A Modest Proposal

[mlalum]

I have also been a first hand witness to some of the comments, the provocations, and the outbursts of the idiotic people that create some of those situations for their own amusement. For that reason, and because I have almost gotten into a fist fight trying to reason with some of those people - & because I understand some of the struggles Earl faces on a daily basis - I will defend his honor when I believe he is being openly disrespected or held to a standard of behavior that is impossible for him to maintain in the face of that type of provocation.

Some people may not agree with that, and that's ok. I'd rather be known for encouraging and supporting Earl through the difficult times, as well as the good times because I believe in who he was and who can still be. I don't want to be known as one of the people that merely judged Earl's actions and behavior callously and then wrote him off as an assshole while walking away with my nose in the air.

The easiest thing in the world to do is to give up on somebody. The hardest thing in the world to do is to believe in them regardless of whether they still believe in themselves. For that reason, I have Earl's back and I will continue to treat him with the same dignity and respect regardless of how others perceive his outbursts.

David I respect your opinion. You are devout in your inspirational beliefs. But I think you have try to understand where the line is between someone's right to participate with a medical disorder and rights of other players, TDs, spectators, the very game not to be abused for the sake of that one person. Where is the equality there. Should all those factions have to suffer with the medical condition, too. If his so-called friends and fans won't or can't help him why should everyone else and the game have to endure. A minimum level of professionalism is required. That's not asking for a very much at all.

 

[lfigueroa]

I completely agree. However, I believe that in Earl's case, more times than not, the inability to "cope" gets exploited so that people can crack jokes, laugh their ass off, and then hang him by the balls after he's lost his temper. I've seen that first hand and I have personally experienced threats of violence for merely asking someone to stop making insulting remarks while Earl was shooting. As I see it, it goes both ways. JMO.

People, particularly opponents, exploiting your weakness or perceived weakness is the way of the world. It is certainly the way of competitive sports. If an opponent of mine believes I have rabbit ears, or a short temper, or can easily be distracted and he attempts to use that to leverage an advantage, who can blame him? Is it the best example of sportsmanship -- no, of course not. But it is part and parcel of the world of competition and each player has to accept responsibility for how they are perceived.

If you are perceived as an iceman, even though you're seething inside, that is a skill as important as being able to execute any shot on the table. If you don't have that, and/or let your friends enable your competitive weaknesses there is no one to blame but the player himself.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

What you say holds merit, Lou, but I am cognizant of the fact that some medical maladies do override a person's ability to execute restraints.

As an example, let's say there was a famous pool champion who has Tourette syndrome. When he gets stressed, he cannot control his outbursts. He curses his opponent while his opponent is struggling with a difficult shot or his body moves violently in his opponent's line of vision.

Though some folks might consider this sharking, there is, indeed, a reason why this player is doing this. He has a medical condition.

In Earl's case, I realize he does not have Tourette syndrome, but I do believe there is something going on that he cannot help when he has these outbursts in the tournament settings. I think they are medically related.

If Earl's medical condition, no matter how strong he is as a pool player, prevents him from competing and adhering to the rules that other competitors have to adhere to, then he should receive medical care before he competes. But to make fun of him -- not saying you did -- is kind of sad when it is apparent that he is suffering from a medical condition that he is unable to control at this time.

Of course there are medical conditions that cause socially less acceptable behaviors. And who knows, maybe there are players with something like aspergers. But that is all pure speculation. Without a doctor's report, we'll just have to believe some players are jerks

Lou Figueroa

 

[mlalum]

Of course there are medical conditions that cause socially less acceptable behaviors. And who knows, maybe there are players with something like aspergers. But that is all pure speculation. Without a doctor's report, we'll just have to believe some players are jerks

Lou Figueroa

Did i mention that YOU are the MAN.

 

[12310bch]

When Earl plays it's hard to tell whether the fans come to see what he does around the table, or on the table. Probably a little of both.
Other sports/games have their zanies. McEnroe, as Lou said. Green in golf. Rodman in basketball. I see no reason why we should be any different.

All endeavors have their zanies.As we are honored to have Tramp Steamer. But as hard as I try to steer Tramp in the right direction I know in my soul that he will go his own way.

Alas, I fear, so will Earl. Let's just sit back and watch him meltdown.( Pass the potassium Iodide, please)