Once again professional pool players (particularly those in America) are getting ready to shoot themselves in the foot. This is nothing new, a little history is in order.
Thirty years ago a promoter named Richie Florence produced a series of high dollar tournaments ($75-150,000 each) at various Caesars World properties. All these events had the final three matches televised on ESPN. At his last event in 1984 at Caesars Palace the pro players refused to sign the required television releases and the shows never aired. Earl won that tournament nearly 30 years ago and the first prize was $25,000! That was the last tournament Richie ever produced. He had lost all his sponsorship.
Twenty years ago, yours truly produced the first Los Angeles Open. The total prize money was $140,000. Earl also won that one for a $21,000 first prize. Peg Ledman won the women's division for $10,000. The following year, the men players (led by Don Mackey) boycotted the Los Angeles Open and refused to play. I held it anyway, with three divisions, Bank Pool, One Pocket and 9-Ball. The total prize money was $160,000 and Mark Tadd won $27,000! That was the last year for the Los Angeles Open.
Five years later, the men's tour (MPBA, still led by Mackey) sued R.J. Reynolds, the producers of the Camel Pro Tour. Camel was prepared to up the ante for much bigger events, doubling the prize money per event from $75,000 to $150,000. The Bonus money would be increased from $300,000 (yes you read that right) to $500,000! Following the initiation of the law suit, Camel shut down the tour the following year and let Mackey and Co. produce the last five events. NO money was paid out for the final five tournaments! The players, who were backing the wrong horse again, got stiffed!
Now we come to present time. Two tireless promoters who produce some of the most important events in the USA are having their events threatened by a fledgling organization led by someone completely new to the pro pool scene. And the players are buying it! What could happen if the pro players do not support these two totally honorable promoters (Greg Sullivan and Mark Griffin) is they are in danger of losing these events. If they chose to bypass these upcoming tournaments to participate in a venture that is tenuous at best and unlikely to succeed in the future, then they could lose three of the most important events of the year.
Both Greg and Mark do not have to produce major pool tournaments. It is a labor of love for them. They are both old school pool guys who have their heart in the right place when it comes to our sport. Besides that they pay out (on time!) hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money every year. The players, by showing their disloyalty, are in danger of losing these events. And for what, a new tour that can't seem to get off the ground and then chooses to start right on top of two of the biggest events of the year in the USA.
All I have to say to the professional players is think long and hard about the decisions you make in June and July. You could find yourself with an empty dance card if you don't!
Thirty years ago a promoter named Richie Florence produced a series of high dollar tournaments ($75-150,000 each) at various Caesars World properties. All these events had the final three matches televised on ESPN. At his last event in 1984 at Caesars Palace the pro players refused to sign the required television releases and the shows never aired. Earl won that tournament nearly 30 years ago and the first prize was $25,000! That was the last tournament Richie ever produced. He had lost all his sponsorship.
Twenty years ago, yours truly produced the first Los Angeles Open. The total prize money was $140,000. Earl also won that one for a $21,000 first prize. Peg Ledman won the women's division for $10,000. The following year, the men players (led by Don Mackey) boycotted the Los Angeles Open and refused to play. I held it anyway, with three divisions, Bank Pool, One Pocket and 9-Ball. The total prize money was $160,000 and Mark Tadd won $27,000! That was the last year for the Los Angeles Open.
Five years later, the men's tour (MPBA, still led by Mackey) sued R.J. Reynolds, the producers of the Camel Pro Tour. Camel was prepared to up the ante for much bigger events, doubling the prize money per event from $75,000 to $150,000. The Bonus money would be increased from $300,000 (yes you read that right) to $500,000! Following the initiation of the law suit, Camel shut down the tour the following year and let Mackey and Co. produce the last five events. NO money was paid out for the final five tournaments! The players, who were backing the wrong horse again, got stiffed!
Now we come to present time. Two tireless promoters who produce some of the most important events in the USA are having their events threatened by a fledgling organization led by someone completely new to the pro pool scene. And the players are buying it! What could happen if the pro players do not support these two totally honorable promoters (Greg Sullivan and Mark Griffin) is they are in danger of losing these events. If they chose to bypass these upcoming tournaments to participate in a venture that is tenuous at best and unlikely to succeed in the future, then they could lose three of the most important events of the year.
Both Greg and Mark do not have to produce major pool tournaments. It is a labor of love for them. They are both old school pool guys who have their heart in the right place when it comes to our sport. Besides that they pay out (on time!) hundreds of thousands of dollars in prize money every year. The players, by showing their disloyalty, are in danger of losing these events. And for what, a new tour that can't seem to get off the ground and then chooses to start right on top of two of the biggest events of the year in the USA.
All I have to say to the professional players is think long and hard about the decisions you make in June and July. You could find yourself with an empty dance card if you don't!
Last edited:
