers had to set up there large display in the old area way around the hall way that used to be the area for eating!

James

 

[Black-Balled]

Barry Behrman's US Open events are at risk for failing unless the ABP lifts their proposed boycott.

No one wants to see the US Open events vanish again. But who can convince Barry that the changes proposed by the ABP are for the better?

If Barry thinks the US Open event will still be worth his effort without the ABP player attendance then he wants the US Open to collapse.

I don't think the Open would be a failure if the ABP folks boycott. the event wouldn't be as great as it could be, but it is bigger than the sum of players that are poised to boycott. There are plenty of lesser players that would likely pay extra if the ABP world-beater list was guaranteed to stay out.

And seeding- jeeziz. As if being better players didn't already give them an advantage :slap:. It is an open event..put your $ in- or let Barry do it, ungrateful past winners- and play the match you are called for. And while I am on the soapbox, quit friggin crying when you get beat by a lesser player. The criteria for winning is quite clear: first one to 11.

I am in complete agreement with the ABP's belief that cashers should be paid in a timely fashion, I just think it is going about it the wrong way.

Tell ya what it needs to do: Collect membership fees and purchase an insurance policy protecting members against non-payment.

 

[JAM]

JAM,

I didn't see you or Keith at last years US Open, but I have to disagree with you on this statement. There were so many vendors last year that Meullers had to set up there large display in the old area way around the hall way that used to be the area for eating!

James

That is great news. I made my statement based on what a vendor at the event told me. They said that there were not as many vendor booths as in previous years.

I'm glad to hear that vendor booths are plentiful. That's a needed revenue source. :smile:

 

[cigardave]

You know what, if the pros won't support the US Open, perhaps the amateurs will.

As others have mentioned here, the pros should be working with the promoters... not making demands on them and threatening to boycott the event.

The pros are in no position to make demands, imo.

 

[Black-Balled]

...
The pros are in no position to make demands, imo.

I asked in another thread and never did see a reply:
What value does the ABP add to an event, other than appearance?

I am still not clear on that and the answer is crucial to its legitimacy, as an entity...IMO.

 

[JAM]

I asked in another thread and never did see a reply:
What value does the ABP add to an event, other than appearance?

I am still not clear on that and the answer is crucial to its legitimacy, as an entity...IMO.

I think -- and I may be wrong -- that the attendees who pay gate fees to go to the event may enjoy professional-caliber style of play more so than, say, an amateur who may not perform as well as a so-called "pro."

In essence, the pro players can be considered a product to lure in spectators on site. They don't fare as well luring spectators in media avenues, but in person, up front and close, they do have something to offer.

But let's remember that there are pros who may be considered "independents," not associated with the ABP, who can also be an attraction.

 

[Black-Balled]

...remember that there are pros who may be considered "independents," not associated with the ABP, who can also be an attraction.

And there are lots who aren't on the ABP list too!:thumbup:

 

[stumpie71]

Yes the Open has shrunk in size when compared to 10 or 15 years ago. Last year was comparable to the past couple of years but it's not growing.

The payouts need to be addressed, along with the timeliness of the payments. Escrow would be great but it's just not realistic at this point. It seems Barry is robbing Peter to pay Paul in having this tournament. Something needs to happen that's for sure.

This brings us to the seeding issue. Until the Open becomes profitable seeding would be a mistake IMO. The attendance is low for the first couple of days already. Even when you have some big guns playing one another. How will this affect the gate (which is needed for the prize fund) when you have the top players playing no names. Who wants to go and watch JA play Joe Schmo. While seeding has it's place right now is probably not the time.

 

[stumpie71]

I asked in another thread and never did see a reply:
What value does the ABP add to an event, other than appearance?

I am still not clear on that and the answer is crucial to its legitimacy, as an entity...IMO.

Other than to the hard core fan the ABP and other pro's bring little to the event. The hard core fan is to small of a group. The average amateur can't name 10 pro's while the average person can't name 2. IMO this is the problem. If both sides sit down and talk maybe they can come up with a solution that's beneficial for all. The player, promoter, and the spectator.

 

[Moronix]

In the first paragraph the ABP claims that Barry still owes money to players. Who are these players?

 

[Black-Balled]

In the first paragraph the ABP claims that Barry still owes money to players. Who are these players?

That is a fine question. The allegation is anonymous, the ABP claims, because the owed individual(s?) fear- and have possibly been threatened with- retaliation from Barry.

I seriously hope it isn't Harriman that is 'owed'

 

[SFC9ball]

The rumor mill is that Mika is owed monies from this years masters event.

Harriman was owed money from an event that BB son put on years ago, anyways that's what he told me a long while back.

 

[Black-Balled]

The rumor mill is that Mika is owed monies from this years masters event.

Harriman was owed money from an event that BB son put on years ago, anyways that's what he told me a long while back.

That was why I hoped it wasn't Harriman that was being used...

 

[alstl]

Maybe in this economy it is no longer possible to afford the payouts he has been promising. Perhaps in order to continue the tournament he will have to lower the prize money.