Reading between the lines from JJ's commentary at the International Open that is live right now I believe Matchroom Pool had a big hand in this. JJ said something to the effect that he learned that Earl will be on the team ...maybe not his exact words. He didn't offer any big support for Earl. This is a joke. Why not give a newcomer a chance if they are trying to build a team????
EARL STRICKLAND Returns to TEAM USA
- Thread starter spartan
- Start date
I don't know what's funnier... ESPN reporting the Earl has returned to the Mosconi Cup... or ESPN reporting about pool at all LOL>
Say what you want but it brings MONEY to the game.
Haven't you learned anything from the last 2 years?
There is no bottom when it comes to American pool.
Maybe Matchroom will let Omega Billiards handle the streaming while they are at it.
I don't want to be disrespectful, but who are this much better players who have to stay at home because MR just wants to put up a show?
If it would be for the entertainment or UK TV rating, someone like Chris Melling or Darren Appleton would make the cut for Europe every year, but still we see players like Alcaide, Kazakis, Kaci...
The cruel truth is, that the US only has 7 or 8 players of international standard.
And since Bergman for some reason chooses to not compete in top level events and somehow Styer isn't on MR wishlist, we see the comeback of Earl.
Don't get me wrong, Earl has earned his legendary status and reducing him to his ability to cause drama, doesn't do justice to his big career.
But the Europeans wouldn't even think about bringing back players like Souquet, Immonen, Appleton, Ortmann or even Hohmann, at least as long as they have not earned their place against a big amount of younger and hungrier players.
how bout an invite 8+- player mini tourny for final spot
$1K entry
Double elim race to 9 until final
Final race to 5 (winner bracket winner must lose twice)
i'd invite: Kieth M, Dechaine, Chohan, Roberts, Oscar, Styer, ?, ?.
Could be interesting & fun
$1K entry
Double elim race to 9 until final
Final race to 5 (winner bracket winner must lose twice)
i'd invite: Kieth M, Dechaine, Chohan, Roberts, Oscar, Styer, ?, ?.
Could be interesting & fun
Try Fusco's in Philly. He was house pro last time i chk'd.
Isn't Woodword (sp?) on the team?
Bergman won't play in anything, don't know if it's covid fear or what, but everything he's been signed up for, he's a no show.
Jaden
He plays in St. Louis. No traveling.
The more I think about it the more I like the idea of Earl. I was in Vegas in 2013. I watched Earl slap his cue against something ( maybe the ground?) and then sight down it and bend it back to straight.
At the time I was disappointed but now I think back and it was very memorable. I have come to expect these outbursts and am strangely ok with it.
I believe that the Euros enjoy Earl and MR does what they need to do to put butts in seats.
At the time I was disappointed but now I think back and it was very memorable. I have come to expect these outbursts and am strangely ok with it.
I believe that the Euros enjoy Earl and MR does what they need to do to put butts in seats.
it's odd his profile is below low during what may be his peak performance years
i could speculate, however, i won't
Yes YES, I'll take Earl and everything with him over Thorpe however... I'm sure y'all have seen the video, guy's garbage.
After her lawsuit and out of court settlement against Barry Hearn and World Snooker Association I don't think there is much of a chance of that happening lolHope they bring back Michaela Tabb
Yeah that’s not surprising. Earl being on the team goes against everything JJ has said for two years about how he wants to fill the team. It’s a move by Matchroom and it worked. It’s all the online groups are talking about today and it will more than likely turn into a train wreck and thats probably what they are hoping for. Plenty of sound bites and clips for social media of Earl being Earl. Seems like MR is saying the US probably won’t be competitive so might as well make it a show.
bankin billie has a lot to learn
I'm not kidding when I say that this is a great pick. I am very excited to watch him play. He is the most talented player on the team except for maybe Shane. He just cant focus for long races in long tournaments, but a race to 5? Gotta be one of the best in the world still.