There is something to be said about a sense of freedom when you pay your own way in the pool world. Most -- not all -- sponsorships in pool are product, not money, or you get free entry and hotel expenses paid to attend an event. I prefer being a free bird or an independent agent for a variety reasons.
My other half was mentioned in Billiards Digest once, and the adjective describing Keith was a "loose cannon," which I took issue with and wrote a letter to the editor. To BD's credit, they did respond with a semi-retraction and kinder words about Keith, noting his colorful personality. It's hard to be in the public eye in the pool world because the critics are brutal, and sometimes unfounded accusations are made, which are absolutely untrue. This forum is a good example.
The one concern I have with Mike Dechaine representing Team USA in England is based on his last appearance at the Cup in England. He was having a bad day, I guess you could say, competing against another Team Europe member. Hey, all pool players have them. I don't care who you are. It happens. Dennis Hatch and a few others came over to Mike while he was sitting in the chair, losing. Between shots, it looked as if Team USA members were trying to encourage Mike, reassuring him, root for him, et cetera, but the expression on Mike's face was nothing more than disgust, and it appeared that the completely ignored his team mates' gestures who were trying to be supportive. This is what a team is all about. You don't ignore your team members.
To be a champion, you have to keep fighting back even when you're losing. You never give up. Mike appeared to give up at that Mosconi Cup in England, in my opinion, and ignored his fellow team members who were in his corner. And his caliber of play was poor, sad to say. I realize, again, everybody has a bad day. I really don't hold that against any pool player. It happens.
This is what concerns me about him being on the Team USA in England. What's more, reading he had a problem with Mike Zuglan on the Joss Tour recently, echoes an anger issue or personality problem. I know Mike runs a tight ship, but he is a reasonable person and treats everyone the same. No favoritism, which is what I like about Joss Tour.
You can't be a megalomaniac in the pool world and treat others with disdain or no appreciation, especially at the Mosconi Cup.
With all that said, I hope Mike has enough maturity in him to be a good team member this year, and I will root for Team USA. I hope he proves me wrong.
My other half was mentioned in Billiards Digest once, and the adjective describing Keith was a "loose cannon," which I took issue with and wrote a letter to the editor. To BD's credit, they did respond with a semi-retraction and kinder words about Keith, noting his colorful personality. It's hard to be in the public eye in the pool world because the critics are brutal, and sometimes unfounded accusations are made, which are absolutely untrue. This forum is a good example.
The one concern I have with Mike Dechaine representing Team USA in England is based on his last appearance at the Cup in England. He was having a bad day, I guess you could say, competing against another Team Europe member. Hey, all pool players have them. I don't care who you are. It happens. Dennis Hatch and a few others came over to Mike while he was sitting in the chair, losing. Between shots, it looked as if Team USA members were trying to encourage Mike, reassuring him, root for him, et cetera, but the expression on Mike's face was nothing more than disgust, and it appeared that the completely ignored his team mates' gestures who were trying to be supportive. This is what a team is all about. You don't ignore your team members.
To be a champion, you have to keep fighting back even when you're losing. You never give up. Mike appeared to give up at that Mosconi Cup in England, in my opinion, and ignored his fellow team members who were in his corner. And his caliber of play was poor, sad to say. I realize, again, everybody has a bad day. I really don't hold that against any pool player. It happens.
This is what concerns me about him being on the Team USA in England. What's more, reading he had a problem with Mike Zuglan on the Joss Tour recently, echoes an anger issue or personality problem. I know Mike runs a tight ship, but he is a reasonable person and treats everyone the same. No favoritism, which is what I like about Joss Tour.
You can't be a megalomaniac in the pool world and treat others with disdain or no appreciation, especially at the Mosconi Cup.
With all that said, I hope Mike has enough maturity in him to be a good team member this year, and I will root for Team USA. I hope he proves me wrong.
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