A real creep

[Bigjohn]

IMO... It is Grady's responsibility. No one held a gun to Grady's head and forced him to play the guy. It was Grady's decision and no one elses.

 

[Black-Balled]

What's this all about?

Friggin gross! At least I believe there is blood on his nose...but the bed blood looks diluted.

Was that the night EZ-E was there? Maybe it was Purdy!

OT: Who is gonna jump up and play Grady even 1p? 9-8 is pretty mild...

 

[mullyman]

So did Grady deserve what he got because he's some sort of bad guy? I say no. And shame on those who do.

I don't think anyone thinks Grady is a bad guy. I think people are just surprised that a legendary "stone cold gambler" is going off his nut over a thousand dollar loss. Grady said that's the worst he's ever been beaten. If that is the truth then over the years he's never really played anyone worth their salt.

Look, there are 2 sides of the story running here and the truth of the matter is somewhere in between.

I myself find it difficult to feel sorry for Grady. He's a grown man and it's not like he doesn't have much experience. Regardless of what the true story is I'm sure he wasn't bullied into playing for money. I find it hard to believe that anyone could *force* Grady to do something he doesn't want to do. He could have easily taken a table by himself and shot some balls around. I also find it difficult to believe that no one would have jumped at the chance to play some one hole with him without having to worry about betting on it. Lower level players would have been crawling all over him to have that chance. Nah, I don't believe for one second that he is 100% innocent in this.
MULLY

 

["CaliRed".]

The worst thing about this forum is the regular justification for brutal actions due to some code of the jungle or pool culture.

No where in the civilized world would you invite an elderly gentlemen of some historic note into your house for an event that you promoted as a big time deal and allow him to be humiliated and busted in like the first couple hours he's there. (and by the owner of the house no less!)

I don't care if he's cranky and has done some questionable things in his past. He's a 67-year-old man in mediocre health. I hope your grandfather doesn't accidently walk into Kolby's some day and say the wrong thing and people happily take his money.

I know Lenny to be a fine young man with nothing but the best intentions. But he to gets caught up in this pool culture too where no matter what you do don't knock somebody's action or intervene when a brutal act is about to happen. That's just how it is. He asked for it.

To say well we didn't know how Grady plays, etc., is not valid.

There aren't five people in the State of Arizona that can play Jimmy even. Everyone at Kolby's has seen John Henderson play and knows he can't stand up to Jimmy or anywhere close now. I'm sure he could when he was young. Jimmy is an experienced, big-time gambler. Grady had no chance.

There were people in Kolbys that had the the power/ability to say to Jimmy and or Grady hey let's wait on this. You're/he's our guest. You got a big event tomorrow. You just got off the plane. Let's just hit some balls around. Jimmy you're probably way better than Grady so let's just cool it for now. In a civiliezed world that's what would have happened. Anybody running a big time event would have known to protect their guest of honor and dissuaded him from participating in a blow out.

But that's the pool culture I guess.

So it's horrible what Grady said after the fact? I guess when you get older you'll undertstand that when elderly people get humiliated in public they lash out. Actually almost everyone does whether it's justifiable or not.

If Grady comes off the road looking for action that's one thing. But if he's there as your guest you owe him some respect and responsibility.

So did Grady deserve what he got because he's some sort of bad guy? I say no. And shame on those who do.

Good post......

 

[ShootingArts]

this does put things in a different light

The worst thing about this forum is the regular justification for brutal actions due to some code of the jungle or pool culture.

No where in the civilized world would you invite an elderly gentlemen of some historic note into your house for an event that you promoted as a big time deal and allow him to be humiliated and busted in like the first couple hours he's there. (and by the owner of the house no less!)

I don't care if he's cranky and has done some questionable things in his past. He's a 67-year-old man in mediocre health. I hope your grandfather doesn't accidently walk into Kolby's some day and say the wrong thing and people happily take his money.

I know Lenny to be a fine young man with nothing but the best intentions. But he to gets caught up in this pool culture too where no matter what you do don't knock somebody's action or intervene when a brutal act is about to happen. That's just how it is. He asked for it.

To say well we didn't know how Grady plays, etc., is not valid.

There aren't five people in the State of Arizona that can play Jimmy even. Everyone at Kolby's has seen John Henderson play and knows he can't stand up to Jimmy or anywhere close now. I'm sure he could when he was young. Jimmy is an experienced, big-time gambler. Grady had no chance.

There were people in Kolbys that had the the power/ability to say to Jimmy and or Grady hey let's wait on this. You're/he's our guest. You got a big event tomorrow. You just got off the plane. Let's just hit some balls around. Jimmy you're probably way better than Grady so let's just cool it for now. In a civiliezed world that's what would have happened. Anybody running a big time event would have known to protect their guest of honor and dissuaded him from participating in a blow out.

But that's the pool culture I guess.

So it's horrible what Grady said after the fact? I guess when you get older you'll undertstand that when elderly people get humiliated in public they lash out. Actually almost everyone does whether it's justifiable or not.

If Grady comes off the road looking for action that's one thing. But if he's there as your guest you owe him some respect and responsibility.

So did Grady deserve what he got because he's some sort of bad guy? I say no. And shame on those who do.

I honestly hadn't given any consideration to everyone knowing John's speed compared to Jimmy's. This does put things in an uglier light. Sure Grady made an error in judgment after a long rough day. I'm a lot younger than Grady and I still pick my times to do battle carefully. However, it does seem very likely that Jimmy and a handful of the people there knew Grady was getting into a ridiculous game if what you are saying is accurate. It looks very short-sighted to kill the golden goose and foul up the whole event when Grady steps through the door looking at things from this perspective. It also sounds like the people present weren't making any effort to match up fairly with Grady but to rob him if they could.

I really hope much of what you said in your post isn't true, particularly concerning Jimmy's speed compared to John's and Jimmy's speed in general. It will greatly sadden me if it is.

Hu

 

[SpiderWebComm]

I honestly hadn't given any consideration to everyone knowing John's speed compared to Jimmy's. This does put things in an uglier light. Sure Grady made an error in judgment after a long rough day. I'm a lot younger than Grady and I still pick my times to do battle carefully. However, it does seem very likely that Jimmy and a handful of the people there knew Grady was getting into a ridiculous game if what you are saying is accurate. It looks very short-sighted to kill the golden goose and foul up the whole event when Grady steps through the door looking at things from this perspective. It also sounds like the people present weren't making any effort to match up fairly with Grady but to rob him if they could.

I really hope much of what you said in your post isn't true, particularly concerning Jimmy's speed compared to John's and Jimmy's speed in general. It will greatly sadden me if it is.

Hu

So, Hu, do you often walk into pool rooms that have a HUGE depth of champion players and offer weight to people you don't know for decent money?

Here's a different perspective:

Grady is LEGEND 1P player. Nobody views Grady as a schlep player. Who on earth is gonna stop Grady in his tracks and slow him up after being offered weight and say "Up your ass with the spot, Grady," thinking they were ROBBING him even. That's not what pool players do - that's not what Grady does/did.

Grady told a story one time of acting like a "golly-gee old man" to a player in a pool hall nowhere near his speed, slow sucking that guy out of money --- NEVER letting on he was a world-class player (he told this story at pool exhibition). So, it was OK for Grady to flat out STEAL from someone and talk about it while traveling to different rooms --- but when he escorted himself into a terrible game - it's not OK.

I've made terrible games. I've been on the other side of that as well, trying to stay calm and keep it close to see how much $$$$ I could suck out of someone. That's pool. That's the pool culture. Kill or be killed, or stay on the practice table.

Now, if someone would have stopped the room owner.... would there have been a post calling that guy a "knocker?" So, if a good-hearted guy steps up and says this is a heist---- that guy would be OSTRACIZED from that room or any other room as a knocker. If Grady was WAY over the owners head and someone prevented the owner from playing, I have a hunch that Grady would have made a post saying how pool isn't what it used to be and how much he hates KNOCKERS when he's trying to make a living.

I remember gambling in a casino one time (when I was 18, I snuck in) and I lost over a G in 2 minutes and when the smoke cleared, I felt SICK. I HATED the casino, I treated the cocktail waitress horribly, I didn't wanna pay for my parking (because F-them, right?) and vowed to never give those SCUMBAGS my money ever again (which, of course I did). However, as I matured I realized it was my hand that pulled the money out of my pocket - my choice. I lost my money, the casino didn't steal my money. I made a bad decision. But, I'm glad I did because I learned a lesson - and it wasn't THAT expensive of a lesson. That situation helped me mature as an adult.

I'd lay 4-1 on the money Grady knows this too and wishes he could take his post back and ask for a mulligan. I mean it when I say I love the guy - I don't know where to start when describing my respect for Grady. Grady, like me and the rest of us, has made bad posts and this is one of them. Big deal. I've made a few myself that I wish could be taken back too. We all have. Regardless of what Grady does from here....here you go Grady - --- I love ya bud:

 

[muddawg]

So, Hu, do you often walk into pool rooms that have a HUGE depth of champion players and offer weight to people you don't know for decent money?

Here's a different perspective:

Grady is LEGEND 1P player. Nobody views Grady as a schlep player. Who on earth is gonna stop Grady in his tracks and slow him up after being offered weight and say "Up your ass with the spot, Grady," thinking they were ROBBING him even. That's not what pool players do - that's not what Grady does/did.

Grady told a story one time of acting like a "golly-gee old man" to a player in a pool hall nowhere near his speed, slow sucking that guy out of money --- NEVER letting on he was a world-class player (he told this story at pool exhibition). So, it was OK for Grady to flat out STEAL from someone and talk about it while traveling to different rooms --- but when he escorted himself into a terrible game - it's not OK.

I've made terrible games. I've been on the other side of that as well, trying to stay calm and keep it close to see how much $$$$ I could suck out of someone. That's pool. That's the pool culture. Kill or be killed, or stay on the practice table.

Now, if someone would have stopped the room owner.... would there have been a post calling that guy a "knocker?" So, if a good-hearted guy steps up and says this is a heist---- that guy would be OSTRACIZED from that room or any other room as a knocker. If Grady was WAY over the owners head and someone prevented the owner from playing, I have a hunch that Grady would have made a post saying how pool isn't what it used to be and how much he hates KNOCKERS when he's trying to make a living.

I remember gambling in a casino one time (when I was 18, I snuck in) and I lost over a G in 2 minutes and when the smoke cleared, I felt SICK. I HATED the casino, I treated the cocktail waitress horribly, I didn't wanna pay for my parking (because F-them, right?) and vowed to never give those SCUMBAGS my money ever again (which, of course I did). However, as I matured I realized it was my hand that pulled the money out of my pocket - my choice. I lost my money, the casino didn't steal my money. I made a bad decision. But, I'm glad I did because I learned a lesson - and it wasn't THAT expensive of a lesson. That situation helped me mature as an adult.

I'd lay 4-1 on the money Grady knows this too and wishes he could take his post back and ask for a mulligan. I mean it when I say I love the guy - I don't know where to start when describing my respect for Grady. Grady, like me and the rest of us, has made bad posts and this is one of them. Big deal. I've made a few myself that I wish could be taken back too. We all have. Regardless of what Grady does from here....here you go Grady - --- I love ya bud:

Best post in this thread 100%.

 

[jay helfert]

So, Hu, do you often walk into pool rooms that have a HUGE depth of champion players and offer weight to people you don't know for decent money?

Here's a different perspective:

Grady is LEGEND 1P player. Nobody views Grady as a schlep player. Who on earth is gonna stop Grady in his tracks and slow him up after being offered weight and say "Up your ass with the spot, Grady," thinking they were ROBBING him even. That's not what pool players do - that's not what Grady does/did.

Grady told a story one time of acting like a "golly-gee old man" to a player in a pool hall nowhere near his speed, slow sucking that guy out of money --- NEVER letting on he was a world-class player (he told this story at pool exhibition). So, it was OK for Grady to flat out STEAL from someone and talk about it while traveling to different rooms --- but when he escorted himself into a terrible game - it's not OK.

I've made terrible games. I've been on the other side of that as well, trying to stay calm and keep it close to see how much $$$$ I could suck out of someone. That's pool. That's the pool culture. Kill or be killed, or stay on the practice table.

Now, if someone would have stopped the room owner.... would there have been a post calling that guy a "knocker?" So, if a good-hearted guy steps up and says this is a heist---- that guy would be OSTRACIZED from that room or any other room as a knocker. If Grady was WAY over the owners head and someone prevented the owner from playing, I have a hunch that Grady would have made a post saying how pool isn't what it used to be and how much he hates KNOCKERS when he's trying to make a living.

I remember gambling in a casino one time (when I was 18, I snuck in) and I lost over a G in 2 minutes and when the smoke cleared, I felt SICK. I HATED the casino, I treated the cocktail waitress horribly, I didn't wanna pay for my parking (because F-them, right?) and vowed to never give those SCUMBAGS my money ever again (which, of course I did). However, as I matured I realized it was my hand that pulled the money out of my pocket - my choice. I lost my money, the casino didn't steal my money. I made a bad decision. But, I'm glad I did because I learned a lesson - and it wasn't THAT expensive of a lesson. That situation helped me mature as an adult.

I'd lay 4-1 on the money Grady knows this too and wishes he could take his post back and ask for a mulligan. I mean it when I say I love the guy - I don't know where to start when describing my respect for Grady. Grady, like me and the rest of us, has made bad posts and this is one of them. Big deal. I've made a few myself that I wish could be taken back too. We all have. Regardless of what Grady does from here....here you go Grady - --- I love ya bud:

Been there, done that Dave. And I can't blame anyone but myself. I know Jimmy Joe and he is a well known gambler in Phoenix. He is also a good guy and from what I saw of him, a pleasure to gamble with. I've never heard anyone say anything bad about him. He and his brother treated me great when I was at Kolby's. And they both helped out in a bad situation when the tournament looked like it was going south. I remember those things so I'm speaking up now on their behalf.

There was a time years ago where Grady would rob a player Jimmy Joe's speed. Sadly that day is not today, and we can't live on past glories. It must be a rude awakening to Grady to find out that he is no longer the dominant player he once was. He could have given weight to John Henderson years ago as well.

I just got "robbed" in the 7 Card Stud tourney last night, and it cost me $1,500! I don't know if I still have what it takes to win at poker. So it's up to me to decide if I should go on or just hang it up. Like Grady, I made some big scores years ago and won a bunch of money in my prime. But it seems like my time as a poker player has come and gone. No fun when I realize that, but reality is a b-tch!

 

[UrackmIcrackm]

(no need to re-post the pic)

If I had to guess - the room is one of the Riv's that hasn't been remodeled but does have the new bedding that the remodeled rooms have. Something went wrong (maybe a pre-existing condition) and you found yourself visiting the hospial in Vegas and proceeded to recuperate in your room at the expense of the bedding.

 

[JoeyA]

The worst thing about this forum is the regular justification for brutal actions due to some code of the jungle or pool culture.

No where in the civilized world would you invite an elderly gentlemen of some historic note into your house for an event that you promoted as a big time deal and allow him to be humiliated and busted in like the first couple hours he's there. (and by the owner of the house no less!)

I don't care if he's cranky and has done some questionable things in his past. He's a 67-year-old man in mediocre health. I hope your grandfather doesn't accidently walk into Kolby's some day and say the wrong thing and people happily take his money.

I know Lenny to be a fine young man with nothing but the best intentions. But he to gets caught up in this pool culture too where no matter what you do don't knock somebody's action or intervene when a brutal act is about to happen. That's just how it is. He asked for it.

To say well we didn't know how Grady plays, etc., is not valid.

There aren't five people in the State of Arizona that can play Jimmy even. Everyone at Kolby's has seen John Henderson play and knows he can't stand up to Jimmy or anywhere close now. I'm sure he could when he was young. Jimmy is an experienced, big-time gambler. Grady had no chance.

There were people in Kolbys that had the the power/ability to say to Jimmy and or Grady hey let's wait on this. You're/he's our guest. You got a big event tomorrow. You just got off the plane. Let's just hit some balls around. Jimmy you're probably way better than Grady so let's just cool it for now. In a civiliezed world that's what would have happened. Anybody running a big time event would have known to protect their guest of honor and dissuaded him from participating in a blow out.

But that's the pool culture I guess.

So it's horrible what Grady said after the fact? I guess when you get older you'll undertstand that when elderly people get humiliated in public they lash out. Actually almost everyone does whether it's justifiable or not.

If Grady comes off the road looking for action that's one thing. But if he's there as your guest you owe him some respect and responsibility.

So did Grady deserve what he got because he's some sort of bad guy? I say no. And shame on those who do.

Just when I thought no one would top Luigi's post, up pops yours. I'm glad I read your post. You deserve some rep too, a lot, as a matter of fact.

The facts about Jimmy's speed being brought out in your post casts some new light on the validity some of Grady's post especially in regards to the beating he took. In previous posts, I had gotten the impression that "Jimmy" nor anyone else knew that if Grady and John were a close game, Grady had no chance against Jimmy.

I really liked your suggested comment about "let's cool it for now". It shows that you understand the nuances of gambling and are not anti-gambling but you are a civilized man, a wise man and a fair man. I would break bread with you any day. "mlalum" wouldn't mean much to me (the screen names don't relate when I meet in person unless you've to one like "dirtybobjr") if I met you at a tournament but if you reminded me of this thread and your post, we would be sure to pass a good time. Please say hello anytime.

Best Regards,

JoeyA

 

[A.J. DeAngelo]

Before I continue, what place is there where players wouldn't love to practice One Pocket with Grady Mathews?
QUOTE]

LOL. It's insecurity. Great story, sorry about the experience. Just like everywhere else in life, there's two kinds of people in the pool hall. This guy will spend the rest of his life forcing everyone he meets to watch TCOM while going into great detail of how he beat Grady Mathews, whom he could have befriended.

 

[Maniac]

I've made terrible games. I've been on the other side of that as well, trying to stay calm and keep it close to see how much $$$$ I could suck out of someone. That's pool. That's the pool culture. Kill or be killed, or stay on the practice table.

This whole thread (not yours, Spidey, the whole thread in general) shows the very reason that pool, to this day, is still looked down upon. It mentions "stealing". It speaks of deception. A show of disrespect is mentioned. It shows how low a person will stoop to put someone elses money into their own pocket. Disgusting to an outsider? You bet, and then some!!! Hell, it's disgusting to me sometimes and I absolutely LOVE the game.

But........ya gotta gamble, 'cause gambling brings out your best game .

I still believe that two people could find out who is the better shooter without a single penny ever needing to be exchanged.

Y'all gamblers don't bother me, you can do what you like with your own money. Just remember that the money you stuff into your pocket more than likely HURT the one that gave it up, regardless if he was willing to do so. Then, there's the "addicts". Making a game with them is like throwing a baggie of heroin to a junkie.

Not knocking anybody, just a few random thoughts I had from reading this thread to date.

Maniac

 

[Steve]

I called Delta and was told that I could carry my cue onto the plane. TSA told me I couldn't as I was going through security. Luckily, I had a suitcase just big enough to wedge my case into it, after removing some clothing. Off to Atlanta, where there was a three hour layover plus another two hour delay and when finally in the air three hours of turbulance, where noone was allowed to even use the bathroom. Finally I arrive in Phoenix. I'm picked up by Lennie, who takes me to my motel.
OK, I've been up 18 hours. I'm tired and grumpy. All I want to do is go to the pool room and practice an hour and go to bed.I enter the pool room and there are three guys I don't know around what is obviously the action table. I ask would anybody like to practice? Before I continue, what place is there where players wouldn't love to practice One Pocket with Grady Mathews?
They pointedly ignore me and I get hustled by some young guy to play for money. I state again that I'd really just like to practice. Again my desire is ignored. The owner gets introduced to me. He doesn't want to practice either. Now remember I just travelled 2,000 miles at my own expense to patronize his place.
These guys won't say how they play or whether they're good players. I don't want to play for money then but the owner keeps harping on playing me but he doesn't offer to play even. Finally, exasperated and tired of this I give him a ball. He beats me worse than I've ever been beaten in my pro career, to the tune of $1,000. I only win one game.
Since I opened my place in Colorado in April of 1975, as a room owner or host pro somewhere EVERY time I made a game with a visiting dignitary or pro one of two things happened: 1. If I played good the match was close and 2. If I played poorly I would lose.
What NEVER happened, not once is that I robbed the visitor. And if I were robbing the guy I'd stop the game immediately and give the man his money back.
This Gomer Pyle Junior Samples acting creep ruined my trip and he should be ashamed of himself but he's not and as you may have gathered already he's found a way to blame me.
There were some attendees at my and John Henderson's match that should have had the decency and chutzpa to tell this guy that's he's way out of line.
Honestly, I thought I'd seen the limit with sleaziness and low-class but this guy breaks the record.

Feelin' sorry for yourself - biggest indoor sport in the world...

 

[Black-Balled]

This ...there's the "addicts". Making a game with them is like throwing a baggie of heroin to a junkie.

Not knocking anybody, just a few random thoughts I had from reading this thread to date.

Maniac

busting the junkie for his $45 is actually God's work and you'd be wrong to interfere with His work.

 

[A.J. DeAngelo]

I'm going to get out of line. Not for the first time, but here goes anyway.

Grady Mathews is a living pool legend. His accomplishments and contributions to the sport are immeasurable. I guarantee you, that if you have watched any of the matches he commentated on for Accu-Stats, you probably learned something that has helped your game, won you a match, or made you some dough.

Grady is from a different era, that perhaps sadly, no longer exists in pool. And it's tough to let that go. In addition, I'm guessing the vast majority of you here know that Grady is now looking at things through a prism colored by recent events that would have brought most of us to our knees.

All of you will do and write your comments as you see fit. And that's as it should be. But, just maybe, before you post a demeaning post in this thread, no matter how deserved you think it might be, maybe you'll let it slide just this once.

Lou Figueroa

Tap tap. The other side of the coin for Grady's naysayers is this: he's gambled a lot, everyone agrees. So when something strikes him as hinky after all that experience, maybe he has a point. And if he is just having a Woody Hayes moment, as you say, maybe we can cut him some slack. I hate OSU with a passion, but I believe we should have cut Woody some slack. Lou, I think you nailed it on the head with your comment about different eras. Somewhere along the line all the unwritten rules of civility that guys used to be taught by their fathers or learn by watching got flushed down the toilet. For many, this is irksome to say the least.

 

[kvinbrwr]

We played two races to three for $500. He beat me 3 to 1 and 3 to 0. My expenses were $1,000; so I was already laying 4 to 3 on the money. With the extra $1,000 I lost to the owner, if I lose it's $5,000 and if I win I only win $1,000. Nice odds, huh?
NOW if he had said, "Grady, I'm a good player. I don't think you can spot me." That would have been different.
Listen, I'm not gonna argue this on the internet. If you don't understand my position, the rightness therein, I can't be friends with you. Why wasn't my desire to not gamble and just practice honored? I certainly don't feel that I was treated like an honored guest.
If you owned a country club and Tom watson appeared and asked to play 9 holes of golf just for practice, I promise the entire staff and members would leap at the opportunity and not cheap hustle him in any manner.
He embarrassed and humiliated me and I didn't like it one bit. This episode may retire me from gambling. With guys like this it's just not fun anymore.
This is all I have to say on this matter.

Grady

Bud get real. There is no club anywhere no staff no members that COULD hustle Tom Watson. Watson would DRILL anyone non touring pro crazy enough to tee it up with him and NOBODY EVER hanging around a club could spot him anything. And, I'm sorry here, but if Watson somehow lost, which is impossible, I just can't imagine hearing him BLAME the guy who beat him for being a bad guy.

Sorry man, this reads sad.

Kevin

 

[justadub]

This whole thread (not yours, Spidey, the whole thread in general) shows the very reason that pool, to this day, is still looked down upon. It mentions "stealing". It speaks of deception. A show of disrespect is mentioned. It shows how low a person will stoop to put someone elses money into their own pocket. Disgusting to an outsider? You bet, and then some!!! Hell, it's disgusting to me sometimes and I absolutely LOVE the game.

But........ya gotta gamble, 'cause gambling brings out your best game .

I still believe that two people could find out who is the better shooter without a single penny ever needing to be exchanged.

Y'all gamblers don't bother me, you can do what you like with your own money. Just remember that the money you stuff into your pocket more than likely HURT the one that gave it up, regardless if he was willing to do so. Then, there's the "addicts". Making a game with them is like throwing a baggie of heroin to a junkie.

Not knocking anybody, just a few random thoughts I had from reading this thread to date.

Maniac

My thoughts exactly.

 

[Roger Long]

I'm going to get out of line. Not for the first time, but here goes anyway.

Grady Mathews is a living pool legend. His accomplishments and contributions to the sport are immeasurable. I guarantee you, that if you have watched any of the matches he commentated on for Accu-Stats, you probably learned something that has helped your game, won you a match, or made you some dough.

Grady is from a different era, that perhaps sadly, no longer exists in pool. And it's tough to let that go. In addition, I'm guessing the vast majority of you here know that Grady is now looking at things through a prism colored by recent events that would have brought most of us to our knees.

All of you will do and write your comments as you see fit. And that's as it should be. But, just maybe, before you post a demeaning post in this thread, no matter how deserved you think it might be, maybe you'll let it slide just this once.

Lou Figueroa

Again you offer some great insight and advice, Lou. I was not at the tournament or the match with Grady and John, nor did I watch any of the live stream, so I have no first-hand knowledge of anything that happened except for what I've read here. But I do know the owner of the pool room, and I would like to state that Lenny tells the truth when he says that the owner is a good guy. He definitely is not a "creep."

As you said, Grady has been hurt in more ways than one. He needs time to heal. Once that happens, maybe he'll see things differently.

Roger

 

[hdgis1]

E

All I know is this whole episode sounds like it was straight out of the Color of Money with Forest Witaker.......and I quote "You a hustler Amos?"

Some things change in this world some things don't.

right Dud

Exactly what I was thinking.

As much as I admire Grady, this sense of entitlement gets under my skin. On the other hand, I think Grady got set up for the hustle here. The room owner is in his late 40's to early 50's and has no idea how grady plays and has never heard of him? Come on! Sure grady made the game, but isnt that a key part in getting set up. Let your 'mark' make the game they think they can win?

Chris

 

[Terry Ardeno]

The worst thing about this forum is the regular justification for brutal actions due to some code of the jungle or pool culture.

No where in the civilized world would you invite an elderly gentlemen of some historic note into your house for an event that you promoted as a big time deal and allow him to be humiliated and busted in like the first couple hours he's there. (and by the owner of the house no less!)

I don't care if he's cranky and has done some questionable things in his past. He's a 67-year-old man in mediocre health. I hope your grandfather doesn't accidently walk into Kolby's some day and say the wrong thing and people happily take his money.

I know Lenny to be a fine young man with nothing but the best intentions. But he to gets caught up in this pool culture too where no matter what you do don't knock somebody's action or intervene when a brutal act is about to happen. That's just how it is. He asked for it.

To say well we didn't know how Grady plays, etc., is not valid.

There aren't five people in the State of Arizona that can play Jimmy even. Everyone at Kolby's has seen John Henderson play and knows he can't stand up to Jimmy or anywhere close now. I'm sure he could when he was young. Jimmy is an experienced, big-time gambler. Grady had no chance.

There were people in Kolbys that had the the power/ability to say to Jimmy and or Grady hey let's wait on this. You're/he's our guest. You got a big event tomorrow. You just got off the plane. Let's just hit some balls around. Jimmy you're probably way better than Grady so let's just cool it for now. In a civiliezed world that's what would have happened. Anybody running a big time event would have known to protect their guest of honor and dissuaded him from participating in a blow out.

But that's the pool culture I guess.

So it's horrible what Grady said after the fact? I guess when you get older you'll undertstand that when elderly people get humiliated in public they lash out. Actually almost everyone does whether it's justifiable or not.

If Grady comes off the road looking for action that's one thing. But if he's there as your guest you owe him some respect and responsibility.

So did Grady deserve what he got because he's some sort of bad guy? I say no. And shame on those who do.

This is a great post. Well thought our w/ many good points.

I'd like to comment on this part here that I'll quote..."There aren't five people in the State of Arizona that can play Jimmy even." Grady and a whole host of other road players and action men were able to GET weight whenever they could and it made the proceedings "quicker". I do want to give proper credit to this Jimmy fella for following in the time honored footsteps of men like Grady.....to be able to steal a ball from a player the age of Grady when you're considered one of the very top players in your whole state....cut-throat, ruthless, cunning, cold-blooded...call it what you will, but however it's said, it's what action men do.

It's usually entertaining when we read about these type escapades, they're vaunted and laughed about, but on the other hand, when it happens to one of our most beloved legendary champions, it stings our heart and we can see a little clearer that really, money pool is a dog-eat-dog world.

In time, this story will die down and time does pass. By then, most of us will be back to the very same thing.....looking to match up, hopeful that any advantage will be ours. Not really thinking about the other person, only the result, the bottom line. Makes you feel kind of dirty at times.