Earl Strickland vs. Russian Kenny
- Thread starter 9andout
- Start date
Good for Earl. I have much respect for Earl as he has gone through all stages of pool - Road player, hustler, tournament player and his attitude is just fine with me. A real old time player and not just a robot.
He was great to have there. Talking it up having a good time and shooting great.
Glad he came out!!
It is amazing he has stayed competitive at the highest level of pool for 40 years.most of his peers have long since retired.
On the Earl being there topic I agree he was a huge hit n he showed up a day before the pro event n basically hit balls with whoever wanted to, answered real questions, n had lots of back n forth(not in a bad way) with everyone watching.
I even got to shake his hand n make sure I told him he's a legend n it was an honor to meet him n even an honor just to shake his hand. Although I'll admit I was nervous to approach Earl and didn't know how he would react even though Ive heard from multiple people that know him or took a lesson that away from the table he's down to earth n a pretty nice guy. I think Earl was thrilled with the VIP treatment he received and I'm glad it worked out all around and also I'm glad Earl won the tournament and was able to leave with a nice payday. However it was clear to me that money is way less important to Earl then pool. In my opinion Earl deserves to be treated like royalty for not only his past accomplishments but also the fact the guy still plays jam up n can snap off any tournament. I wish he had more opportunities like this event because the man has devoted his life to pool and more often than not you can love the heck out of pool but it doesn't love u back. And I hate to see such an important icon to the pool world struggle to get by. But anyway I got to meet Earl shake his hand ask him some questions watch him mess around hitting balls n best out of everything I got to watch him compete up close n it was everything I hoped it would be. N no lie Earl was almost a different person that what I'm accustomed to as far as antics I mean if it wasn't his turn he was in his chair completely quiet looking as calm as a cucumber and even zen like. Hopefully someone can explain that cuz even tho I respect the never ending list of accomplishments I can't stand the bad side of Earl n I can honestly say he was the polar opposite as far as I saw and that probably made the whole Earl experience a million times better
I even got to shake his hand n make sure I told him he's a legend n it was an honor to meet him n even an honor just to shake his hand. Although I'll admit I was nervous to approach Earl and didn't know how he would react even though Ive heard from multiple people that know him or took a lesson that away from the table he's down to earth n a pretty nice guy. I think Earl was thrilled with the VIP treatment he received and I'm glad it worked out all around and also I'm glad Earl won the tournament and was able to leave with a nice payday. However it was clear to me that money is way less important to Earl then pool. In my opinion Earl deserves to be treated like royalty for not only his past accomplishments but also the fact the guy still plays jam up n can snap off any tournament. I wish he had more opportunities like this event because the man has devoted his life to pool and more often than not you can love the heck out of pool but it doesn't love u back. And I hate to see such an important icon to the pool world struggle to get by. But anyway I got to meet Earl shake his hand ask him some questions watch him mess around hitting balls n best out of everything I got to watch him compete up close n it was everything I hoped it would be. N no lie Earl was almost a different person that what I'm accustomed to as far as antics I mean if it wasn't his turn he was in his chair completely quiet looking as calm as a cucumber and even zen like. Hopefully someone can explain that cuz even tho I respect the never ending list of accomplishments I can't stand the bad side of Earl n I can honestly say he was the polar opposite as far as I saw and that probably made the whole Earl experience a million times better
If Earl started acting respectful and didn't act up during his matches, many more people would support him, including me.
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Sent from my iPhone using AzBilliards Forums
He was up to date on meds. Earls issues are mainly a mental condition. You can't turn it on and off without the right meds. He proved that this entire weekend. He does deserve everybody's respect. He has persevered in an industry that will cut your throat and survived it his entire adult life. If you see him in the manner opposite of this weekend try to remember it's a mental condition that can't be controlled without the right meds.
Most folks support him now, room owners love him because he puts fannies in the seats. Even folks that say they don't like him can't wait to get an autograph. Stop fugin whining about a guy because he's feisty when he plays. It's pool, not chess for heavens sake.
They have a bad boy in every sport and they are never told to stop. John McEnroe made MILLIONS in endorsements.
You really can't help being wrong about most everything.
Unfortunately, many people that come to see Earl play are coming to see his crazy antics and to possibly see a TRAIN WRECK.
But that behavior isn't fair to the other players or the fans that are coming to see great pool, without being subjected to his behavior which is often times very uncomfortable to watch or experience.
If you think that this type of behavior is good for pool as a sport, then I think that you are wrong.
Money won't ever enter the game until it is cleaned up like the IPT tried to do, to make it more like a professional snooker environment.
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I know this is crazy for some people like you but it’s called a personality, If you think In 2017 the average viewer is going to tune into pool to watch guys quietly walk around the table making balls you need to go back to the 40s when that was fashionable. You need good guys and bad guys to create drama. They have it in every sport. People you love and people others love to hate. You need characters and drama if you ever want the average viewer to tune into pool
That's fine, but then don't ever expect real professional pool with real money involved.
EDIT: I will also add, that it is reported by many that Earl is SICK and needs medication. If your idea of personality is watching a sick man meltdown, then I have nothing further to add.
RJ, every discipline has it’s rebels..even chess.
Pretty sure it was back in the 30s....big tournament in Europe...tricky situation..if the guy
tried to win this game...he could also lose it....after much pondering, he played the
conservative move, which everyone there knew would result in a draw.....
...his opponent, known for his daring style, stood up on his chair....
...and urinated on the board.
If emotions didn’t run deep, we wouldn’t have any great players.