So, I was playing in the pool league last night and some unpleasantness occurred, which is seems to be occurring with more disturbing regularity these days. We were playing one of the top teams. It was game two, and my opponent broke dry leaving a difficult layout with clusters to break out and pinpoint cueball control needed. I get out nicely and everyone congratulates me, even my opponent and other members of the opposite team. Well, not exactly everyone. One of their guys spoke up and accused me of cheating by touching the tip of my cue to the object ball. This did not occur, period. In fact, no one really knew what he was talking about, especially me. I told him that I did not foul and he basically proceeded to call me a liar, a cheat and questioned my integrity in front of the entire pool room. I lost it a bit, but did act rationally, imo. He would not back down, much to the chagrin of his other team mates and his captain. So, getting nowhere fast, I decided to just go sit down. About 15 minutes later, I approached him and told him that clearly we had a misunderstanding and asked him if I could buy him a beer. This caused him to cause another scene calling me a liar, cheat, etc.
I have played in pool leagues and against area players for over 15 years and no one has ever accused me of cheating. In fact, you can read here an exmple of my approach to the game. I will absolutely call a foul on myself and play the game to the best of my ability. BUT, I will not sandbag, I do not believe in winning at all costs, and I just really like to play the game for what it is and no more than that. This fella’s behavior is disturbing.
Now, bear in mind that this guy is actually on MY TEAM on Wedesday nights, where we are the top team in that league. In fact, 4 of the 5 guys I played against last night are my teammates on the other team as well. We are all good friends. Well, again, apparently not this guy though.
Now, here is what happened when I played this reprobate: I shot a break out shot, my ball rattled (damn Olhausens – I thought I struck it nicely!?!?!). Anyway, it’s his turn. He ran out well until he got tough on the eight. This is where to pool gods decided to impose some poetic justice. He shot and scratched in the corner pocket. Then, steaming, he retrieved to cue ball, THREW it on the table, and I mean HARD. The cue ball smashed against the 8 ball, went three rails, smashed some other balls, etc. Bear in mind that I had been playing silently and remained so during this tirade. He came over to me, limply shook my hand, avoiding looking me in the eye, and then sulked off.
What a weird experience. What do you guys think causes this kind of behavior??????
I have played in pool leagues and against area players for over 15 years and no one has ever accused me of cheating. In fact, you can read here an exmple of my approach to the game. I will absolutely call a foul on myself and play the game to the best of my ability. BUT, I will not sandbag, I do not believe in winning at all costs, and I just really like to play the game for what it is and no more than that. This fella’s behavior is disturbing.
Now, bear in mind that this guy is actually on MY TEAM on Wedesday nights, where we are the top team in that league. In fact, 4 of the 5 guys I played against last night are my teammates on the other team as well. We are all good friends. Well, again, apparently not this guy though.
Now, here is what happened when I played this reprobate: I shot a break out shot, my ball rattled (damn Olhausens – I thought I struck it nicely!?!?!). Anyway, it’s his turn. He ran out well until he got tough on the eight. This is where to pool gods decided to impose some poetic justice. He shot and scratched in the corner pocket. Then, steaming, he retrieved to cue ball, THREW it on the table, and I mean HARD. The cue ball smashed against the 8 ball, went three rails, smashed some other balls, etc. Bear in mind that I had been playing silently and remained so during this tirade. He came over to me, limply shook my hand, avoiding looking me in the eye, and then sulked off.
What a weird experience. What do you guys think causes this kind of behavior??????
