Dechaine loathed?

thewhiffer

thewhiffer

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Just watched the interesting and entertaining TAR Podcast#34 featuring Jennifer Baretta interviewing Shane Van Boening and Mike Dechaine. Jennifer asked a question of her own to Mike starting with the statement that he was one of the most loathed players in the history of the game and why did he think that was. Forgetting that it was a somewhat intemperate and presumtuous question hidden in an I like you but preamble, I must say that I felt it was based on an assumption that simply is not correct.

I attended the January tournament at Turning Stone and what I saw was a confident young man, Mike Duchaine, that while very competitive at the table and a little demanding of himself, was very engaging in terms of his interaction with fans. In fact, I felt that some of the other pro's could have taken lessons from Dennis Hatch and Mike in terms of how to comport themselves.
 
S

scratchs

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
I like Mike..I don't know that much about him..I think some are just
envious..He's not Alex...
 
peteypooldude

peteypooldude

I see Edges
Silver Member
thewhiffer said:
I attended the January tournament at Turning Stone and what I saw was a confident young man, Mike Duchaine, that while very competitive at the table and a little demanding of himself, was very engaging in terms of his interaction with fans. In fact, I felt that some of the other pro's could have taken lessons from Dennis Hatch and Mike in terms of how to comport themselves.
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Dam dude, you almost spelled his name like the Mike haters
 
KoolKat9Lives

KoolKat9Lives

Taught 'em all I know
Silver Member
I've interacted twice with Mike at tourneys, once with Brittany at his side. Seen many live streams, podcasts, etc. Got him a Captain and coke IIRC after his last match of the day at last years US Open 10 Ball. He was approachable, engaging, fun and interesting.

By his own admission, he sometimes let's his emotions fueled by competitive stimuli get the better of him. I think he's getting better at handling it lately. I admire his game and his willingness to step up. I can see why some people don't like him, some see him as a double edged sword and others choose to like and understand him. I wish him the best and hope to share another beverage at the next 10 Ball in Vegas in a few months. Go Mike!
 
pwd72s

pwd72s

recreational banger
Silver Member
Jennifer started at 29...is doing pretty good for having played only 3 years...lol.
 
CreeDo

CreeDo

Fargo Rating 597
Silver Member
I need to go watch that... you're right, that's a complete misstatement. He has a handful of haters but loathed is a really strong word.

At worst he's sometimes immature, and has some of the bad habits you see in young players (getting an attitude when things aren't rolling his way, making excuses, overrating himself, etc.) ...some older players do that stuff too but I think mike will outgrow most of it. He's got some surprisingly mature replies on the forum.
 
JC

JC

Coos Cues
Now that Earl is so far over the top that TAR won't have him any longer they need a new villain. No one likes there to be all nice guys in any competition. It doesn't sell tickets.

JC
 
pt109

pt109

WO double hemlock
Silver Member
I think 'loathe' is an exaggeration also.
He may have upset a few people that he woofed at, but I don't think many
of them would use that term.

I think he's a welcome addition to the game, like a young Earl was....
...and he's one of the better posters of the pros on AZ.

Go get 'em, Mike
 
RobertaAgnor

RobertaAgnor

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
He's always been nice the times I've interacted with him. Not sure why people have a problem with him, he is young & confident; nothing wrong with that. I've gained more respect for him because of the way he handles himself posting on here.
 
Luxury

Luxury

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
JB asks the tough questions. MG was trying to slow her roll but she insisted that some of the questions HAD to be asked. Especially the one about how he gets his shirts past his head without stretching out the collar.
 
Mainplayer

Mainplayer

Active member
Gold Member
This question really caught me off guard and I don't think I answered it the best way I could have. First off, as far as the the most loathed person in the game I really can't say if that is true or not, hopefully not. However, for those who do hate me, I think that I am misunderstood. I came into the spotlight at a very young age. I was very self-critical, competitive, and hadn't yet learned to control my temper. The combination of these three things may have put a sour taste in their mouths. Off the table, I really enjoy having a good time and joking around. I understand that some people do not have a sarcastic sense of humor and may take some of the things I say to heart. For the people who actually know me on a personal level, they know not to take everything I too seriously. I really do not mean to offend anyone.
 
Maniac

Maniac

2manyQ's
Silver Member
Mainplayer said:
This question really caught me off guard and I don't think I answered it the best way I could have. First off, as far as the the most loathed person in the game I really can't say if that is true or not, hopefully not. However, for those who do hate me, I think that I am misunderstood. I came into the spotlight at a very young age. I was very self-critical, competitive, and hadn't yet learned to control my temper. The combination of these three things may have put a sour taste in their mouths. Off the table, I really enjoy having a good time and joking around. I understand that some people do not have a sarcastic sense of humor and may take some of the things I say to heart. For the people who actually know me on a personal level, they know not to take everything I too seriously. I really do not mean to offend anyone.
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Thanks for coming here and responding to the thread.

You're going to be just fine, Mike. Don't worry yourself over it. You got fans!!!

Maniac
 
peteypooldude

peteypooldude

I see Edges
Silver Member
Mainplayer said:
This question really caught me off guard and I don't think I answered it the best way I could have. First off, as far as the the most loathed person in the game I really can't say if that is true or not, hopefully not. However, for those who do hate me, I think that I am misunderstood. I came into the spotlight at a very young age. I was very self-critical, competitive, and hadn't yet learned to control my temper. The combination of these three things may have put a sour taste in their mouths. Off the table, I really enjoy having a good time and joking around. I understand that some people do not have a sarcastic sense of humor and may take some of the things I say to heart. For the people who actually know me on a personal level, they know not to take everything I too seriously. I really do not mean to offend anyone.
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It's alright Mike, just follow me on twitter and we will be good lol
All jokes aside, one of my favorite players. Seem to have a great sense of humor
 
StraightPoolIU

StraightPoolIU

Brent
Silver Member
Yeah I was taken aback a little when she used the word loathe since it usually has very strong connotations. I think she was just trying to get at the fact that Mike might say some controversial things sometimes and has some vocal detractors. In my opinion loathed would be adequate for someone that was truly reprehensible. Mike doesn't seem that way to me.
 
bfdlad

bfdlad

T-Wheels
Silver Member
Mainplayer said:
This question really caught me off guard and I don't think I answered it the best way I could have. First off, as far as the the most loathed person in the game I really can't say if that is true or not, hopefully not. However, for those who do hate me, I think that I am misunderstood. I came into the spotlight at a very young age. I was very self-critical, competitive, and hadn't yet learned to control my temper. The combination of these three things may have put a sour taste in their mouths. Off the table, I really enjoy having a good time and joking around. I understand that some people do not have a sarcastic sense of humor and may take some of the things I say to heart. For the people who actually know me on a personal level, they know not to take everything I too seriously. I really do not mean to offend anyone.
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I could not believe that JB said that. You said with a curiuous, did I hear that right look "In the history of the game?" It was unfair and not correct. However, lets just say it is true. You don't say it, especially in a live tv thing. Mike you are arrogant and cokey soimetimes but I don't think her statement was correct for what its worth.
 
trustyrusty

trustyrusty

I'm better with a wedge!
Silver Member
He may not be a fan favorite, but that's ok. Look how many people used to root against Tiger...TONS! Guys with a fiercely competitive drive to win are gonna have haters. I really like to watch Mike play pool, and would love to play against him sometime. I also like his cocky/sarcastic sense of humor. Reminds me of weekend rounds with the fellas (getting in little digs and ripping on f*#k ups, and such).

Let some of em HATE Mike, just keep doing what you do. I do hafta ask though...do you have special pillows made, and is the top of your bed have special reinforcements? I don't think memory foam and a normal mattress and box springs could withstand that kinda top heavy weight...:D
 
cueporn

cueporn

Banned
pwd72s said:
Jennifer started at 29...is doing pretty good for having played only 3 years...lol.
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What was that? Shes been playing pro level at least 10 years anyway according to her bio. She was sprawled out on the pool table in 2005.

Mike is a good guy. Emotional and outspoken yes. Hes doesnt have the hisyory half the pros have.

These guys here act like they want to dare him. Who cares about his personality anyway? He can flat out play. Most of the hate is because he is young and challenging the status quo (the more established pros). Why peoplehate on him here us beyond mw, for sure he could care less about it. Sucess is it's own reward, pool isn't a popularity contest.
 
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