Thank you for that correction!
Players not being paid at US Open
- Thread starter truefan
- Start date
Thank you for that correction!
Lou its the same old story!
I would bet Jay got paid in cash, if not why would he try in smooth things out for Barry.
Btw Jay you are wrong about Golf, and tennis, there has never been one complaint about any ones check ever being no good!
I understand, one must not bite the hand that just fed them.
How can anyone come on here and say anything good about the man that's been lying and lying for years to all the players that pay and play in his tournament, the US OPEN?
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Thank You
Jay.. Thanks for putting a small portion of the fire out. Now we will just have to wait and see if the whole fire (full payment to all players) is forthcoming.
Jay.. Thanks for putting a small portion of the fire out. Now we will just have to wait and see if the whole fire (full payment to all players) is forthcoming.
There have been a number of posts saying that Barry has an alcohol problem, but I wonder if he was sober all the time whether he would be adding $72,000 to a pool tournament when it is clear the money is coming from his ledge of accounts receivable. Or maybe the alcohol is just something that is a by product of the airplane jumper with no parachute personality that JCIN describes.
I was at a tournament Saturday night when the Open finals was going down. The largest group of people in the room were all sitting around this small 2 top table watching a 7 inch tablet that was streaming the open and the entire group was mesmerized by the quality of play. People who love pool deeply care about this event, they place an enormous value on who is successful in what has for a long time been the USA's most prestigious events. like a measuring stick of the quality of any field, as in "Man, that field is so tough, there are like 5 former US Open champions!".
Its really saddens me to think about the possible future of the open because the uncertainty has made the Open a real gamble, especially for those international players. The uncertainty is degrading the field, which in turn weakens the gate, which in turn reduces the vendors. Its a downward spiral that for the players is making the $750 entry fee a financial game of musical chairs and unless some big changes are made, eventually the music is going to stop permanently and all the players competing that year will be left without chairs.
I was at a tournament Saturday night when the Open finals was going down. The largest group of people in the room were all sitting around this small 2 top table watching a 7 inch tablet that was streaming the open and the entire group was mesmerized by the quality of play. People who love pool deeply care about this event, they place an enormous value on who is successful in what has for a long time been the USA's most prestigious events. like a measuring stick of the quality of any field, as in "Man, that field is so tough, there are like 5 former US Open champions!".
Its really saddens me to think about the possible future of the open because the uncertainty has made the Open a real gamble, especially for those international players. The uncertainty is degrading the field, which in turn weakens the gate, which in turn reduces the vendors. Its a downward spiral that for the players is making the $750 entry fee a financial game of musical chairs and unless some big changes are made, eventually the music is going to stop permanently and all the players competing that year will be left without chairs.
Yes, unfortunately, Richie, it is the same old same old. Even the excuses.
Lou Figueroa
^^^^^^^^^^ yea I agree ^^^^^^^^^^^
The annual discussion about payouts at the US open is as mandatory as discussing the pros and cons of the short races at the Mosconi Cup each year or trying to work out why SVB can't win world titles but yet win massive money matches over mahoosive distances..
I hear all of you loud and clear. Once again, to the best of my knowledge the bottom two thirds of the field from 17th thru 48th has been paid in full already. If this is not the case I would like to hear about it. I personally saw Roberta handing money to many of these players. It was all cash with zero deductions!
As for the higher finishers (1st thru 16th), most of them received checks (a few may have gotten cash as well) that were dated Oct. 28, a little more than one week out. A few of the top finishers (1st, 2nd and 3rd) received more than one check. They were dated one to two and three weeks out. If all these checks clear on time then this discussion becomes a moot point. If they don't clear I will be in agreement with all of you.
I do know that all players in the last two U.S. Opens have been paid in full in a timely matter, thanks in part to the intervention of Johnny Archer. This is Barry's opportunity to make good on his own. As I told him on Sunday, if he fails to make good on the checks then his event is in serious jeopardy, as most players will not return. This will also be the case if they bounce and he makes good at a later date. That would also be unacceptable in my eyes as well.
The difference this year then in past years is that two thirds of the field has already been paid in full and the remaining third walked away check in hand. If they ALL clear, then no harm no foul in my book. This is probably Barry's last chance to save his tournament. I know it's my final go round if he does not keep his promise. I got his personal assurance before I would go back that all players would get paid either at the event or shortly thereafter by check. Like you, I hope this is the case and we don't hear about checks bouncing. I know there is a lot of money coming due on Oct. 28, so that is the key date in my mind.
I know that I am giving Barry the benefit of the doubt here, but I for one would like to see the U.S. Open continue. It is the premier pool event in our country right now. In business I've learned to separate personalities from performance. There are some very eccentric characters who are astute businessmen. Take Donald Sterling for instance or Donald Trump. Some of the stuff they say and do defies description, since it's just so stupid. But yet they are very successful at what they do. Barry happens to own and run one of the most successful poolrooms in America and I can't think that's an accident.
Look this is a guy who thought it was funny for us to put on a pseudo boxing match prior to the start of the tournament. Part of me wished that there were no balloon-like gloves and maybe some eight ouncers to spar with. My father was a lightweight champion (132 pounds) in college at Buffalo U. and he taught me how to defend myself when I was a kid. I'm not a stranger to boxing. But after it was all over I realized that this is Barry's humor, to poke fun at himself and all his own foibles. So I took it in stride and went about my business. On the first day of the tournament someone opened a door quickly that hit me in the head, opening a deep gash above my eye. It took some doing just to staunch the flow of blood and I wore a bandage all week. It looks like there will be a small scar there forever. Maybe I should get a purple heart for this one. Barry delighted in telling everyone that he did this to me and I went along with it. It was our standing joke all week.
I hope for Barry's sake that he gets it right this time and everyone is satisfied sooner rather than later. I'd hate to see the U.S. Open go away.
P.S. Yes, I got paid in cash just before I left on Sunday. But my pay was somewhere down in the middle of the field range. I may have earned about $25-30 an hour for this gig!
As for the higher finishers (1st thru 16th), most of them received checks (a few may have gotten cash as well) that were dated Oct. 28, a little more than one week out. A few of the top finishers (1st, 2nd and 3rd) received more than one check. They were dated one to two and three weeks out. If all these checks clear on time then this discussion becomes a moot point. If they don't clear I will be in agreement with all of you.
I do know that all players in the last two U.S. Opens have been paid in full in a timely matter, thanks in part to the intervention of Johnny Archer. This is Barry's opportunity to make good on his own. As I told him on Sunday, if he fails to make good on the checks then his event is in serious jeopardy, as most players will not return. This will also be the case if they bounce and he makes good at a later date. That would also be unacceptable in my eyes as well.
The difference this year then in past years is that two thirds of the field has already been paid in full and the remaining third walked away check in hand. If they ALL clear, then no harm no foul in my book. This is probably Barry's last chance to save his tournament. I know it's my final go round if he does not keep his promise. I got his personal assurance before I would go back that all players would get paid either at the event or shortly thereafter by check. Like you, I hope this is the case and we don't hear about checks bouncing. I know there is a lot of money coming due on Oct. 28, so that is the key date in my mind.
I know that I am giving Barry the benefit of the doubt here, but I for one would like to see the U.S. Open continue. It is the premier pool event in our country right now. In business I've learned to separate personalities from performance. There are some very eccentric characters who are astute businessmen. Take Donald Sterling for instance or Donald Trump. Some of the stuff they say and do defies description, since it's just so stupid. But yet they are very successful at what they do. Barry happens to own and run one of the most successful poolrooms in America and I can't think that's an accident.
Look this is a guy who thought it was funny for us to put on a pseudo boxing match prior to the start of the tournament. Part of me wished that there were no balloon-like gloves and maybe some eight ouncers to spar with. My father was a lightweight champion (132 pounds) in college at Buffalo U. and he taught me how to defend myself when I was a kid. I'm not a stranger to boxing. But after it was all over I realized that this is Barry's humor, to poke fun at himself and all his own foibles. So I took it in stride and went about my business. On the first day of the tournament someone opened a door quickly that hit me in the head, opening a deep gash above my eye. It took some doing just to staunch the flow of blood and I wore a bandage all week. It looks like there will be a small scar there forever. Maybe I should get a purple heart for this one. Barry delighted in telling everyone that he did this to me and I went along with it. It was our standing joke all week.
I hope for Barry's sake that he gets it right this time and everyone is satisfied sooner rather than later. I'd hate to see the U.S. Open go away.
P.S. Yes, I got paid in cash just before I left on Sunday. But my pay was somewhere down in the middle of the field range. I may have earned about $25-30 an hour for this gig!
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Few Questions
1. Why would Barry give out multiple checks to the same player?
2. Was there an agreement with the players and the U.S. Open that the top finishers would be given post dated checks?
3. Why if the funds were in escrow is it necessary for Barry to post date the checks?
1. Why would Barry give out multiple checks to the same player?
2. Was there an agreement with the players and the U.S. Open that the top finishers would be given post dated checks?
3. Why if the funds were in escrow is it necessary for Barry to post date the checks?
It is very gracious of you to come forward and provide your thoughts on this forum. I agree with you that I would like to see the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship make it to its 40th anniversary and continue thereafter. It *is* the one championship title on American soil that is desired by every professional pool player, bar none.
As well, I know that some tournaments -- Philippines comes to mind -- have paid the palyers via checks 2 or 3 weeks after the conclusion. This is an accepted practice for some pool tournaments in how they pay the winners.
With that said, Barry, et al., never mentioned the payouts for the top 20 or so would be via check and/or post-dated check. With all the brouhaha that has plagued this event, it is only normal, I guess, for everyone to be suspicious that this is a "move." If this payout procedure was made known beforehand, no problem. But it wasn't.
It is hard to overlook his behavior when he's got a microphone in his hand. Look, I know this is his event, and he should be able to do whatever he wants, but to those who do care about Barry -- and I am one of them -- his behavior while under the influence is open to a lot of ridicule and sometimes mean-spiritedness, especially on thie forum. :sorry:
It is one thing to laugh with someone, but it is another thing to be laughing at them. I've seen it happen to those who are close to me. The sad things is they're not even aware of it at the time, but those who love them do see it. :frown:
I am with you, though, that I really do hope Barry follows through. Anyone who knows him is well aware of his passion not only for pool, but of this event. In fact, he shows up at most other high-profile tournaments. I've seen him at Derby City Classic, Super Billiards Expo, and elsewhere. He loves pool.
Today is the 21st, so the 28th is only a week away. I can't help but chuckle at Shane Van Boening. While AzB-ers are discussing these payout problems, the day after the Open, Mr. Van Boening posted a photo of himself in South Dakota catching a huge fish. Looks like he's enjoying life to the fullest after his almighty win. :grin-square:
Checks are so passé these days. Wiring money provides immediate gratification. Can you imagine going to the grocery store and writing a check for your groceries? The people behind you in line would laugh. Checks are better than nothing. I still get paid via check-in-the-mail with some clients. "Mr. Postman, look at me. You gotta letter in the pack for me."
Attachments
1. Multiple checks in similar amounts one week apart. Why he did this I don't know.
2. There was no such agreement, although this is common practice at this event and almost all players know this going in. I think Barry realizes that he should have announced this at the players meeting and not after the fact. One more faux pas by him.
3. Saying money is in "escrow" doesn't necessarily guarantee anything. It all depends on who controls that escrow account and how they want to dole out the money.
Once again I will give Barry the benefit of the doubt this time until we see if all his checks are good or not.
What hurts me as a "yank" is reading posts like this written by our international bretheren of pool peeps: I see the shirts for the Mosconi Cup we were promised "in the Spring" by the American manufacturers. Still haven't shown up. Not like the yanks to miss a target. Oh hang on a minute. What am I saying......
After Bonus Ball, IPT, and the annual Open payout problems, I am ashamed as a proud American pool enthusiast for America to have this kind of reputation in the pool world. :embarrassed2:
After Bonus Ball, IPT, and the annual Open payout problems, I am ashamed as a proud American pool enthusiast for America to have this kind of reputation in the pool world. :embarrassed2:
NYC cue dude
Banned
I hear all of you loud and clear. Once again, to the best of my knowledge the bottom two thirds of the field from 17th thru 48th has been paid in full already. If this is not the case I would like to hear about it. I personally saw Roberta handing money to many of these players. It was all cash with zero deductions!
As for the higher finishers (1st thru 16th), most of them received checks (a few may have gotten cash as well) that were dated Oct. 28, a little more than one week out. A few of the top finishers (1st, 2nd and 3rd) received more than one check. They were dated one to two and three weeks out. If all these checks clear on time then this discussion becomes a moot point. If they don't clear I will be in agreement with all of you.
I do know that all players in the last two U.S. Opens have been paid in full in a timely matter, thanks in part to the intervention of Johnny Archer. This is Barry's opportunity to make good on his own. As I told him on Sunday, if he fails to make good on the checks then his event is in serious jeopardy, as most players will not return. This will also be the case if they bounce and he makes good at a later date. That would also be unacceptable in my eyes as well.
The difference this year then in past years is that two thirds of the field has already been paid in full and the remaining third walked away check in hand. If they ALL clear, then no harm no foul in my book. This is probably Barry's last chance to save his tournament. I know it's my final go round if he does not keep his promise. I got his personal assurance before I would go back that all players would get paid either at the event or shortly thereafter by check. Like you, I hope this is the case and we don't hear about checks bouncing. I know there is a lot of money coming due on Oct. 28, so that is the key date in my mind.
I know that I am giving Barry the benefit of the doubt here, but I for one would like to see the U.S. Open continue. It is the premier pool event in our country right now. In business I've learned to separate personalities from performance. There are some very eccentric characters who are astute businessmen. Take Donald Sterling for instance or Donald Trump. Some of the stuff they say and do defies description, since it's just so stupid. But yet they are very successful at what they do. Barry happens to own and run one of the most successful poolrooms in America and I can't think that's an accident.
Look this is a guy who thought it was funny for us to put on a pseudo boxing match prior to the start of the tournament. Part of me wished that there were no balloon-like gloves and maybe some eight ouncers to spar with. My father was a lightweight champion (132 pounds) in college at Buffalo U. and he taught me how to defend myself when I was a kid. I'm not a stranger to boxing. But after it was all over I realized that this is Barry's humor, to poke fun at himself and all his own foibles. So I took it in stride and went about my business. On the first day of the tournament someone opened a door quickly that hit me in the head, opening a deep gash above my eye. It took some doing just to staunch the flow of blood and I wore a bandage all week. It looks like there will be a small scar there forever. Maybe I should get a purple heart for this one. Barry delighted in telling everyone that he did this to me and I went along with it. It was our standing joke all week.
I hope for Barry's sake that he gets it right this time and everyone is satisfied sooner rather than later. I'd hate to see the U.S. Open go away.
P.S. Yes, I got paid in cash just before I left on Sunday. But my pay was somewhere down in the middle of the field range. I may have earned about $25-30 an hour for this gig!
Wait- you knew BEFORE the tournament that it was likely that many players WOULD NOT BE PAID IN FULL at the tournaments conclusion?
Thanks
Jay.. Thanks for the quick reply. From what I have read about Barry and the U.S. Open it seems that he really likes being in control of the players.
I really think its time for Barry to just go away and let someone with a clean(er) slate step in and do what is right for Pool.
When 120 of the top players in the world put up the cash to play in the event, the last thing they need on their mind is getting paid when the event has concluded.
Jay.. Thanks for the quick reply. From what I have read about Barry and the U.S. Open it seems that he really likes being in control of the players.
I really think its time for Barry to just go away and let someone with a clean(er) slate step in and do what is right for Pool.
When 120 of the top players in the world put up the cash to play in the event, the last thing they need on their mind is getting paid when the event has concluded.
No, I did not know how he was handling payments to the players, only that he assured me that everyone would be paid in full and that there would be no bad checks. He also told me there would be no 30% deductions for any player regardless of country, and I believe he was true to his word on this one.
SOLUTION: Next year BB should be required to post all of the money 2 weeks before the tourny in control of a reliable third party, the reliable party will then immediately pay the players in cash at the end of the matches, then the players will give BB post dated checks for their entry fees!!!!
Maybe this will work
How about just before the event starts, Barry brings out 48 certified checks (if that is the pay line cutoff) so the players all know that the monies will be paid.
Not to difficult to do.
How about just before the event starts, Barry brings out 48 certified checks (if that is the pay line cutoff) so the players all know that the monies will be paid.
Not to difficult to do.