Earl is a pool genius I can accept the eccentricity that comes along with it.
There are lot of assholes in this world. A lot of them post on AZB! Yet _NONE_ of them will come close to being a Earl "The Pearl" Strickland. He's a master of his craft and is an American icon PERIOD.
If you value respect, show a some to a man who has accomplished things you can only fantasize about.
Let's get something straight here. My only interest is in running a good PROFESSIONAL tournament, and how the players behave during the event is essential to that happening. As a tournament director I will not put up with unsportsmanlike conduct by anyone, in whatever form that takes. Pool is supposed to be a sport of gentlemen and it will be on my watch!
This year we have introduced the Robles Sportsmanship Award to be given to the most deserving player, to recognize him or her for how they conduct themselves as a player and person.
Those of you who think that Earl's behavior is acceptable in the course of a major professional event are part of the problem. Condoning such behavior only reinforces in Earl's mind that it's all right to carry on like he does. If his medical condition is so bad that he cannot control himself, then he shouldn't be playing.
Jay, I don't care how you run a tournament, that is not what we are talking about. You called the guy a "moron". I never said you could not run a tourney the way you want, and if you want to kick him out every time, I'm not gonna complain about that either. But because they guy "barks", and that is all he's doing, you're gonna insult the guy, and call him a moron. Geez, lighten up Francis.
I stand by my earlier comments.
Oh, the hypocrisy...
It's because of this "moron" that people like you and many others are still working in the pool industry by selling books, DVDs and whatever other crap to the real morons out there. If you, Sir, were a serious tournament director and you (honestly) didn't want Earl to come anywhere near your tournament (which is in your rights), all you had to do is simply ban him or disqualify him for bad behavior. Simple as that. But you 'll never do it, because the "moron" is still bringing the cash in for you to eat and still adds extra glamour to every tournament he enters.
This is a fine example why snooker is a gazillion times ahead of pool (at least American pool). Boy, they have dealt with quite a few morons but I have never heard a governing body official, tournament director etc. EVER allow himself to use such an expression for players.
Best comment by far!
The only classless thing in here is this thread.
Yep, because it was such a classy move. well played Jay.
I'm just tired of hearing everybody make excuses for poor Earl. No one is helping him any by feeling sorry for him. Whatever has happened to him it's of his own making. Yes, he WAS a great pool player once and now he's just a caricature of himself. For me it's sad, bewildering and maddening to see what he's become.
Maybe I should have stayed quiet and not said anything, but when I see all the excuse-niks chiming in here, I felt I had to tell my truth about Earl. After all I know him from the beginning. I was TD of the Caesars Tahoe tournament in 1982 where he beat the Miz in the finals. Nothing I say here I wouldn't say (and have said) to Earl's face.
To you folks who aren't sure of the bipolar thing, he definitely is. They talk about it in the documentary about him - towards the end, if memory serves.
EDIT - I would also add, that "bad guys" often draw a lot of people to watch a sporting event.
He probably couldn't find good reefer?
Earl is hillarious and a grumpy pussy cat
if he was calling a 17 year old opponent a retard than clearly that kid's daddy never taught him how to man up, lmfao
not everyone behaves as you want them to, is what it is, he is what he is, greatest pool player on earth for a nice stretch, god bless him
OK, maybe I just hadn't realised how much of an a$$hole he actually is. I knew all about the complaining, but didn't realise how much he disrespects his opponents.
I saw him outside having a cigarette just after he lost. Said "Beautiful Day eh!".. He just turned his back on me. I thought it was nice dishing a little back
I'm just tired of hearing everybody make excuses for poor Earl. No one is helping him any by feeling sorry for him. Whatever has happened to him it's of his own making. Yes, he WAS a great pool player once and now he's just a caricature of himself. For me it's sad, bewildering and maddening to see what he's become.
Maybe I should have stayed quiet and not said anything, but when I see all the excuse-niks chiming in here, I felt I had to tell my truth about Earl. After all I know him from the beginning. I was TD of the Caesars Tahoe tournament in 1982 where he beat the Miz in the finals. Nothing I say here I wouldn't say (and have said) to Earl's face.
I'm just tired of hearing everybody make excuses for poor Earl. No one is helping him any by feeling sorry for him. Whatever has happened to him it's of his own making. Yes, he WAS a great pool player once and now he's just a caricature of himself. For me it's sad, bewildering and maddening to see what he's become.
Maybe I should have stayed quiet and not said anything, but when I see all the excuse-niks chiming in here, I felt I had to tell my truth about Earl. After all I know him from the beginning. I was TD of the Caesars Tahoe tournament in 1982 where he beat the Miz in the finals. Nothing I say here I wouldn't say (and have said) to Earl's face.
I discovered pool at 14 years old-I finished high school in 1969.Still playing pool)
I finished college in 1974.(still playing pool)
I raised my family , paid all my bills, and now own my home and owe no one anything.(still playing pool)
Maybe I am the American icon,and Earl needs to show me the respect for accomplishing the things he can only fantasize about.