Why we can't have nice things

[Cameron Smith]

It wasn’t directed at any person, persons or groups. Nor was it overly aggressive in nature. Although I think we want to discourage regular cursing, the odd F bomb isn’t anything to be concerned about.

Two things we need in pool, passion and personality. Although there are ways to express this without cursing, you don’t want to be too heavy handed such that it discourages players from getting comfortable enough to let their personality shine through. I think we have moved passed the days when you might see a viewer boycott for an F-bomb.

 

[easy-e]

Anyone else hear Sky say something like "I need an ice cold beer" in the earlier rounds of the tournament? The kid is having fun, I appreciate that.

 

[khessler]

Skyler's comment after missing an easy shot in the semi-final - Fucking bug! - was completeky undignified considering that he was representing his country in a prestigious tournament, with the microphone on! Agree or disagree?

On a side note, have you ever watched a money game in the Philippines where they remove the bugs from the table by the fistful? Players don't even flinch.

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Is that really what they are doing? I've often wondered

 

[sjm]

I think we have moved passed the days when you might see a viewer boycott for an F-bomb.

In pool, I'm not sure that day ever existed in my lifetime.

Still, it not about the fans, it's about the would-be sponsors. Pool is trying to evolve beyond its seedy past and, with Matchroom leading the way, is trying to make itself more presentable to those who might one day choose to invest in or sponsor pool. We all know Sky is a quality guy and that he meant no harm here. No fan would have taken any particular exception to his streamed/televised F-bomb, including this one, and that includes this one.

If, on the other hand, you were a potential sponsor of pool and were tuned in, you'd likely conclude that pool remained an unrefined sport unworthy of any sponsorship from image-conscious companies

 

[Cameron Smith]

In pool, I'm not sure that day ever existed in my lifetime.

Still, it not about the fans, it's about the would-be sponsors. Pool is trying to evolve beyond its seedy past and, with Matchroom leading the way, is trying to make itself more presentable to those who might one day choose to invest in or sponsor pool. We all know Sky is a quality guy and that he meant no harm here. No fan would have taken any particular exception to his streamed/televised F-bomb, including this one, and that includes this one.

If, on the other hand, you were a potential sponsor of pool and were tuned in, you'd likely conclude that pool remained an unrefined sport unworthy of any sponsorship from image-conscious companies

I agree for the most part, but I think sponsors are looking at products that align with the values of their consumers as well as their own. Admittedly this is out of my wheelhouse but most sponsors (especially those targeting the 18-34 demo) probably recognize that their consumers are not too concerned about the odd case of poor language, and if they watched a couple of sessions they’d see that it was an isolated case. They are likely more concerned over instances of racial/sexual slurs. Personally, I think the referee should just issue a warning which signals to sponsors that the promoter does have certain standards and expectations surrounding player behaviour.

 

[sjm]

Personally, I think the referee should just issue a warning which signals to sponsors that the promoter does have certain standards and expectations surrounding player behaviour.

Yes, I agree that this would be both fitting and sufficient. It's much better than trying to sweep it under the rug, hoping nobody noticed. No action beyond a warning was needed here to make it clear that in-match profanity lies outside the boundaries of allowable decorum in Matchroom events.

 

[xcorner]

We all want pool to grow as we know it is a awesome sport. A one time thing with Sky is not going to hurt, or we hope not. I never hear the word respect for the sport or for other players. I think sponsors would like more positive things going on in are little world of pool. From leagues to the pro level