WPBL Brings up Allegations of Fraud

seven_7days

seven_7days

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Not sure if posted but if so,disregard.

http://www.insidepoolmag.com/201301/billiard-news/wpbl-brings-up-allegations-of-fraud.html

WPBLboardmeeting.jpg
 
This is a shame. It is all too well known of number of corrupt contracting companies in this country. Money up front for the materials? I don't know...how do they continually figure out a way to scam people?

That said, I hope they can still get this off the ground and people support it. We've waited this long for something to happen in pool, what is another few months.

:mad:
 
Everyone involved is disappointed, it really for no better word...sucks. The construction delays and bs about the permits has really caused a good deal of problems and also cost the WPBL money but at no fault to the WPBL. If the contractors would have been legit then we would be rolling by now and all of you out there who love pool and the top players would be enjoying the game. I know people out there who want to put this venture down but its no fault of the WPBL and the players obviously.

It is a set back but I think the finished product will be excellent, I am happy to be working with the Run Out Media crew and I can tell you that all we want to do is bring you the best pool video and an excellent show featuring the best players and a new game. I for one am hopeful because as a fan of pool and appreciative of the talent the top players showcase, all I want is to see this succeed.
 
Shame they had to endure that. As if the venture wasn't difficult enough without fraud and the negative effects of counterparty risk.

Hope that the long-run sees some justice served. Scammers suck.
 
In some ways I'm kind of relieved to see this because it shows that these delays are really not their fault.

People seem eager to paint the bonus ball guys as bumbling incompetents who didn't budget their time properly, but it looks like they were just scammed.
 
I can empathize with everyone involved in this. I was recently stuck with some serious losses in the low 5 figures due to contractor fraud and theft. Believe me, it stings!
 
How much work is done?

I'm kind of wondering how much work is left? You got to kind of wonder if they had any licensed electric or plumbing done? Or if they had ANY plans approved? This really bites it for so many people on so many levels who have put their lives on hold for this. I've been in construction all my life and i can say depending on the situation this could really,really suck for them...I do hope it all works out for everybody and i hate to see folks getting burned.
 
CreeDo said:
In some ways I'm kind of relieved to see this because it shows that these delays are really not their fault.

People seem eager to paint the bonus ball guys as bumbling incompetents who didn't budget their time properly, but it looks like they were just scammed.
Click to expand...

It is pretty common to plan for such though...checking out contractors, from requiring proof of business licenses, to proof of insurance, to purchasiing insurance from fraudlent contractors.

Some holes in ye olde due-diligence fer sher, but that does not change the fact that they got f'ed without a kiss.
Hope they have familiarized themselves with Nevada-specific employment rules and State law re: employees vs. contractors.

A little work on the front end can save a lotta trouble in the long run.
 
Black-Balled said:
It is pretty common to plan for such though...checking out contractors, from requiring proof of business licenses, to proof of insurance, to purchasiing insurance from fraudlent contractors.

Some holes in ye olde due-diligence fer sher, but that does not change the fact that they got f'ed without a kiss.
Hope they have familiarized themselves with Nevada-specific employment rules and State law re: employees vs. contractors.

A little work on the front end can save a lotta trouble in the long run.
Click to expand...

This is true. If someone wants to screw you, they will screw you. My wife and I checked references (one of which was a new construction right next door to me!), got insurance certs, etc. In the end, didn't matter...
 
Bonus Ball Gets Kicked In The Balls Article (from the Prez of the WPBL):



Over the past few months the World Professional Billiard League has experienced several setbacks arising from construction delays and the acquisition of city permits. Both the WPBL staff and its players have tried their best to remain patient and understanding, regardless of obvious frustrations and unease.

With only two weeks away from completion of the TV arena, we sensed something was awry and hired an investigator. Unfortunately the results were not pleasant. As it turns out, the construction crew had their business license revoked shortly after being contracted, yet opted not to disclose this information. Their license was revoked due to fraud. Without that license they were working at the WPBL studio illegally, and unable to secure the necessary permits. The past three months of delays were intentional on their part, in attempt to stall until they could somehow secure a permit. All money paid to the construction crew for permits was pocketed, and talk of successfully acquired permits was entirely false.

Due to fraud and numerous illegal activities, the construction crew has now been fired, and will face pending legal action from the WPBL, as well as the state of Nevada. The proper permits are now being acquired through a qualified city official, and a new contractor is being sought to finish construction. More information should be known to us later this week, such as the status of the venue permits, and the duration of any additional delays.

We realize this is an inconvenience to all WPBL players and fans. Lies were told, fraud was committed, and tens of thousands of dollars were paid for permits that were not acquired. As such, the WPBL staff bears this burden with significant weight, both in terms of finances, embarrassment, and disappointment.

The WPBL players continue to remain patient, understanding, and show their support during this time. We ask that our fans please try to follow suit. This venture has seen its share of setbacks, but we will persevere and continue to push forward. We are confident that upon launch, the WPBL will exceed all expectations and will be a positive step forward for the billiards industry as a whole.

Thank you,
Larry Chiborak
President and CEO,
World Professional Billiard League
-------------------------------------------------

KK9 <-- thinking we can tack on another couple months of delay :(
 
It's a shame that this happened but, in the long run, it may be a valuable learning experience for the players involved with the WPBL. They are finding out that being a promoter has many pit falls and they may be a little more understanding with promoters in the future.
 
Agreed Rich! It's no wonder the pro players, on contract, are being "patient"...they're 'kickin back' collecting a grand a week (not bad pay for doing nothing)...and will be for some time to come, it seems! :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

Rich R. said:
It's a shame that this happened but, in the long run, it may be a valuable learning experience for the players involved with the WPBL. They are finding out that being a promoter has many pit falls and they may be a little more understanding with promoters in the future.
Click to expand...
 
Scott Lee said:
Agreed Rich! It's no wonder the pro players, on contract, are being "patient"...they're 'kickin back' collecting a grand a week (not bad pay for doing nothing)...and will be for some time to come, it seems! :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com
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Scott, I don't know if they are still getting paid or not. You'd have to check with the players. However, they are learning that being a promoter isn't as easy as they thought. Stuff happens!
 
Mark...Really? So who is covering their nut, while they all "hang out" in Vegas? If they're really not getting paid what they contracted for...now who's the sucker betting on the come? Shane must be laughing all the way to the bank! :grin:

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

bfdlad said:
Scott, I don't believe the players are getting paid during this delay.
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Not all of the them are hanging out in Vegas, I know Johnny's home right now....but I'm not sure if they're getting paid or not; haven't heard anything about that.
 
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