My Thoughts on Earl and TAR 22

[$TAKE HOR$E]

Earl probably is sick I dont really know. It is interesting how he gets sicker the more games he is down.

Even though I like Earl, his game that is...this is funny stuff.....

 

[dorabelle]

Its not your fault JCIN. Thanks for the match. I think the pockets got to Earl and he couldn't handle it. Started missing shots and it all went downhill. Its uncomfortable to watch but we all know how Earl is and Shane didn't have to play him. Not everything in life is pretty. I know Ill watch Earl whenever I can because when hes on, its beautiful to watch. When hes off, its painful to watch. Your spectators know what they are in for and its OK. I wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Your supporters appreciate what you do and understand that things are out of your control. Either people will play him or people wont play him.
Things weren't going Earls way and he was throwing a massive temper tantrum. End of story.

 

[shinobi]

Justin really picked the right words about Earl's conduct. Hateful and mean.

I have never minded Earl's antics on occassion, but I didn't enjoy his 3 solid days of escalating negativity.

One thing that surprises me is that many people assume that fans watched the stream because of Earl. I like it because of Shane. He's incredible to watch. It could be Shane versus almost any other pro and I'd want to watch it.

I usually enjoy watching Earl too. I couldn't catch the 10 ft table match. This one had me feeling sick to my stomach. So glad Shane won despite the unbelievable sharking.

 

[JAM]

-->Deleted

 

[JAM]

Ya made me pull out my Webster's J

Truth be told, Holly, it was the Word of the Day on my industry forum, and after I read its definition, this thread about Earl immediately came to mind and gave me the opportunity to use it.

Words written on forums can sometimes be misinterpreted. In some instances, it may take a voice to infuse their true meaning.

"If I asked for a cup of coffee, someone would search for the true meaning." ~ Mae West. :grin-square:

 

[rayjay]

Earl probably is sick I dont really know. It is interesting how he gets sicker the more games he is down.

All mental illnesses are stress sensitive. The more stress, the more symptoms, requiring a higher level of stress management. Symptom management, to a large part, is stress management. Meds help too.

 

[will8834]

One thing that has me a little confused is why would anyone like CSI sponsor Earl. I would not want someone running around acting like an idiot a representative of my company.

 

[Island Drive]

From their perspective, it's in the books....and they are movin' on.

 

[Gerry]

I will always order every TAR event for the simple fact that they know how to bring action to me while I sit on my lazy butt!, they are good dudes.......and it doesn't cost much more then a good tip on your cue.

I watched TAR22 day 1 and 2 from hotel rooms while driving down to Florida. It was the first time I got really mad watching Earl. NOTHING gets under my skin more then a player mis-treating the equipment that they don't own. When Earl started early on banging his cue on everything.......it was like watching a little kid not get their way. Maybe it got to me most because I am/was a big Earl fan.

I drove from Philly to Starchers billiards in Ohio (like 7 hours) many years back to watch him play in a tourny....that trip was worth it.....I'm torn now cause I can't stomach the BS, but I have a million memories of the awsome Earl from way back when.

I dunno?

G.

 

[1on1pooltournys]

We put this match together based on the reaction to the 10 foot table match. That was one of our top sellers ever but I swore after that match I would never put myself through that again and so did Shane. But time passing has a way of smoothing the edges and it seemed like an interesting idea for these two to get together again and Shane was down for it.

I thought "If it does similar numbers it could be worth it." Well it didnt and it really wasn't. We spent a lot of money on this match. Thanks to the die hard TAR supporters we didnt go in the tank but when I see people I know have bought everything we have done saying "Not this time" because of one reason I pay attention.

I thought the TAR Studio atmosphere would mitigate some of Earl's antics and compared to what happened in Ohio it did. Day two and three of TAR 22 were still not something I want to be remembered for. Earl is awesome right up until he isn't then it just goes from entertaining and a bit wacky to just plain hateful and mean. I really thought this match would not have that mean edge to it. He was getting a guaranteed payday and all expenses paid with a chance to make a nice score for the weekend if he won. I know he respects Shane. I honestly thought he would do all the wacky shit he always does but without the really nasty tone he displayed in Ohio and the final two days of this match. I was wrong about pretty much everything.

What I feel worst about is the people who paid a serious amount of money to be in the TAR Studio for this match. I apologize to them. Several traveled great distances at substantial cost to be there to see this match. They were not treated with the respect they deserved and that is, in the end, my fault. After the match was over one person walked up to Earl and tried to shake his hand. Earl turned his back on him. The man turned his head and saw I was watching..showing a lot of class he just kind of smiled, shrugged his shoulders and walked out the door. I felt like the biggest asshole in the world because this guy paid to come watch supposedly professional players I put together and this was the last experience he had walking out of our place that we built to represent us. It's unacceptable.

Earl is a tremendous talent and absolutely hilarious. Everyone in that studio this weekend wanted to see him do well. I even think Shane wants him to play great just so he can test himself against one of his idols from childhood. It really hurts me that such a talented and entertaining person can become so hateful and disrespectful towards people who wish him nothing but the best. I admit I probably rationalized some of Earl's past behavior because I wanted to see a great match and I wanted to produce a successful event. I gave Earl the benefit of the doubt because I know what he is capable of on the pool table and his drawing power. I did what I think many in the past have done to put pool where it is today: I did the easy thing instead of the hard thing.

People will say "Why didnt you stop the antics or say something?" To that I can only respond that several people ,who know Earl better than me, did say something to him. It had no effect. The reason I didn't say anything to Earl during the match is because if I did he would of probably quit in the middle or I would of gotten mad and threw him out. Maybe thats a cop out, I don't feel good about not standing up for the people in the studio and for Shane who I know was seething inside but wouldn't let it show to Earl. It's something I will think about for a long time. Integrity means a lot to me. Backing up what you believe in with action is important. I believe people should be treated with respect. Customers who pay your salary deserve respect. That didn't happen this weekend and I apologize to everyone who paid their money to watch a match and got a sideshow instead.

It won't ever happen again.

Great Post Justin...spot on!

 

[kvinbrwr]

It was good programming I thought, as always with TAR, well worth the money. I watched 2 of 3 days (paid for the package) and Earl's antics didn't make me want my money back or make me think I got a raw deal.

I was glad to see Shane win, and way surprised to see Earl continue his "I give up" mode even after he caught Shane at 65.

The best man won.

On to the next.

Thanks

Kevin

 

[jollyrodger]

Justin your post is a very good post and we the TAR nation know that you have put in a lot of hard work and kept our (the viewers/ fans) best interest when producing these events. it is shown in the quality of the broadcast and in the way you take pride in your product.
I will always buy your events.

especially this next one. lets go Hitman!!

 

[elizabeth]

Justin,

Last night was one of the best streamed matches ever. There wasn't one guy (Shane included) who thought Earl wouldn't meltdown....and he didn't disappoint.

You put on a helluva show and it was great to the very end.

Earl is crazy. It is what it is. Getting involved with him is like having sex with a gorilla----- you're done when HE'S done. Alas, many (including myself) find it entertaining and I'm sure Shane understands this as he took the match knowing Earl wasn't going to be easy.

It's like having that one bipolar family member and it's your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner. You always hope they'll be normal and fine but it never is --- they always end up being the Turkey and people leave before the pie is served. You can't fix crazy.

I'm not embarrassed to say I'm an Earl fan because I saw shots last night that no one else is pulling off. He's nuts, but I accept he's nuts instead of hoping he shows up sane (which is a pipe dream).

I think at one point last night Earl won about 6 games in the course of about 6 minutes and Shane got RATTLED. Then, Earl's feelings got hurt over something and then the "quit-stroke" ensued. Sad.

Earl should prob quit/retire or we (as a community) should accept he's certifiable. I don't think it's an attitude prob -- he's legit sick and mentally ill. LEGIT. I accept him because he doesn't hurt anyone but himself.

Anyways.... great job last night. Also, a big thanks to Chris Kurzweil for sponsoring the show last night. Watching the show made me hungry for some smoked pork chops and jalapeno brats.

Dave

First of all Earl is not "Crazy" as you put it and secondly, I do hope that as a business you will consider seeing this sport grow and that the players you do consider in the future will not "dump" matches as with the case as the "BIG DUMP" that was televised and quickly swept under the rug in Vegas. If I were a gambler and had money bet on a match I would hate to know that professional players were dumping matches and splitting the purse ... I will keep that televised event to myself for now hence, no-one wants me to write a book but Im not going to continue to let everyone else look like they are perfect and people bash Earl as the only bad guy.

 

[Gerry]

First of all Earl is not "Crazy" as you put it and secondly, I do hope that as a business you will consider seeing this sport grow and that the players you do consider in the future will not "dump" matches as with the case as the "BIG DUMP" that was televised and quickly swept under the rug in Vegas. If I were a gambler and had money bet on a match I would hate to know that professional players were dumping matches and splitting the purse ... I will keep that televised event to myself for now hence, no-one wants me to write a book but Im not going to continue to let everyone else look like they are perfect and people bash Earl as the only bad guy.

interesting!....Earl did you change your name to Elizabeth?


come on....that was funny!

 

[elizabeth]

Some are saying Earl is sick...

I say Earl is "Sick and Tired" of so many things...

All to do with the game, and certain players and certain people, and possibly things outside the game...

Earl has developed his Earl Standards...
He has so many particulars about the Rack, and Racking..
The Balls, the table, the cloth, the rules, the lighting, the cues being allowed to be used, all the specifications of all these parts of the game and many more...

How hard should a player hit the Break shot??? Where to be allowed to break from??? What kind of tips should be allowed...etc , etc, etc.....



I think Earl is a very Frustrated Man and this has been building for quite some time now.

He has his Earl standards and they are NOT BEING MET by others, in so many ways...

Earl is such a perfectionists and all knowing from all his experiences with all the sectors of the pool world.....gambling, tournament play, travel, money, etc ...etc...etc...

Perhaps he needs to learn how to handle these Frustrations a little better???

I would like to see Justin have Earl in a very soon Podcast.....

Ask the man,

"Earl, please let us know what is on your mind."
What are you thinking in regards to this and that....
The table, the rack, balls, lights, breaking, the cues, prize money, and all things pool and the pool world...

Please get him to let us know what he is looking for, and all the hows and whys that are in his head....

I just believe the man has been Frustrated for so long and he is really now at the end of the rope, the ongoing snapping has really continued and he is having even more trouble containing himself when things are not according to Earl Standards....

I want to know what is in and on Earls mind, and I think many of you would like to know what he has to say about all your questions...

Lets give the Man a chance to Talk to us and Make some things very Clear that he wants all to know...

Mr. J.

I think you hit something here I was around this for 15 years and the opportunity was great for Earl to play Shane and Earl does respect Shane. Earl however, after expenses came home with $500. You would think after traveling 800 miles regarless of losing it would have been higher than that my understanding they were invited to dinner "dutch". Exhibitions use to pay 1000 per day I know the economy is bad in saying that the pro golfers are not suffering and the industry supports them and keeps them on top.

 

[rayjay]

re, above...sorta sounds like pro wrestling, huh?

 

[SpiderWebComm]

First of all Earl is not "Crazy" as you put it and secondly, I do hope that as a business you will consider seeing this sport grow and that the players you do consider in the future will not "dump" matches as with the case as the "BIG DUMP" that was televised and quickly swept under the rug in Vegas. If I were a gambler and had money bet on a match I would hate to know that professional players were dumping matches and splitting the purse ... I will keep that televised event to myself for now hence, no-one wants me to write a book but Im not going to continue to let everyone else look like they are perfect and people bash Earl as the only bad guy.

Elizabeth:

Please keep reading through this entire thread... I'm one of Earl's few supporters.

Furthermore, if Earl isn't crazy--- he acts it and that's a fact. I watched his match the other night and he obviously has no control over his actions. In regards to "quitting" mid-match----- he did, and that's also a fact. He simply quit trying, and Earl admitted it in the post-match interview.

PLEASE get Earl some help -- and try to get him on meds. He's the most talented 9ball player of all time and he can't seem to keep the freight train on the tracks.

He acts similar to how my mother used to act before she was diagnosed bipolar and started taking medication. Today, she's just fine.

I know you love him and "crazy" is not a good word, and for that I'm sorry. He definitely displays signs of mental illness and should be treated for such. Please, I'm his BIGGEST FAN.

Respectfully,
Dave

 

[elizabeth]

interesting!....Earl did you change your name to Elizabeth?


come on....that was funny!

haha now that was funny hope your IQ is higher than that

 

[elizabeth]

Elizabeth:

Please keep reading through this entire thread... I'm one of Earl's few supporters.

Furthermore, if Earl isn't crazy--- he acts it and that's a fact. I watched his match the other night and he obviously has no control over his actions. In regards to "quitting" mid-match----- he did, and that's also a fact. He simply quit trying, and Earl admitted it in the post-match interview.

PLEASE get Earl some help -- and try to get him on meds. He's the most talented 9ball player of all time and he can't seem to keep the freight train on the tracks.

He acts similar to how my mother used to act before she was diagnosed bipolar and started taking medication. Today, she's just fine.

I know you love him and "crazy" is not a good word, and for that I'm sorry. He definitely displays signs of mental illness and should be treated for such. Please, I'm his BIGGEST FAN.

Respectfully,
Dave

Dave alot of what is wrong with Earl is the crap that goes on around him. You see in golf the industry fully supports the pros regardless of the economy this industry supports the amateurs which is fine to a point but come on. I heard that a pro player was in prison for incest with their own grandchild but nothing on that but let Earl say something that he thinks that is right for what he has dedicated his entire life to and he is bashed or labeled and headline news. I know top 8 players involved in dumping matches at high level tournaments that people had high stakes on and they dumped. Earl never said anything because he was not only involved with it he was protecting them and now I am so tired of seeing him bashed when the other players are actually fooling the public and some of them are bashing him as well. Earl has never claimed to be perfect but neither are they. Like I said no-one wants me to write a book. Im in law school and what I've seen on here has clearly crossed some lines. The more I see and read the more I want the truth to come out.

 

[The Saw]

Dave alot of what is wrong with Earl is the crap that goes on around him. You see in golf the industry fully supports the pros regardless of the economy this industry supports the amateurs which is fine to a point but come on. I heard that a pro player was in prison for incest with their own grandchild but nothing on that but let Earl say something that he thinks that is right for what he has dedicated his entire life to and he is bashed or labeled and headline news. I know top 8 players involved in dumping matches at high level tournaments that people had high stakes on and they dumped. Earl never said anything because he was not only involved with it he was protecting them and now I am so tired of seeing him bashed when the other players are actually fooling the public and some of them are bashing him as well. Earl has never claimed to be perfect but neither are they. Like I said no-one wants me to write a book. Im in law school and what I've seen on here has clearly crossed some lines. The more I see and read the more I want the truth to come out.

The big dump? Everyone knows about that, its no secret.... No one covers it up here either.

The pro you speak of that is in prison for incest with his own grandchild? Get your facts straight before you open your trap..... He is in prison for molesting his neice. Sick sh!t either way. Guess what? Thats no secret here either... Everything gets aired here....

Since you're in a gossipping kind of mood, you know what I heard? The word on the streets is that Earl bank rolled you to get into real estate, you started doing well for yourself, then you left him. Coincidentally, thats about the time Earl started really going off the rails, and got broke to boot. How about you stop blaming az members and the site itself and take a real good look in the mirror. You sure your incessant need to defend his actions might be self serving?