I do not think the money to be paid tot he players and their expenses was coming out of the other players funds so that is wrong. Mark raised separate funds so the team could travel together and work together to get the best result possible. No way do I believe this was a money thing and I do not want charity. No it was if I am not on the A team then I will not participate.
Say what you want about the title of breaking coach, safety coach,make fun of it but I am believe it would of had value. Matchroom was very positive on the inclusion of the non players and thought it would have been a good thing for both teams in the future. Also they might not of sparred and played for the spots but there was ongoing multiple types skills testing and analysis and some players worked and improved these areas that Mark was evaluating or whatever.
Some of you forget these players all said they would go whether they were picked to play or be in the assistant role. So these 3 were not picked it, was going happen to 3 of them no matter the merit or reasoning. Why not do what they said they would go and support the players. Be positive, do whatever to get the best result. That would of been 3 more sets of eyes, 3 brains and 3 hearts all going in the same direction. That will be a tough place to play the room will be loud and boisterous and anything that can be done to build up our team would have been a good thing. Home team advantage will be very strong in this venue for Europe.
Also, I call BS on the money/charity thing, Mark raised the money to support these players in this now unfulfilled role, money for their not insignificant expenses and funding to compensate them win or lose. Hotel rooms over there are like $400/night airfaire etc. This was not going to be a charity case thing in any way. Myself. I do not expect these 3 to make as much $$$ that week as they walked away from and they will not be live on TV to a huge European and Asian audience plus the streaming North American viewers. Getting more name recognition for our players. It would have been very positive for our team and our sport and also for Matchroom.
So I am appalled at people putting their ego's ahead of the team, which this year they were actually supposed to be part of a team with an actual coach. They were doing the right things getting together doing the team building seal training, charity work etc. The sort of things that will create alot of capitol in taking pool in a positive direction as opposed to the "what is in it for me" attiude we have had in the sport in the past. Putting in work for the long term. Would it have been hard to rack for the "players" and give breaking advice for a few hours per day for a week. Set up drills, be positive, perhaps play practice sets but put out some positive energy and work to make the event a success. To have to sit in the corner and cheer for the team. Have a couple of weeks together in Illinois and then England as a team and not get to be a "player". Sure it would not be the easiest but perhaps they could have done that, taken one for the team and used that to focus themselves for the next year. Used that to strengthen their own resolve and stayed true to what they committed to initially, stick with team through the Mosconi cup whether they were a player or in a support role. I am sure they would have shown more character and created more long term capitol with Matchroom than they did with this I am not a player so I am going home.
In closing unpicked players I wish you all the best the next couple of weeks, I hope you prove me wrong and actually comeout ahead somehow/somewhere of what you would have earned fulfilling your obligation to the team and to the endeavor. The team would have been more with you there and I think you all know that in your hearts.
Good luck US Mosconi Cup, lets show the world why you were the players picked. USA USA USA
