Bonus Ball Schedule: Right or Wrong

Bonus Ball Schedule: Right or Wrong?

  • Right

    Votes: 57 28.9%

  • Wrong

    Votes: 140 71.1%
  • Total voters
    197
  • Poll closed .
D_Lewis said:
I guess time will tell on that one. Keep on bashing them until the season is over.

I'm sure your one voice (who has NOTHING to do with pool or tournaments or diamond billiard products or anything else associated with pool) will make a big difference in any decision made on the future of bonus ball.

Your man friend WAS a pool player, he probably gave it up because he was tired of being broke.
Click to expand...

My man friend?

Bonus Ball will put the noose around their own necks.

As far as Keith, my man friend, he's give his right testicle to play pool again. Ask him sometime. He never had a problem making money in pool.

Are we going to keep flip-flopping on threads like this?
 
Actual Schedule Conflicts

The Southern Classic runs from the 21st through the 29th. The Banks tourney runs from June 21 - June 24, 1 Pocket from June 23 - June 26 and 9 ball from June 26 - June 29.

During that same time frame the WPBL has week 4 matches on June 21 - 24 and week 5 matches on June 26 - June 29. Here's a list of the teams that are playing matches during the Southern Classic;

Fri, June 21 - Outlaws, Blue Sharks (can't play in Banks tourney)
Sat, June 22 - Poison, Price, Blue Sharks, Rockets, Aces, Outlaws (can't play in Banks tourney)
Sun, June 23 - Rockets, Poison, Pride, Aces (can't play in Banks and 1 Pocket tourney)
Mon, Jun 24 - No BB matches scheduled
Tue, Jun 25 - No BB matches scheduled
Wed, Jun 26 - No BB matches scheduled
Thu, Jun 27 - Poison, Rockets (can't play in 9 ball tourney)
Fri, Jun 28 -Outlaws, Dice (can't play in 9 ball tourney)
Sat, Jun 29 - Cruise, Wave, Outlaws, Aces (can't play in 9 ball tourney)

Assuming you realistically need to be in Tunica the day before the tournament started, here's a summary of the conflicts created by the BB matches:

1. Can play ALL tourneys - Scorpions, Hustlers, Fire
2. Can't play Banks - Outlaws, Blue Sharks, Poison, Pride, Rockets, Aces
3. Can't play 1 Pocket - Outlaws, Blue Sharks, Rockets, Poison, Pride, Aces
4. Can't play 9 ball - Poison, Rockets, Outlaws, Dice, Cruise, Wave, Outlaws, Aces

Or to put it another way:

Fire - Can play ALL tourneys
Hustlers - Can play ALL tourneys
Scorpions - Can play ALL tourneys

Aces - Can play NO tourneys
Poison - Can play NO tourneys
Pride - Can play NO tourneys
Rockets - Can play NO tourneys

Cruise - Can play Banks and 1 Pocket
Dice - Can play Banks and 1 Pocket
Wave - Can play Banks and 1 Pocket

Pride - Can play 9 ball
Blue Sharks - Can play 9 ball

Or to put it yet another way:

Banks - Cruise, Dice, Fire, Hustlers, Scorpions and Wave CAN ALL play
1 Pocket - Cruise, Dice, Fire, Hustlers, Scorpions and Wave CAN ALL play
9 ball - Blue Sharks, Fire, Hustlers, Pride and Scorpions CAN ALL play

Much respect,

Taek

*Note* - I'm well aware it would be a PITA to go from Tunica to Vegas and then back to Tunica. I just wanted to point out that except for the Aces, Poison, Pride and Rockets it isn't an all-or-nothing thing.
 
watchez said:
Please explain the financial losses to the Bonus Ball League by shutting down for 2 weeks.

Close down Walmart for 2 weeks - yes there are financial losses. Close down McDonald's, there are financial issues. Close down your favorite restaurant for 2 weeks, there are financial issues.

But with Bonus Ball - they are not making anything. 12 people buying tickets? They haven't shown / sold a PPV yet and remember it has been clearly stated that they don't really care about the PPV and PPV is not a part of their business plan.

So again, what are the financial issues? Yes they are paying rent but I would assume after putting 1.5 million into a facility they have a 5 year lease with a 5 year option, minimum. So what is 2 weeks over the course of 10 years? Absolutely nothing. They are not making money off of the facility. As far as anyone has been told, their business plan is to put together a hard copy - product of an entire season.

You know what would be a good idea - contact Greg at Diamond and Mark G. Tell them you are going to put the breaks in so the players can support and play in and enjoy the events that have supported them for years. Let the players wear their hockey jerseys while they play their matches to get some free promotion. Ask Greg and Mark if they can have a booth at each event for the Bonus Ball Pros, Nathan, Lenny, Larry to hang out in and tell a large number of pool fans how great Bonus Ball is and will become.
Click to expand...

The big assumption is bonus ball needs diamond or mark...they don't. I disagree with your justification also that's spending other peoples money which I don't do. End of the day it don't matter one bit either way so let the shows go on. I'm not sure how profitable bonus ball is but I'd bet a testicle it doesn't involve a stream as main income. Which means they are in production...think closing a movie set mid production. That's how much it costs whatever those numbers equal in their secret business plan. I just know smart people usually don't **** off a couple million for fun.
 
mikeyfrost said:
The big assumption is bonus ball needs diamond or mark...they don't. I disagree with your justification also that's spending other peoples money which I don't do. End of the day it don't matter one bit either way so let the shows go on. I'm not sure how profitable bonus ball is but I'd bet a testicle it doesn't involve a stream as main income. Which means they are in production...think closing a movie set mid production. That's how much it costs whatever those numbers equal in their secret business plan. I just know smart people usually don't **** off a couple million for fun.
Click to expand...

You can't see the forest thru the trees my friend.
 
mikeyfrost said:
The big assumption is bonus ball needs diamond or mark...they don't. I disagree with your justification also that's spending other peoples money which I don't do. End of the day it don't matter one bit either way so let the shows go on. I'm not sure how profitable bonus ball is but I'd bet a testicle it doesn't involve a stream as main income. Which means they are in production...think closing a movie set mid production. That's how much it costs whatever those numbers equal in their secret business plan. I just know smart people usually don't **** off a couple million for fun.
Click to expand...

You are right in that no one has do to anything. Its simply a matter of courtesy. Some people feel courtesy has no place in business which is fine. Others feel differently.

Back when BB was scheduled to start in November I had a player offer to miss the first week in order to play a TAR match. I told him no that I don't want to get into that game and that we could find some way around it in the future. I stopped trying to put together that match and moved on to something else. Now obviously its easier to do that than to reschedule thirty six guys but the principle remains the same. I could of been all "Look out for number one screw the world." but I wasn't.

Could very possibly be one of the many reasons I am not rich but I felt it was the right and fair thing to do for TAR, for the player and for BB. Personally I do not think BB will have much if any affect on the events this summer. Where it has gotten sticky is the manner in which things have been done. Its a small industry and its easy to for people to take things personally. It will all shake it in the end.

One good thing that may come out of the turmoil if BB does go away is I think there might be a legit attempt made at some form of organization in the US be it players, promoters or both. BB has proven players want a structure to play in and will get behind something if there is an upside and possible future in it.

As for jacking off millions it happens all the time. Look at all the bars and restaurants started as vanity projects that fail in the first year or two. Very easy to blow a couple mil there and it happens every day.

Edit to add: Just to show you I see both sides of this deal....if it was my millions in Bonus Ball everyone in the industry would hate me. I would lock the players up in exclusive contracts. You want to see Earl, Johnny, Thorsten or whoever in anything but a World Championship event or Mosconi Cup you are going to have to watch BB. They will be there every week just like the guys in the big sports. The fact they did not do this is one more reason I think they do not fully grasp what they are doing. Half measures rarely work out well in any endeavor. Think Dana White would let GSP go fight somewhere else or Steinbrenner is going to let Jeter take a week off to go play somewhere else?
 
Last edited:
JCIN said:
You are right in that no one has do to anything. Its simply a matter of courtesy. Some people feel courtesy has no place in business which is fine. Others feel differently.

Back when BB was scheduled to start in November I had a player offer to miss the first week in order to play a TAR match. I told him no that I don't want to get into that game and that we could find some way around it in the future. I stopped trying to put together that match and moved on to something else. Now obviously its easier to do that than to reschedule thirty six guys but the principle remains the same. I could of been all "Look out for number one screw the world." but I wasn't.

Could very possibly be one of the many reasons I am not rich but I felt it was the right and fair thing to do for TAR, for the player and for BB. Personally I do not think BB will have much if any affect on the events this summer. Where it has gotten sticky is the manner in which things have been done. Its a small industry and its easy to for people to take things personally. It will all shake it in the end.

One good thing that may come out of the turmoil if BB does go away is I think there might be a legit attempt made at some form of organization in the US be it players, promoters or both. BB has proven players want a structure to play in and will get behind something if there is an upside and possible future in it.

As for jacking off millions it happens all the time. Look at all the bars and restaurants started as vanity projects that fail in the first year or two. Very easy to blow a couple mil there and it happens every day.

Edit to add: Just to show you I see both sides of this deal....if it was my millions in Bonus Ball everyone in the industry would hate me. I would lock the players up in exclusive contracts. You want to see Earl, Johnny, Thorsten or whoever in anything but a World Championship event or Mosconi Cup you are going to have to watch BB. They will be there every week just like the guys in the big sports. The fact they did not do this is one more reason I think they do not fully grasp what they are doing. Half measures rarely work out well in any endeavor. Think Dana White would let GSP go fight somewhere else or Steinbrenner is going to let Jeter take a week off to go play somewhere else?
Click to expand...

Your edit to add part sums up my whole point. Youre a good dude, Watchez is as well. I get it you wouldn't **** someone over and Watchez would politely extort for exposure. Main point is sometimes if you are the big spoon you gotta cuddle a *****.

I love what is happening. Reminds me of when Bishop got dropped off the roof....BB got the juice now.

Just think what happens if Greg and Mark team up with the other big boy events and say open to all non bonus ball players. Now we would be cooking with fish grease. I think a major problem with pool is no true governing body....I think one will arise out of necessity. This isn't a bad time in pool, this is a very exciting time. Something great is gonna happen. May the best man win, and hell no everyone can't win someone has to lose, called life.
 
JCIN said:
You are right in that no one has do to anything. Its simply a matter of courtesy. Some people feel courtesy has no place in business which is fine. Others feel differently.

Back when BB was scheduled to start in November I had a player offer to miss the first week in order to play a TAR match. I told him no that I don't want to get into that game and that we could find some way around it in the future. I stopped trying to put together that match and moved on to something else. Now obviously its easier to do that than to reschedule thirty six guys but the principle remains the same. I could of been all "Look out for number one screw the world." but I wasn't.

Could very possibly be one of the many reasons I am not rich but I felt it was the right and fair thing to do for TAR, for the player and for BB. Personally I do not think BB will have much if any affect on the events this summer. Where it has gotten sticky is the manner in which things have been done. Its a small industry and its easy to for people to take things personally. It will all shake it in the end.

One good thing that may come out of the turmoil if BB does go away is I think there might be a legit attempt made at some form of organization in the US be it players, promoters or both. BB has proven players want a structure to play in and will get behind something if there is an upside and possible future in it.

As for jacking off millions it happens all the time. Look at all the bars and restaurants started as vanity projects that fail in the first year or two. Very easy to blow a couple mil there and it happens every day.

Edit to add: Just to show you I see both sides of this deal....if it was my millions in Bonus Ball everyone in the industry would hate me. I would lock the players up in exclusive contracts. You want to see Earl, Johnny, Thorsten or whoever in anything but a World Championship event or Mosconi Cup you are going to have to watch BB. They will be there every week just like the guys in the big sports. The fact they did not do this is one more reason I think they do not fully grasp what they are doing. Half measures rarely work out well in any endeavor. Think Dana White would let GSP go fight somewhere else or Steinbrenner is going to let Jeter take a week off to go play somewhere else?
Click to expand...


Exactly, Hmm maybe a TAR cash game league ;)
 
Bonus ball

I don't usually post on forums anymore, but I will speak on behalf of the players...

We the players have been waiting a long time for something big and fresh to happen to billiards since the IPT. Now we have Bonus Ball. At first, like most players, I wasn't sure about the game, the rules etc., but after 2 weeks of matches we were all in love and glued to the game. It's a great game to play and everyone I speak to at the venue loves to watch it. The concept, scoreboard, shot clock and team play makes it exciting to watch and play.

Obviously these guys hit some bumps in the road the past 12 months and it has cost them more money than they wanted.

I don't know the business model and what the future holds, but myself and the players are passionate about this game and love the concept. We see the potential and we feel like professional players at this arena. This experience has definitely united the players.

We were asked months bank from WPBLTV which tournaments we would like to attend; and we all replied. Obviously it's not possible to avoid all competitions, but they tried their best. The players do have a choice to play Bonus Ball or attend a tournament because each team has 2 alternates. The cancellation of the World 10 Ball has also affected a lot of teams.

Like I said, all the guys have the option to play Bonus Ball or tournaments. We never got told any different. In addition, every single tournament in the world does not receive the same field or all the best players... mainly due to financial difficulty, personal reasons or no invitation.

For example, last year at the Great Southern Classic, many top players were missing including: Efren, Bustamante, Mika, Corteza, Souquet... and a long lost of other top players. Nothing was said this time last year when these players didn't show and none of these players received phone calls with threats. They didn't attend because they didn't want to or they couldn't afford the expenses. We don't want to play every tournament on the calendar and we are certainly not contracted to play anything. With so many international tournaments, it's touch to keep everyone happy.

This year, the Great Southern Classic will only be affected by 8-12 players from Bonus Ball. Some teams wanted this time off to play the Great Southern Classic and they will go play; that's their choice. Some teams have no matches scheduled the week of the Great Southern Classic but they simply can't afford to play. 75% of the players are broke! To play Ultimate 10 Ball, then the Southern Classic including the $1000 entry for the Bigfoot Challenge... players are looking at a minimum of $5000 inc travel expenses. I know some players with $200 to their name and some totally broke.

I will play Ultimate 10 Ball and it cost me about $1500-2000 in expenses. To stay another 10 days and play the Southern Classic would cost another $3000. I could afford to stay but I decided this time the best decision for me was to play Bonus Ball. I will definitely play future tournaments in the US this year and DCC next year.

With or without Bonus Ball, lots of these guys wouldn't be attending Great Southern Classic simply because they can't afford to play and payout $3000-5000 for 1.5-2 weeks. If they played everything including Ultimate 10 Ball, the Asian and European players are looking at $6000 in expenses, unless they have a stake horse.

This year, Great Southern Classic will be a much better field than last year. The guys traveling from Asia, Europe and the Middle East to play in the Ultimate 10 Ball will probably stay to play Great Southern Classic. The ones that don't will be because it is too expensive.

The list of players that are part of Bonus Ball and are staying to play Great Southern Classic are:
Johnny Archer
Shannon Daulton
Dennis Hatch
Warren Kiamco
Justin Hall
Joey Gray
Chip Compton
Jeremy Jones
Jayson Shaw
Phil Burford
Karl Boyes
Chris Melling
and I'm sure a few more..

I also know some of the Bonus Ball Guys could go and would like to go, but are not because it is too expensive.

Then there are about 6 of us who have to choose if we want to play Great Southern Classic, but decided to play Bonus Ball and be guaranteed a wage. A few guys couldn't afford to go and need the guaranteed money. My guess is Great Southern Classic lost 6-8 players tops due to Bonus Ball... it's hard times in the world right now.


Great Southern Classic will still get more entries than last year and it will certainly be a tougher field. ie: Bustamante, Reyes, Corteza, Biado, Melling, Fiejen and many more. None of these guys played Souther Classic last year.

So, I feel everyone is making a big fuzz out of nothing..

Also, the US Open 10 Ball and 8 Ball will have sick fields this year with the Asian and European guys flying over. The field is stronger than ever and the Bonus Ball guys are changing match times to allow players to play if they want. I will not play US Open 8 Ball and neither will Archer, Shuff and Orcullo. Nothing was said when we couldn't play, because we are playing in the World Games in Columbia. It just seems to me everyone is against Bonus Ball for the wrong reasons and it all has to do with money.

I certainly respect Greg and all his staff and I will continue to support his events in the future. I'm sure this year's event will be well supported and a great success, and wish everyone luck.


Darren Appleton
World 9 Ball Champion
 
dynamite said:
I don't usually post on forums anymore, but I will speak on behalf of the players...

We the players have been waiting a long time for something big and fresh to happen to billiards since the IPT. Now we have Bonus Ball. At first, like most players, I wasn't sure about the game, the rules etc., but after 2 weeks of matches we were all in love and glued to the game. It's a great game to play and everyone I speak to at the venue loves to watch it. The concept, scoreboard, shot clock and team play makes it exciting to watch and play.

Obviously these guys hit some bumps in the road the past 12 months and it has cost them more money than they wanted.

I don't know the business model and what the future holds, but myself and the players are passionate about this game and love the concept. We see the potential and we feel like professional players at this arena. This experience has definitely united the players.

We were asked months bank from WPBLTV which tournaments we would like to attend; and we all replied. Obviously it's not possible to avoid all competitions, but they tried their best. The players do have a choice to play Bonus Ball or attend a tournament because each team has 2 alternates. The cancellation of the World 10 Ball has also affected a lot of teams.

Like I said, all the guys have the option to play Bonus Ball or tournaments. We never got told any different. In addition, every single tournament in the world does not receive the same field or all the best players... mainly due to financial difficulty, personal reasons or no invitation.

For example, last year at the Great Southern Classic, many top players were missing including: Efren, Bustamante, Mika, Corteza, Souquet... and a long lost of other top players. Nothing was said this time last year when these players didn't show and none of these players received phone calls with threats. They didn't attend because they didn't want to or they couldn't afford the expenses. We don't want to play every tournament on the calendar and we are certainly not contracted to play anything. With so many international tournaments, it's touch to keep everyone happy.

This year, the Great Southern Classic will only be affected by 8-12 players from Bonus Ball. Some teams wanted this time off to play the Great Southern Classic and they will go play; that's their choice. Some teams have no matches scheduled the week of the Great Southern Classic but they simply can't afford to play. 75% of the players are broke! To play Ultimate 10 Ball, then the Southern Classic including the $1000 entry for the Bigfoot Challenge... players are looking at a minimum of $5000 inc travel expenses. I know some players with $200 to their name and some totally broke.

I will play Ultimate 10 Ball and it cost me about $1500-2000 in expenses. To stay another 10 days and play the Southern Classic would cost another $3000. I could afford to stay but I decided this time the best decision for me was to play Bonus Ball. I will definitely play future tournaments in the US this year and DCC next year.

With or without Bonus Ball, lots of these guys wouldn't be attending Great Southern Classic simply because they can't afford to play and payout $3000-5000 for 1.5-2 weeks. If they played everything including Ultimate 10 Ball, the Asian and European players are looking at $6000 in expenses, unless they have a stake horse.

This year, Great Southern Classic will be a much better field than last year. The guys traveling from Asia, Europe and the Middle East to play in the Ultimate 10 Ball will probably stay to play Great Southern Classic. The ones that don't will be because it is too expensive.

The list of players that are part of Bonus Ball and are staying to play Great Southern Classic are:
Johnny Archer
Shannon Daulton
Dennis Hatch
Warren Kiamco
Justin Hall
Joey Gray
Chip Compton
Jeremy Jones
Jayson Shaw
Phil Burford
Karl Boyes
Chris Melling
and I'm sure a few more..

I also know some of the Bonus Ball Guys could go and would like to go, but are not because it is too expensive.

Then there are about 6 of us who have to choose if we want to play Great Southern Classic, but decided to play Bonus Ball and be guaranteed a wage. A few guys couldn't afford to go and need the guaranteed money. My guess is Great Southern Classic lost 6-8 players tops due to Bonus Ball... it's hard times in the world right now.


Great Southern Classic will still get more entries than last year and it will certainly be a tougher field. ie: Bustamante, Reyes, Corteza, Biado, Melling, Fiejen and many more. None of these guys played Souther Classic last year.

So, I feel everyone is making a big fuzz out of nothing..

Also, the US Open 10 Ball and 8 Ball will have sick fields this year with the Asian and European guys flying over. The field is stronger than ever and the Bonus Ball guys are changing match times to allow players to play if they want. I will not play US Open 8 Ball and neither will Archer, Shuff and Orcullo. Nothing was said when we couldn't play, because we are playing in the World Games in Columbia. It just seems to me everyone is against Bonus Ball for the wrong reasons and it all has to do with money.

I certainly respect Greg and all his staff and I will continue to support his events in the future. I'm sure this year's event will be well supported and a great success, and wish everyone luck.


Darren Appleton
World 9 Ball Champion
Click to expand...


Good post, long overdue from someone from Bonus Ball. You shed some light and good points on these guys are going, these are not etc. it's much appreciated by many here I'm sure.

I'm sure 99% of people here want you guys to get paid and succeed. A lot of people just don't like the P.R. Department that bonus ball uses, they come off VERY bad on here. You should inform the real management of bonus ball to get someone as a spokesman, which would be their only job and tell the others to run the cameras, what they are good at and to quit commenting on here. They are doing you guys nothing but harm.

Good Luck Mr. Appleton
 
yelvis111 said:
The Southern Classic runs from the 21st through the 29th. The Banks tourney runs from June 21 - June 24, 1 Pocket from June 23 - June 26 and 9 ball from June 26 - June 29.

During that same time frame the WPBL has week 4 matches on June 21 - 24 and week 5 matches on June 26 - June 29. Here's a list of the teams that are playing matches during the Southern Classic;

Fri, June 21 - Outlaws, Blue Sharks (can't play in Banks tourney)
Sat, June 22 - Poison, Price, Blue Sharks, Rockets, Aces, Outlaws (can't play in Banks tourney)
Sun, June 23 - Rockets, Poison, Pride, Aces (can't play in Banks and 1 Pocket tourney)
Mon, Jun 24 - No BB matches scheduled
Tue, Jun 25 - No BB matches scheduled
Wed, Jun 26 - No BB matches scheduled
Thu, Jun 27 - Poison, Rockets (can't play in 9 ball tourney)
Fri, Jun 28 -Outlaws, Dice (can't play in 9 ball tourney)
Sat, Jun 29 - Cruise, Wave, Outlaws, Aces (can't play in 9 ball tourney)

Assuming you realistically need to be in Tunica the day before the tournament started, here's a summary of the conflicts created by the BB matches:

1. Can play ALL tourneys - Scorpions, Hustlers, Fire
2. Can't play Banks - Outlaws, Blue Sharks, Poison, Pride, Rockets, Aces
3. Can't play 1 Pocket - Outlaws, Blue Sharks, Rockets, Poison, Pride, Aces
4. Can't play 9 ball - Poison, Rockets, Outlaws, Dice, Cruise, Wave, Outlaws, Aces

Or to put it another way:

Fire - Can play ALL tourneys
Hustlers - Can play ALL tourneys
Scorpions - Can play ALL tourneys

Aces - Can play NO tourneys
Poison - Can play NO tourneys
Pride - Can play NO tourneys
Rockets - Can play NO tourneys

Cruise - Can play Banks and 1 Pocket
Dice - Can play Banks and 1 Pocket
Wave - Can play Banks and 1 Pocket

Pride - Can play 9 ball
Blue Sharks - Can play 9 ball

Or to put it yet another way:

Banks - Cruise, Dice, Fire, Hustlers, Scorpions and Wave CAN ALL play
1 Pocket - Cruise, Dice, Fire, Hustlers, Scorpions and Wave CAN ALL play
9 ball - Blue Sharks, Fire, Hustlers, Pride and Scorpions CAN ALL play

Much respect,

Taek

*Note* - I'm well aware it would be a PITA to go from Tunica to Vegas and then back to Tunica. I just wanted to point out that except for the Aces, Poison, Pride and Rockets it isn't an all-or-nothing thing.
Click to expand...

Scorpions can play in all events. Boy that Johnny A. guy is as lucky as the Magicion. :rolleyes: . Johnnyt
 
dynamite said:
...I certainly respect Greg and all his staff and I will continue to support his events in the future. I'm sure this year's event will be well supported and a great success, and wish everyone luck.


Darren Appleton
World 9 Ball Champion
Click to expand...

Great post. It was kind of you to come on AzBilliards to post your thoughts.

The administration of the Bonus Ball to date has been unprofessional, which makes it difficult for some of us -- not all -- to give it any respect. The RECENT scheduling after many false starts in a 6-month period, in particular, was poor judgment.

I hope you find time in your busy schedule to call Greg Sullivan and express your thoughts, as you did here. I think he deserves that. He has always supported players on the other side of the pond as well as players around the world, helping them financially.

As JumpinJoe stated, somebody should go to the top of Bonus Ball and let them know the reactions of many in the American pool industry. Bonus Ball would be served better by having a professional outreach with an experienced public relations person, one who has experience in dealing with controversial matters, such as what is going on right now. Having camera men and players come on this forum defending Bonus Ball is not a good form of PR. I respectfully suggest this with good intentions and hope you take my suggestion in the spirit that it is given. Where Bonus Ball is failing miserably is in the communication department.

Happy trails to you, and may all your purple and orange balls fall in the hole. I think that's how the game is played. :D
 
Atlanta team asked for that week off..

I already spoke to Greg last week.

Greg will receive a better turnout this year and with more star players than last year.

And bca field this year will be amazing.

Darren
 
dynamite said:
Atlanta team asked for that week off..

I already spoke to Greg last week.

Greg will receive a better turnout this year and with more star players than last year.

And bca field this year will be amazing.

Darren
Click to expand...

Thank you for following up with this bit of news. I am sure I represent the sentiments of all AzBilliards' members when I say we appreciate you taking the time to post, especially with this good-news update! :)

I will be anxious to see who's signed up *and* competing in the Diamond Big Foot 10-Ball Challenge, which is an event reserved for pro-caliber players. This is the star attraction at Southern Classic! :cool:

I'm not sure how long the Diamond Big Foot 10-Ball Challenge tournament lasts, as in how many days or how many matches, but Jay Helfert would know better than me.

Anyway, Darren, you're a good man. Thanks again for the follow-up news. :wave3:
 
SakuJack said:
So are you going to apologise to Daz (and the other players) for the insinuations you've made about them in this thread?
Click to expand...



LOL....don't you know she's never wrong --- maybe misinformed, misunderstood, took her words out of context, your stupid(she's not), --- but she sure as shit aint wrong!!!
 
  • Like
Reactions: JAM
dynamite said:
I don't usually post on forums anymore, but I will speak on behalf of the players...

We the players have been waiting a long time for something big and fresh to happen to billiards since the IPT. Now we have Bonus Ball. At first, like most players, I wasn't sure about the game, the rules etc., but after 2 weeks of matches we were all in love and glued to the game. It's a great game to play and everyone I speak to at the venue loves to watch it. The concept, scoreboard, shot clock and team play makes it exciting to watch and play.

Obviously these guys hit some bumps in the road the past 12 months and it has cost them more money than they wanted.

I don't know the business model and what the future holds, but myself and the players are passionate about this game and love the concept. We see the potential and we feel like professional players at this arena. This experience has definitely united the players.

We were asked months bank from WPBLTV which tournaments we would like to attend; and we all replied. Obviously it's not possible to avoid all competitions, but they tried their best. The players do have a choice to play Bonus Ball or attend a tournament because each team has 2 alternates. The cancellation of the World 10 Ball has also affected a lot of teams.

Like I said, all the guys have the option to play Bonus Ball or tournaments. We never got told any different. In addition, every single tournament in the world does not receive the same field or all the best players... mainly due to financial difficulty, personal reasons or no invitation.

For example, last year at the Great Southern Classic, many top players were missing including: Efren, Bustamante, Mika, Corteza, Souquet... and a long lost of other top players. Nothing was said this time last year when these players didn't show and none of these players received phone calls with threats. They didn't attend because they didn't want to or they couldn't afford the expenses. We don't want to play every tournament on the calendar and we are certainly not contracted to play anything. With so many international tournaments, it's touch to keep everyone happy.

This year, the Great Southern Classic will only be affected by 8-12 players from Bonus Ball. Some teams wanted this time off to play the Great Southern Classic and they will go play; that's their choice. Some teams have no matches scheduled the week of the Great Southern Classic but they simply can't afford to play. 75% of the players are broke! To play Ultimate 10 Ball, then the Southern Classic including the $1000 entry for the Bigfoot Challenge... players are looking at a minimum of $5000 inc travel expenses. I know some players with $200 to their name and some totally broke.

I will play Ultimate 10 Ball and it cost me about $1500-2000 in expenses. To stay another 10 days and play the Southern Classic would cost another $3000. I could afford to stay but I decided this time the best decision for me was to play Bonus Ball. I will definitely play future tournaments in the US this year and DCC next year.

With or without Bonus Ball, lots of these guys wouldn't be attending Great Southern Classic simply because they can't afford to play and payout $3000-5000 for 1.5-2 weeks. If they played everything including Ultimate 10 Ball, the Asian and European players are looking at $6000 in expenses, unless they have a stake horse.

This year, Great Southern Classic will be a much better field than last year. The guys traveling from Asia, Europe and the Middle East to play in the Ultimate 10 Ball will probably stay to play Great Southern Classic. The ones that don't will be because it is too expensive.

The list of players that are part of Bonus Ball and are staying to play Great Southern Classic are:
Johnny Archer
Shannon Daulton
Dennis Hatch
Warren Kiamco
Justin Hall
Joey Gray
Chip Compton
Jeremy Jones
Jayson Shaw
Phil Burford
Karl Boyes
Chris Melling
and I'm sure a few more..

I also know some of the Bonus Ball Guys could go and would like to go, but are not because it is too expensive.

Then there are about 6 of us who have to choose if we want to play Great Southern Classic, but decided to play Bonus Ball and be guaranteed a wage. A few guys couldn't afford to go and need the guaranteed money. My guess is Great Southern Classic lost 6-8 players tops due to Bonus Ball... it's hard times in the world right now.


Great Southern Classic will still get more entries than last year and it will certainly be a tougher field. ie: Bustamante, Reyes, Corteza, Biado, Melling, Fiejen and many more. None of these guys played Souther Classic last year.

So, I feel everyone is making a big fuzz out of nothing..

Also, the US Open 10 Ball and 8 Ball will have sick fields this year with the Asian and European guys flying over. The field is stronger than ever and the Bonus Ball guys are changing match times to allow players to play if they want. I will not play US Open 8 Ball and neither will Archer, Shuff and Orcullo. Nothing was said when we couldn't play, because we are playing in the World Games in Columbia. It just seems to me everyone is against Bonus Ball for the wrong reasons and it all has to do with money.

I certainly respect Greg and all his staff and I will continue to support his events in the future. I'm sure this year's event will be well supported and a great success, and wish everyone luck.


Darren Appleton
World 9 Ball Champion
Click to expand...

Thank you Daz! What I had been searching for through all the threads on BB was some information and thoughts from a respected player. And you have provided that with a great post! I think this clears up a lot of things for everyone who had issues with the scheduling. And everyone (including me) was just guessing and making assumptions due to the convenience of the back to back tourneys not adding as much to expenses that anyone who was doing the Ultimate 10 ball would naturally just stay and do the Southern.

Thanks for coming on and defending the players.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top