Alex being Alex

[Terry Ardeno]

Pretty sure no other pro has ever showed up and played a match drunk.
I can't say I don't blame him as it sounds like the All-Around isn't really ALL around if one discipline is worth more than the others. I'd say free pass on this one since I don't think this is Alex's standard mode of operation.

Renfro,
You would be shocked at how many times various pros have "showed up and played a match drunk". Or high.

And not to hammer at you, but let me get this straight....Alex hears or learns that 1 discipline in the all-around has more points than another, and THAT shocked-surprised-astounded-upset him so much that you "don't blame him" for having to get sauced to even go on and face life after that?

If THAT'S all it took for Alex to get wasted again, then what should the everyday people do for THEIR stress? Layed off-get drunk. An appliance breaks, gonna cost you some money to fix it-get drunk. Our military warriors...think THEY got any stress in their everyday life? Apparently, your answer is...you guessed it. Get drunk. I mean, where exactly does it ever stop? You saying that some people are so mentally weak that getting drunk is the right remedy to any stressers???

When they sober up, are their problems all gone or still there?

Like Chris Berman & Tom Jackson of ESPN like to say..."Come on, man!"

Have you ever seen the video going around from a DCC a few years back where Alex is getting paid by a bunch of 'fans" to see just exactly how much he really can drink? It's very sad really.

If this was a once-in-a-lifetime occurance, it's one thing. But it wasn't.

All the apologists....you guys are helping to kill the little fella.

I feel bad for Alex.

 

[Celtic]

Really. Exhibit #1

John Daly. Played in the GVO (Greater Vancouver Open). Was shaking like a leaf and then seen throwing up later in the round. Got the shakes because he needed fix then loaded up on booze and threw up. Allowed to finish. Peoples problems are not isolated to pool. All orgs make mistakes as well.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1013972/index.htm

Nick

Errm, that entire article states that it was very possibly "not" alchoholism that caused that whole scene and possible far deeper psychological concerns. I know a fair bit about Daly and don't think the things that article mentions are out of the realm of possibility. Not to mention Daly is long gone from any form of true professional golf today, largely in part to his various "problems".

 

[Celtic]

he would have probably wigged out

I am not sure he would even do that. I do think he would see it as an extreme lack of respect towards the sport, he would probably pulverize Alex in the match as any form of weakness from an opponent makes Earl stronger. If Alex showed to much disrespect he would probably try to get the directors to force the match forfeit. And I am positive he comment on Alex being the bad guy and showing that he is not the only one that can have bad days.

From the play Earl has exhibited of late and the stories of his matches of late I am guessing he is far more in control of his emotions these days then he once was.

 

[westcoast]

I think there are two extremes in this thread and the truth lies somewhere in the middle

He shouldn't be condemned and scolded forever. It was a mistake and he should be somewhat ashamed of himself, but he should know that it is unacceptable to do this again because it is irresponsible to more than just himself

 

[Terry Ardeno]

JMO,

I was going to let this pass but I think it deserves an answer.

Where in the Constitution does it say that you are entitled to have an opinion about anyone else.

You don't walk in Alex's shoes. You don't know what inner demons he deals with every day. You have no idea what goes on in his mind.

America has become a Nation of Fans. People that can not possibly duplicate the feats of their so called Heroes and yet are the first to tear them down.

Give this guy a break. We all makes mistakes at times. Where is the empathy?
Who among you is without fault?

We all live in glass houses and make mistakes but it is we ourselves that have to live with the consequences of our actions. Alex may live to regret what he did or he may not. It is simply not your right to judge.

Bill Stroud

Bill,

Where in the constitution does it say we have to "Stop" for stop signs? It doesn't and we do.

Where in the constitution does it say that we have to breath or we will die? It doesn't and we will.

What in the name of Betsy Ross does the constitution have to do with any of us giving an opinion on others? You have the right to give your opinion on the Beard, right? So some opinions are ok?

Now, a question dealing with your post...which came first, the "inner demons" you say (your opinion???) that Alex has, or the bottle?

Did the "demons" cause him to drink or did his drinking cause his "demons'?

It would just be better to change the word "demons" to "choices".

And lastly, from your last paragraph, you wrote.."It is simply not your right to judge."

Really?

Than why do we have juries? If Alex left right after he played, started to drive to his hotel, crashed in to another car & killed somebody, are you going to go to court with him and argue that he has no right to be judged?
After all, he has 'inner demons". (Which came first, the demons or the bottle)

We're not to judge? Then, am I to assume that if you have children, you wouldn't mind them dating or hanging around with a criminal sex offender, or a serial killer. I mean, we're not supposed to judge, right? Or if you owned a business and was looking for an employee, and an applicant came in totally smashed out of his mind. He was loud, disrespectful and embarrassing. But you would hire him on the spot, right? I mean, don't judge or nothing, right?

This is why so many people are out of control and are destroying their lives...because "anything goes" any more. No more morals, no more standards, no more boundries.

From what I know, the ones who say anything you want to do is OK are the ones who don't want any accountability in life.

Just saying.

 

[mlalum]

Bill,

Where in the constitution does it say we have to "Stop" for stop signs? It doesn't and we do.

Where in the constitution does it say that we have to breath or we will die? It doesn't and we will.

What in the name of Betsy Ross does the constitution have to do with any of us giving an opinion on others? You have the right to give your opinion on the Beard, right? So some opinions are ok?

Now, a question dealing with your post...which came first, the "inner demons" you say (your opinion???) that Alex has, or the bottle?

Did the "demons" cause him to drink or did his drinking cause his "demons'?

It would just be better to change the word "demons" to "choices".

And lastly, from your last paragraph, you wrote.."It is simply not your right to judge."

Really?

Than why do we have juries? If Alex left right after he played, started to drive to his hotel, crashed in to another car & killed somebody, are you going to go to court with him and argue that he has no right to be judged?
After all, he has 'inner demons". (Which came first, the demons or the bottle)

We're not to judge? Then, am I to assume that if you have children, you wouldn't mind them dating or hanging around with a criminal sex offender, or a serial killer. I mean, we're not supposed to judge, right? Or if you owned a business and was looking for an employee, and an applicant came in totally smashed out of his mind. He was loud, disrespectful and embarrassing. But you would hire him on the spot, right? I mean, don't judge or nothing, right?

This is why so many people are out of control and are destroying their lives...because "anything goes" any more. No more morals, no more standards, no more boundries.

From what I know, the ones who say anything you want to do is OK are the ones who don't want any accountability in life.

Just saying.

Accountability. Bravo Terry.

 

[cbaumann212]

Wow this thread is hard to read. I thought the "Alex being Alex" title referred to the fact that he shot world class speed for a week. Instead its a bunch of nits posting judgement. If you wanna watch Alex, then watch. If you wanna bet on Alex, then bet. But he doesn't owe you or I a damn thing. Maybe there is more to the story. Who are you or I to judge? Justin and Bill Stroud, thank you for your intelligent opinions.

To all of the negative posters, maybe you should practice you pool game and take a look in the mirror instead of worrying how other players act.

 

[Terry Ardeno]

This is hilarious. Alex plays in a bar 99% of the time to make a living and you guys want to slam him for having one drunken episode or having a drinking problem. Let's start having the majority of golf tournaments with a bar at every hole and see what kind of behavior they have or how many turn into alcoholics.

I want to go watch an Accu-Stats, but a little business first.

ccshrimper,

1. How do you know Alex plays in a bar 99% of the time? What references or sources do you quote for that?

2. That's HIS choice to enter a bar. Every pool room has pool tables.

3. Every bar has booze. Again, his choice where to "play pool". (drink)

4. You admitting he has a drinking problem?

5. If you did admit he has a drinking problem, then, according to you, leave him alone and let him DRINK!

6. If there was a bar at every hole, do you really think that everybody is so weak mentally that they have no self control? If there was a bank on every street, should it get robbed also? I really don't get your analogy on that one.

7. Alex is a grown man. He also, like everybody else, has choices to make every single day.

8. Going to go fire up the DVD player now....

 

[ccshrimper]

Bill,

Where in the constitution does it say we have to "Stop" for stop signs? It doesn't and we do.

Where in the constitution does it say that we have to breath or we will die? It doesn't and we will.

What in the name of Betsy Ross does the constitution have to do with any of us giving an opinion on others? You have the right to give your opinion on the Beard, right? So some opinions are ok?

Now, a question dealing with your post...which came first, the "inner demons" you say (your opinion???) that Alex has, or the bottle?

Did the "demons" cause him to drink or did his drinking cause his "demons'?

It would just be better to change the word "demons" to "choices".

And lastly, from your last paragraph, you wrote.."It is simply not your right to judge."

Really?

Than why do we have juries? If Alex left right after he played, started to drive to his hotel, crashed in to another car & killed somebody, are you going to go to court with him and argue that he has no right to be judged?
After all, he has 'inner demons". (Which came first, the demons or the bottle)

We're not to judge? Then, am I to assume that if you have children, you wouldn't mind them dating or hanging around with a criminal sex offender, or a serial killer. I mean, we're not supposed to judge, right? Or if you owned a business and was looking for an employee, and an applicant came in totally smashed out of his mind. He was loud, disrespectful and embarrassing. But you would hire him on the spot, right? I mean, don't judge or nothing, right?

This is why so many people are out of control and are destroying their lives...because "anything goes" any more. No more morals, no more standards, no more boundries.

From what I know, the ones who say anything you want to do is OK are the ones who don't want any accountability in life.

Just saying.

Jeesh Terry, he drank at a pool tournament. This isn't life or death or anything new. Every tournament I've played in people tell me that if we don't support the pool hall/tournament, they'll stop having them. That means drinking and sometimes a little food. This is every tournament in the US that isn't at a convention center or casino. Like I said earlier, imagine a golf tournament where they had a bar at every hole and told the players "If you don't spend money here there won't be another tournament at this course". There would be just as many people with dependency issues as there is with pool.

People that spend the $10 to get in the door and watch the tournaments aren't what keep them going. Buying a cheeseburger doesn't keep the tournaments going either. Buying a round of shots for friends that costs $50 each time makes a bar or pool hall tournament successful. Alcohol is the lifeblood of pool hall tournaments in America like it or not and we will always have problems with addicts until that changes.

 

[Put_upor_shutup]

If you guys want goodtooshoes behavior, stick to watching accustats on dvd, NOT live. As soon as you go to a real pool event in person, you will see the other side of pool.... drugs, gambling, dumping, drinking, hookers, barking, groupies, cheating, crying and moaning, etc.

I like all sides of it. If you don't, then don't place yourselves in situations to observe the other side of it.

Ha Ha If I couldnt see all this I wouldnt go...

 

[corvette1340]

Errm, that entire article states that it was very possibly "not" alchoholism that caused that whole scene and possible far deeper psychological concerns. I know a fair bit about Daly and don't think the things that article mentions are out of the realm of possibility. Not to mention Daly is long gone from any form of true professional golf today, largely in part to his various "problems".

Daly just finished Tied for 65th in this weeks PGA event at Torrey Pines. Is that not true professional golf? He also fired rounds of 67 and 69 on the first two days that put him near the top of the leader board.

He had a bad weekend but he still played good enough to contend the first two days. He probably ran out of liquor by the weekend and couldn't score anymore before his afternoon tee time on Saturday because he was sleeping off his Friday night bender. He won the British Open while drunk as hell in '95.

 

[greyghost]

I want to go watch an Accu-Stats, but a little business first.

ccshrimper,

1. How do you know Alex plays in a bar 99% of the time? What references or sources do you quote for that?

2. That's HIS choice to enter a bar. Every pool room has pool tables.

3. Every bar has booze. Again, his choice where to "play pool". (drink)

4. You admitting he has a drinking problem?

5. If you did admit he has a drinking problem, then, according to you, leave him alone and let him DRINK!

6. If there was a bar at every hole, do you really think that everybody is so weak mentally that they have no self control? If there was a bank on every street, should it get robbed also? I really don't get your analogy on that one.

7. Alex is a grown man. He also, like everybody else, has choices to make every single day.

8. Going to go fire up the DVD player now....

TO HELL WITH IT TERRY WHY DON'T YOU JUST GO MAKE A GOT DAM NOOSE AND HANG THE SHORT LITTLE F*KER THEN?

not every one was taught to make perfect choices and not everyone is a mountain of a man like you are I'm sure..........

many people are mentally weak.......some are so stupid and couldn't choose the right thing if their lives depended on it...........

you sound like the same mother f6kers that say that anyone that commits suicide will burn in hell for eternity

like Doc says:

Wyatt, you ever wonder why we been a part of so many unfortunate incidents, yet we're still walking around? I have figured it out. It's nothing much, just luck. And you know why it's nothing much Wyatt? Because it doesn't matter much whether we are here today or not. I wake up every morning looking in the face of Death, and you know what? He ain't half bad. I think the secret old Mr. Death is holding is that it's better for some of us over on the other side. I know it can't be any worse for me. Maybe that's the place for your Maddie. For some people, this world ain't ever gonna be right.

Just send him to a psyche ward so they can pack him with anti depressants so he can hang himself so you don't have to get your hands dirty.


Then theres just say no.........lmfao.........I MADE A LIVING OFF OF MAKING PEOPLE SAY YES WHEN THEY WANTED TO SAY NO........so Nacy Regan can kiss my rebel dick


many people that bring the most entertainment and happiness into our lives also bring the most havok........but at the end of the day when we walk away and the sun sets on those people's lives we miss them and wish they were still around to aggravate us.

sincerely,
-Grey Ghost-

 

[Celtic]

Daly just finished Tied for 65th in this weeks PGA event at Torrey Pines. Is that not true professional golf? He also fired rounds of 67 and 69 on the first two days that put him near the top of the leader board.

He had a bad weekend but he still played good enough to contend the first two days. He probably ran out of liquor by the weekend and couldn't score anymore before his afternoon tee time on Saturday because he was sleeping off his Friday night bender. He won the British Open while drunk as hell in '95.

Had no idea he was trying to make another comeback, I hope to hell he manages to do it. Nevertheless, the article was still as I said, very much not about alchoholism.

 

[ccshrimper]

I want to go watch an Accu-Stats, but a little business first.

ccshrimper,

1. How do you know Alex plays in a bar 99% of the time? What references or sources do you quote for that?

Educated guess, how many pool halls or tournaments in the US don't serve alcohol?

2. That's HIS choice to enter a bar. Every pool room has pool tables.

No, it's his livelihood and if he wants to play for money or most tournaments he will be somewhere they serve drinks. Maybe that's why he plays poker so much.

3. Every bar has booze. Again, his choice where to "play pool". (drink)

Of course it's his choice, but if nobody drinks at the pool halls they will close just like many of them in the US right now. How many pool halls have you seen that don't serve alcohol? We don't have any where I live or anywhere near.

4. You admitting he has a drinking problem?

I have no idea if he does, he got drunk in front of a camera this time so many of you can judge him.

5. If you did admit he has a drinking problem, then, according to you, leave him alone and let him DRINK!

6. If there was a bar at every hole, do you really think that everybody is so weak mentally that they have no self control? If there was a bank on every street, should it get robbed also? I really don't get your analogy on that one.

Drinking isn't a crime, where's the comparison here? Who says you have to be mentally weak to have a drink?

7. Alex is a grown man. He also, like everybody else, has choices to make every single day.

Agreed, but I'm sure he faces more pressures than most of us daily. It's easy to judge a poor kid for robbing a store too but you haven't been in their shoes.

8. Going to go fire up the DVD player now....

I normally love your posts here and they are very informative but I find these naive. I've been around pool halls enough to see the effect they can have on a person. I've been offered drugs more times in one month at a pool hall than I have the rest of my life combined. How many up and coming players got addicted to something far worse than alcohol and you don't hear about them anymore? How many of them have come to the table coked up out of their minds but it's not as noticeable as someone stumbling around and being a little too loud?

 

[beav99_4life]

Well someone has to do something JCIN to help the sport. You gave us 3 hours of a drunk, profane, an ugly-as-yoy-can-get-for-pool Scott Frost on the Tar broadcast last week and nobody with your group did anythinhg about that either.

Justin was very ill and asleep back in the room. The incident was my fault and mine alone. Taking shots at Justin for this is low simply because his opinion on this topic differs from yours. If you want to take shots, aim them at me. I was trying to handle a few situations all at the same time and slipped on my responsibility to the viewers. I told Justin the next morning that I messed up. I apologize to those of you who were watching.

 

[LILJOHN30]

Well someone has to do something JCIN to help the sport. You gave us 3 hours of a drunk, profane, an ugly-as-yoy-can-get-for-pool Scott Frost on the Tar broadcast last week and nobody with your group did anythinhg about that either.

the frost incident was ridiculous and tar is responsible

 

[LILJOHN30]

I wouldn't know I was sick as a dog with a fever attempting to get some sleep. I heard Frost showed his ass and all I can say is that if I was there it wouldn't have happened.

Soon as I figure out a way to not catch a virus in order to police a stream I will certainly do it.

u were in the chat room no..big nasty?

 

[LILJOHN30]

Justin was very ill and asleep back in the room. The incident was my fault and mine alone. Taking shots at Justin for this is low simply because his opinion on this topic differs from yours. If you want to take shots, aim them at me. I was trying to handle a few situations all at the same time and slipped on my responsibility to the viewers. I told Justin the next morning that I messed up. I apologize to those of you who were watching.

just saw the bev post i apologize jusitin

 

[mlalum]

Justin was very ill and asleep back in the room. The incident was my fault and mine alone. Taking shots at Justin for this is low simply because his opinion on this topic differs from yours. If you want to take shots, aim them at me. I was trying to handle a few situations all at the same time and slipped on my responsibility to the viewers. I told Justin the next morning that I messed up. I apologize to those of you who were watching.

Beav you were put in an impossible situation. You are not responsible. You're not the one accountable. And sure Justin should get a pass on this one, too, given the situation.

But you shouldn't also be giving Alex a pass because he's your friend. How do you know Justin that the people running the 14.1 didn't have every bit as tough as a situation to deal with than Beav did. Their decision making situation was probably tougher. Yet you're more willing to knock them than Alex.

That's annoying. And counterproductive for pool. The full weight of public opinion should come down on Alex and he should be held accountable. Just as it should with Scott Frost. Pool can't hope to move out of the gutters until then. Apologists hurt the potential business proposition.

When all of you who believe no harm, no foul, go on and on about how you don't fathom why sponsors aren't flocking to support the game of pool please come back to this thread and read carefully. Then reread it. Nobody is ever going to put money into a game where bad behavior is allowed if not glorified. The people who put on the 14.1 and all the competitors should get an apology and somethiing like a statement saying i won't disrespect you, the game, the viewers, etc again.

 

[JCIN]

Alex screwed up. Punish him. I'm sure he would accept anything reasonable and say he made a mistake. I know him better than most here, know what is going in his life and I'm not making any excuses for his behavior in the 14.1 event but you would think the guy sacrificed a virgin on accu stats instead of simply showing his ass a little.

In the hierarchy of bad guys in pool Alex doesn't even make the first volume.

The guys who organized the 14.1 deserve a lot of thanks and Alex showing up hammered was disrespectful of the event. He has his reasons for making the choices he did and I'm positive he is man enough to take responsibility for them. As for the people dog piling on one of the best guys in the game it is just weak sauce. Making personal statements about a guy who they don't really know just adds the cherry on top.