A real creep

[wahcheck]

I've seen it before

Once, an Eastern pro showed up at the West Coast poolroom I was playing in and he was looking for action. If I hadn't seen him in one of those pool commercials, I probably wouldn't have recognized him. The room owner who was a pretty good player (shortstop speed) gave him some action. I surmised that the owner had no chance, and after one set which he lost, he came over and asked me if I knew who the guy was. I told him, but he continued to play a few more sets for a few hundred more. Later, I asked why he continued, even though he was probably outclassed....His answer was a reference to being courteous and he didn't care who the pro was; he just wanted to play and give the guy some action. Maybe that's what you guys are referring to.
With all due respect, after reading Mr. Matthew's posts, I think his mind might not be right.

 

[Bigtruck]

Once, an Eastern pro showed up at the West Coast poolroom I was playing in and he was looking for action. If I hadn't seen him in one of those pool commercials, I probably wouldn't have recognized him. The room owner who was a pretty good player (shortstop speed) gave him some action. I surmised that the owner had no chance, and after one set which he lost, he came over and asked me if I knew who the guy was. I told him, but he continued to play a few more sets for a few hundred more. Later, I asked why he continued, even though he was probably outclassed....His answer was a reference to being courteous and he didn't care who the pro was; he just wanted to play and give the guy some action. Maybe that's what you guys are referring to.
With all due respect, after reading Mr. Matthew's posts, I think his mind might not be right.

Grady has experienced some major life changing ordeals lately including losing a great wife, Randi (who probably was his rock), and the economy taking a bite at his poolroom biz among other things.

I was happy to hear that Grady was getting out and playing John. Kinda like "healing action" for Grady. I really think his expectations were way different than what happened. Not saying that he was right in making this thread, but I understand his thinking.

Things are way different now than they were even 10 years ago.

One thing for sure, Grady is ALWAYS good for getting a topic discussed in great detail. LOL.

Ray

 

[alstl]

As for this whole issue, im speechless and honestly dont have an opinion.

On another note. I was at the tournie that weekend and did notice Grady there but not playing. He was selling some of his DVDs and books. I picked up his "Just Kicks" video and told everyone around me (about 5-10 people), that that single DVD has been the best thing I have ever tried for my kicking game. Then I looked at Grady and told him he made a terrific video and it has helped me immensely. While Grady was sitting down eating a cheeseburger he paused between bites to say "thank you".

That was my first and probably will be last experience with Grady Matthews, unless there are lessons in the future.

I have had some bad experiences in Kolby's as well, but it has always been my own fault due to me not being careful with who and how I match up with. I have also had some good experiences there as well and on several occasions came out way ahead for the night.

my 2 cents

That's a dvd I'm going to have to get. From what I saw of the match between Grady and John, Grady's kicking game is still there, it is his shotmaking that is failing him at this point.

From a 1984 accustats link...




*KICKS I M \ ^ 1 X
(MINIMUM KICKS = 50)
NAME GAMES kicks good kpa
1. GRADY MATHEWS 261 81 72 .889
2. LARRY HUBBART 313 115 100 .870
3. DAVE MATLOCK 312 86 74 .860
4. BUDDY HALL 546 141 121 .858
5. JIM REMPE 313 110 93 .845
6. DANNY DILIBERTO 185 56 47 .839
7. DAVE BOLLMAN 250 71 59 .831
8. DAVID HOWARD 581 159 131 .824
9. FRANK FISHER 129 56 46 .821
10. STEVE MIZERAK 254 70 57 .814
11. TERRY BELL 307 105 85 .810
12. ALLEN HOPKINS 356 83 67 .807
13. RAY MARTIN 189 82 66 .805
14. JIM REID 254 80 64 .800
15. EARL STRICKLAND 622 168 134 .798
16. PAT FLEMING 458 148 118 .797
17. JIM CATRANO 128 62 49 .790
18. NICK VARNER 185 68 53 .779
19. DALLAS WEST 225 72 56 .778
20. BOB HUNTER 209 62 49 .778



I see a lot of champions on that list. The name at the top is Grady Mathews.

 

[cplayermagic]

I think several people are confusing the issue. I argue that what is in question is Grady's character, not his past/present skill.

I grant the following outlandish premises:

• Everyone at Kolby's was 'in on it' trying to 'rob' Grady.
• He did not maintain that he only bets high.
• Grady did not pick the 'easier' of possible marks.
• Grady did not initiate the bet.
• He did not bet on the side.
• The game was not adjusted after the first set.
• Grady did not bellow out a $20k woof.
• Grady has never conned anyone at pool.

Despite these false assertions -- who cares? The bet was made; both players accepted. It's as simple as that. Making points, like those listed above, is an attempt to romanticize the pool environment as if none of these elements are typically present. Guess what: they are. All of them. This is just another example of all parties involved playing 'the game' and now, all of a sudden, the guy who spent the majority of his life playing 'the game' somehow feels cheated. Sorry, I don't buy it even if all the statements above were true.

All of this talk inviting you to 'respect your elders/champions' by donating to them is bogus. It is misconstrued and it is loser-mentality. You hear this nonsense from people who accomplish their self-worth by being around others who are actually proficient at the sport. Get this - you're idolizing some guy who is trying to take your money. In fact, he has spent his entire life getting good at taking money from people. Meanwhile, this star-struck behavior ensures the peon will never reach that level of performance. In life there are nails and there are hammers.

Anyone who wants to donate a few hundred dollars to a pool player out of charity does not realize it will probably just circulate back around the pool room feeding various habits. If you want to donate, pick a charity and actually donate.