I can't tell you how many times I have written about that. My exact words were, "The existing lot of American professional players is dwindling."
Wrote this in 2007 ---> Bye, Bye, Ms. American Pool Pie
Who wants to see CJ on TAR?
- Thread starter BeiberLvr
- Start date
- Status
I can't tell you how many times I have written about that. My exact words were, "The existing lot of American professional players is dwindling."
Wrote this in 2007 ---> Bye, Bye, Ms. American Pool Pie
Here are the money-winning results AzB shows for CJ over the past 7 years: http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000showplayer2013.php?playernum=3684
I imagine these results reflect nothing but sporadic forays into today's tournament world. I doubt that they represent what CJ could accomplish, even at his current age of 48, if he decided to commit a major portion of his life to competing at pool again. But we'll never know unless he tries. and, from what he has said, that seems unlikely.
JCIN,
I respect your posts. But 2007 was a different place and time. And CJ is 'old school'. So who knows why his goofy asss demanded money. He's different but he's not a bad guy.
Only thing is it sounds like you use this event from 2007 as fuel. But how you gonna hold some shite CJ said in 2007, the heat of the moment, in a Midwest pool room , in a competitive environment against him for life?
I respect your posts. But 2007 was a different place and time. And CJ is 'old school'. So who knows why his goofy asss demanded money. He's different but he's not a bad guy.
Only thing is it sounds like you use this event from 2007 as fuel. But how you gonna hold some shite CJ said in 2007, the heat of the moment, in a Midwest pool room , in a competitive environment against him for life?
Um.
Unless I am mistaken, TAR events are not open to all players, but instead, are hand picked/chosen by popular demand.
Where as CSI, Diamond, and Joss' Turning Stone events are for the most part, open to the public.
That is not to say in any way that TAR is bad. On the contrary. You guys do a great job providing a service to those that want it.
But as far as money is concerned, when there is talk about how much money is added as compared to other entities, it's not a fair comparison when you take into account the fact that anyone can access those other entities and take their shot.
Sure you put money in players pockets and deserve praise for doing so, especially in an industry that totally blows.
But let's make no mistake about it. The players that have access to TAR money, is a very exclusive list.
And again. It's not to say TAR is bad. Just I don't think TAR money added should be compared to those other entities added money, when they are two entirely different things.
The one true benefit of owning your own company is having the final say.
I respect Justin's convictions. Deep down, I still hope to see CJ on TAR.
I hold out hope that maybe Justin will take his frustration out on CJ by shoving him into the Coliseum against some Lord-high executioner... maybe SVB, Alex, Busty, Schmidt or the Smooooth Criminal. Sink or swim in the studio.
If CJ gets shredded and the crowd erupts, Justin rises from his chair with his thumb sideways. The internet audience goes wild as his thumb sinks down. He can then play the game winning ball as a loop forever on his site.
If CJ wins by chance, part deux would make a killing.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
I respect Justin's convictions. Deep down, I still hope to see CJ on TAR.
I hold out hope that maybe Justin will take his frustration out on CJ by shoving him into the Coliseum against some Lord-high executioner... maybe SVB, Alex, Busty, Schmidt or the Smooooth Criminal. Sink or swim in the studio.
If CJ gets shredded and the crowd erupts, Justin rises from his chair with his thumb sideways. The internet audience goes wild as his thumb sinks down. He can then play the game winning ball as a loop forever on his site.
If CJ wins by chance, part deux would make a killing.
Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk 2
I would say 1.
In 2012 SVB made $147,923 in tournament pool winnings. He is sponsored and as such he likely keeps most if not all of that, and has added revenue from TAR matches, gambling, ect...
The next Americans on the list are under $40,000 in earnings, they do not have the sponsorship advantages of SVB and even if they did and they got every bit of their $30,000 and change in winnings (before taxes) that is hardly making a living in anything.
How many pros actually make enough money "playing pool" to afford their own rent instead of living on their friends couch or bumming a spare room? How many can afford to pay their own food bills regularily, how many can afford to go play in tournaments on their own dollar without coming to AZB and asking people to pay their way? How many make enough money playing pool rather then working in a pool hall giving lessons, occasionally working behind the bar, and running the weekly tournaments?
There is 1 pool player making an actual living playing pool in the USA and that is SVB. Johnny Archer might make a living from pool, but he does not make it as a professional winning his earnings, he makes it selling cues with his name attached to them. He grossed just over $27,000 last year in pool winnings, I need to net that after taxes every 6 months just to cover my bills. There is no living there, especially with a wife, kids, a mortgage, ect...
This point of view makes sense if you think there should be no reward for a player proving himself a champion and building a following. I don't share that point of view.
I think any money in pool should be viewed favorably. There isnt exactly a stampede of people out there actually doing things that pay real money. By pay I mean actual monetary units people can spend. Not promises.
The players that have access to TAR have earned that access through their hard work and skill. To say the money they get for it is some how less than money thrown up to whoever can survive a race to 7 or 11 field over a week makes absolutely no sense to me at all. But then a lot of stuff around here lately has me completely baffled so I shouldn't be surprised.
I have to go back to work now so I can pay this money in a couple weeks that doesn't mean as much as other money.
I was nervous when Earl Stickland sat down and watched every shot.
I'm "puffing up"? Lou, you'd be puffed up too with admirers as "sugary sweet" as yourself. By the way, I got the flowers today and they are beautiful, imagine my surprise when the door bell rang and it was FDS with a dozen red roses and a note "Thanks For Being You - Uncle Lou"
anyway, what was the question again?.....oh, yes......
My first tournament after not playing for 8 years was the US OPEN, you may have heard of it in Virginia. I finished 9th, with wins over several champion players including Earl Stickland (11/3), and you're right, Lou, this is before I had "put my game back together" and I had some missing pieces for sure. Putting my game back together was a "blessing in disguise" and I credit that process to leading to my ability to teach my advanced techniques now. I look forward to hearing how your TOI Training is going Lou, I'm sure you will have a better chance against J.B. next time.
Tunica - I did play, although my main purpose was to interview Earl Stickland for the Million Dollar Challenge Documentary. Some guy named Dennis Orcollo beat me out of the tournament, and honestly I was nervous when Earl Stickland sat down and watched every shot. How many players does Earl watch play? Probably just your matches Lou, right? :thumbup:
I'm "puffing up"? Lou, you'd be puffed up too with admirers as "sugary sweet" as yourself. By the way, I got the flowers today and they are beautiful, imagine my surprise when the door bell rang and it was FDS with a dozen red roses and a note "Thanks For Being You - Uncle Lou"
anyway, what was the question again?.....oh, yes......
My first tournament after not playing for 8 years was the US OPEN, you may have heard of it in Virginia. I finished 9th, with wins over several champion players including Earl Stickland (11/3), and you're right, Lou, this is before I had "put my game back together" and I had some missing pieces for sure. Putting my game back together was a "blessing in disguise" and I credit that process to leading to my ability to teach my advanced techniques now. I look forward to hearing how your TOI Training is going Lou, I'm sure you will have a better chance against J.B. next time.
Tunica - I did play, although my main purpose was to interview Earl Stickland for the Million Dollar Challenge Documentary. Some guy named Dennis Orcollo beat me out of the tournament, and honestly I was nervous when Earl Stickland sat down and watched every shot. How many players does Earl watch play? Probably just your matches Lou, right? :thumbup:
Never used "less" or "doesn't mean as much as other money"
Thats all you right there.
Just said don't compare TAR added money to those other entities added money, because TAR is different.
If you can't see the fundamental differences that exist, well, I can't help you.
I understand that TAR is your baby, and you take a lot of pride in it.
That's great.
But what TAR does, IS different then what those other entities do.
It's not a knock, so stop taking it like one.
All those other entities money, can be accessed by anyone. TAR money, can't. For reasons you've already stated.
As such, TAR is in a different category. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.
And I already said that TAR does a great job, so stop getting all bent.
<----is expecting the "What have YOU done for pool" reply, next.
So where'd you finish? What was your won/loss record for Tunica? What about the DCC?
And about Earl watching: didn't bother me a bit while he watched me play (and almost beat) Kiamco at Tunica. (Didn't bother me either when Efren watched me shoot during our match at the US Open in front of a couple hundred fans or Larry Nevel when I beat him at a tournament in Chicago.)
Lou Figueroa
Last edited:
I dont want to see Earl play again .... ever.
Seriously, he is really sad.
People who want to see him play go to NASCAR waiting on a crash....
NOT ME.
Ken
Can certainly understand why Justin feels this way, but 6 years is a long time, and justin's surely missing out on a payday, a lot of us are curious to see how CJ would play under pressure these days.
What if CJ gives up the appearance fee and strictly bets his own vs. any tar favorite (svb, johnny, dennis, etc)?
What if CJ gives up the appearance fee and strictly bets his own vs. any tar favorite (svb, johnny, dennis, etc)?
I think a pro is better defined as someone who plays pool for their main source of income over a certain (not sure how long) period of time.
Don't forget about payin the piper aka the tax man.
The real question for the poll should be "Who wants to PAY to see CJ on TAR". As of now there are 106 people who said they would want to... but would they pay? Start doing the math on that one...
I'd like to see CJ and Justin patch things up and CJ play his best on TAR. I've only met him once but CJ is a great personality and the more he's on camera the better for pool. He would do a terrific pre-TAR interview and miked up he'd be entertaining and informative.
- Jeff in Frisco
- Jeff in Frisco
- Status