Hey brother, all joking aside sounds like you and Justinb386 should really talk ( actually would have sworn every word you wrote was by him - if I had not looked to see who posted it ).
ANYWAY, BACK TO SHANE - yeah while I've never met him in person nor spoken to him other than on Facebook I can easily say whole-heartedly he seems to be a genuinely good dude and all of these other " pros " could certainly learn a thing or 50 things from him. No idear what he's making from his sponsorship deals but he should have a line a mile long ( which he probably already does lol ) wanting him to their front man. I also think it so very awesome and WAY WAY cool that Shane always seems to make time for the kids, just meeting him and playing a rack or two probably means the absolute world to each and every one of them!
Not to detract anything from Shane what so ever but I think this is worth mentioning. I would think this is one of those EXTREMELY rare moments here on AZ that ALL OF US can finally agree on something : that SVB is the absolute best ambassador that pool could ever hope for in a million years! I do truthfully believe that we all are in agreeance on this, no?
So with what I am about to say I really don't want this to turn into " one of those threads " with a hundred and one reasons / causes / remedies etc. I am only speaking of one very specific thing with one very specific person thanks. So, we've constantly heard from many peeps on here that are always saying the downfall of pool and why it is the way it is today because of the gambling in pool and the image this gambling portrays. I have been very consistent in my opinions that gambling in pool either helps it or at the very least is neutral but does not hurt it. I think it helps it in the excitement factor, the intrigue it fosters, and as far as the players ( to include the pros, amateurs, and rail birds alike ) brings folks to the pool rooms and sometimes the generates streams too.
Now everyone knows SVB gambles and is quite good at it too and for sure they're many who LOVE to watch him. So I contend this : any negative issues that arise from gambling is because of the individuals involved and not the actual gambling itself. If the players would be gentlemen gamblers like SVB I think it would be near impossible for it to get blamed as the reason for the current state of affairs.For that matter I also think pool just in general would be in a MUCH better state if more of the players conducted themselves just as SVB does - what say yall? Maybe Shane should be putting on clinics for the pros, and I'm not talking about pool lessons lol!