Congats To Rodney Morris in HOF

[boogeyman]

This is quite harsh. Rodney made a mistake years ago, did his time, and apparently has behaved well since. At some point he needs to be forgiven. He seems like a genuinely nice guy who treats others well.

________________________
It's not harsh, it's just their opinions.
Doesn't matter at this point because as you say, he has paid his debt to society.

My interactions with Rodney years ago in Hawaii, were both fun.
Once at an old pool room on Kamehameha Avenue and the other in front of the old Blue Zebra nightclub.
He was quite outgoing and to tell you the truth, seems like a good friend to have.
I really don't give a sh** how good he plays pool, because his personality and "aloha spirit" alone do it for me.

By the way, Rodney being a "genuinely nice guy who treats others well" has nothing to do with getting into the HOF.
(Not that you are implying that, westcoast).
For sure, there have been some real a-holes who have been inducted.

 

[boogeyman]

I'd like to join in enthusiastic congratulations to Rodney on his well-deserved election to the Hall of Fame. He has clearly been one of our greatest players for nearly three decades and he has been a good ambassador of the sport. I met him in Vegas a few years ago and was able to confirm from personal experience that he's one of the good guys in the sport.

Now... I have a few questions, with all respect, to those who feel his "vacation" in the late nineties should have been a disqualifier.

1. Is he running for President or something? (And if it comes to that, I would hesitate to say that he suffers in comparison to either major candidate in terms of moral conduct)
2. If we talk about the image of the sport, aren't there many major sports in which stars have been convicted of one offense or another? If we take boxing, for example, can we say Sonny Liston and Mike Tyson?
3. How long, and how many times, must a man pay for a non-violent offense that took place in his youth and that had no relation to the sport?
4. How does an old drug conviction compare, in terms of damage to the sport, with the infamous debacle at the first Challenge of Champions?

Be happy for the man. He earned it!

Well said, Professor.

 

[Neil]

I doubt that he was barred from most pro events (CSI and others) because he is such a nice guy. Or got himself barred at least temporarily from any of Barry Hearn's events because he is such a nice guy. He is the ultimate hustler. But, since the HOF is ONLY about playing ability, sure, let him in it. After all, Greenleaf and a bunch of other sleeze-bags are already in it.

Just please stop trying to sell the crap of "he was nice to me, he dresses like I want him too" nonsense as qualifiers as to why he should be in it.

 

[overlord]

The Rocket man is high above all the nit pickers and naysayers. All I can say is congratulations. It is a well deserved honor.

I first saw Rodney play for the first time up in Reno after his Club Fed vacation and he was a sight to behold.

John Schmidt asked for the 8 ball couldn't hang with him even. He is a very natural player nothing looks forced, loves to drive the cue ball around multiple rails.

Al I can say is lest we judge too harshly.

 

[lbostons]

What he did in the 90s doesn't detract what he has accomplished since then. I like to hear stories like this. Someone has the destitute and resilience to stay clean. I always feel sad for the ones who cannot and their careers go south. Doc Gooden, Darryll Strawberry, and Josh Hamilton still battles with addiction to name a few. Heck think about cocky Johhny Football. Kid is all kinds of talented but does not have his head on straight.

I am proud of the guy and believes he belongs in the hall. Pool has enough good guys to market. That isn't what is holding pool back though. It's Sponsors, TV audiences, the lack of pool and and billiards governing body IMO.

 

[Fast Lenny]

I doubt that he was barred from most pro events (CSI and others) because he is such a nice guy. Or got himself barred at least temporarily from any of Barry Hearn's events because he is such a nice guy. He is the ultimate hustler. But, since the HOF is ONLY about playing ability, sure, let him in it. After all, Greenleaf and a bunch of other sleeze-bags are already in it.

Just please stop trying to sell the crap of "he was nice to me, he dresses like I want him too" nonsense as qualifiers as to why he should be in it.

His accomplishments qualify him for it. CSI and Barry Hearn might not like his opinions on events which he expresses while others do it behind their back and for that I respect him. The BS about claiming some funny business happened at Mosconi Cup is laughable because dumping and dogging look the same and no one has proof just making claims with nothing to support it. Mosconi Cup has favored the Europeans for years and they don't want US players speaking up about it either.

He talked negatively of CSI and was barred for it. Doesn't make you a sleaze bag for having an opinion. People on here act as if they have never made a mistake, those are the ones you need to worry about most. I guess paying your debt to society in some peoples eyes counts for nothing. Other then his conviction 20 years ago what has the man done that is deemed to be fact?

People on this forum like to bash the pro players which explains why they think the forum is a joke for the most part and don't come on here. The majority of us love the game and the players that play it at the highest level. Doesn't mean they are exempt because someone like Howard Vickery can never redeem himself. Someone who got caught up in drugs like Chohan or Morris and pays their debt is okay with me if they do the right things after. Morris hasn't been in trouble in over 20 years!

 

[jrhendy]

Rodney has been and is a bright light for pool. Congratulations to him.

One of the things holding pool back IMO is the self righteous know it all jerks like we have on here. Must be straight pool players.:grin:

 

[sjm]

Congratulations to Rodney.

The greatest pool I ever saw from Rodney Morris came at the 2013 US Open 10-ball event, played on big tables at the Rio in Las Vegas. It produced the strongest field I've ever seen at the BCA pro events.

The elite field played down to six and it turned out that it would be five Asian superstars and one American superstar to fight for the title. Dennis Orcullo, Lee Vann Corteza, Wu Jiaqing, Ko Pin-Yi, and Carlo Biado all stood in Rodney Morris' path to the title. Rodney got all the way to the final against Orcullo but Dennis was playing almost perfect pool on the way to a 9-2 lead. Rodney then went into a groove and pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in the history of our sport, winning the title.

For me, this one is still sinking in.

 

[jalapus logan]

Congrats to Rodney! So what if the man made a mistake 20 years ago. Ain't no one perfect. As for his impact on the future of pool, well, nothing sells like a story about redemption.:thumbup:

 

[PocketSpeed11]

I agree on its inclusion. It is a great story of redemption. I'm only 34 but have been sober for the last 12 years of my life and I wear it like a ****ing badge. I had been arrested previously multiple times, mainly relating to substance abuse and I'm willing to tell anybody my past transgressions because of the pride I feel for how far I have come. It is something to measure myself by.

It seems that Rodney is also willing to tell his story, as can be seen in this interview... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFwYDjtcl5k

Congrats Rodney! Probably my favorite player.

 

[boogeyman]

I doubt that he was barred from most pro events (CSI and others) because he is such a nice guy. Or got himself barred at least temporarily from any of Barry Hearn's events because he is such a nice guy. He is the ultimate hustler. But, since the HOF is ONLY about playing ability, sure, let him in it. After all, Greenleaf and a bunch of other sleeze-bags are already in it.

Just please stop trying to sell the crap of "he was nice to me, he dresses like I want him too" nonsense as qualifiers as to why he should be in it.

Right on, Neil.
I hate it when others try to "strengthen" an argument for someone when they add the proverbial, "he/she was a nice person."
Who cares. All I care about is ones talent and/or what they have done for the game of pool.


As an aside/example: Tiger Woods in the PGA HOF? You damn right.

 

[FLYINGSNAIL]

Congratulation!!!!!!!!!!!!

Awesome player:thumbup:
Represent the game well:thumbup:
Dress well to evens:thumbup:
Good guy:thumbup:

 

[Neil]

His accomplishments qualify him for it. CSI and Barry Hearn might not like his opinions on events which he expresses while others do it behind their back and for that I respect him. The BS about claiming some funny business happened at Mosconi Cup is laughable because dumping and dogging look the same and no one has proof just making claims with nothing to support it. Mosconi Cup has favored the Europeans for years and they don't want US players speaking up about it either.

He talked negatively of CSI and was barred for it. Doesn't make you a sleaze bag for having an opinion. People on here act as if they have never made a mistake, those are the ones you need to worry about most. I guess paying your debt to society in some peoples eyes counts for nothing. Other then his conviction 20 years ago what has the man done that is deemed to be fact?

People on this forum like to bash the pro players which explains why they think the forum is a joke for the most part and don't come on here. The majority of us love the game and the players that play it at the highest level. Doesn't mean they are exempt because someone like Howard Vickery can never redeem himself. Someone who got caught up in drugs like Chohan or Morris and pays their debt is okay with me if they do the right things after. Morris hasn't been in trouble in over 20 years!

Lenny, I never said a word about his past conviction. He paid his debt on that one. Just because Scotland Yard couldn't prove that he dumped his match, doesn't mean that he didn't. Everyone there knew he did, but it is almost impossible to actually prove a dump as you well know.

Some of you are trying to hold him up as some kind of saint just because he plays pool real well. Sorry you don't like to hear it about one of your heroes, but he is far from sainthood. Oh, I like how you state he hasn't been in trouble for over twenty years, yet, it was only recently that the other crap happened. But, since he didn't actually go to jail for those offenses, they don't count, right??

As I stated, since the HOF is ONLY about actual playing ability, and nothing else, he gets in. His playing is stellar. It's got nothing to do with "bashing the pros", like you and others like to make it out to be. It has a lot to do with honesty, which you guys like to overlook just because someone is a pro player.

 

[Fast Lenny]

Lenny, I never said a word about his past conviction. He paid his debt on that one. Just because Scotland Yard couldn't prove that he dumped his match, doesn't mean that he didn't. Everyone there knew he did, but it is almost impossible to actually prove a dump as you well know.

Some of you are trying to hold him up as some kind of saint just because he plays pool real well. Sorry you don't like to hear it about one of your heroes, but he is far from sainthood. Oh, I like how you state he hasn't been in trouble for over twenty years, yet, it was only recently that the other crap happened. But, since he didn't actually go to jail for those offenses, they don't count, right??

As I stated, since the HOF is ONLY about actual playing ability, and nothing else, he gets in. His playing is stellar. It's got nothing to do with "bashing the pros", like you and others like to make it out to be. It has a lot to do with honesty, which you guys like to overlook just because someone is a pro player.

I can't hold someone accountable based on gossip. I mean I have seen so much in pool including business behind the scenes. I don't respect that kind of stuff but if you weren't there and didn't know it for a fact then its just pool gossip being repeated and passed along which does more harm to the game then good.

 

[JoeyA]

USA Mosconi Cup QUALITY

I failed to read some of the negative responses in this thread the first time around but I have now, at least up until this point.

Here's what I see:

I see an ELITE POOL PLAYER who made a mistake years ago and paid dearly for it. Since then he has walked the straight and narrow, doing good along the way.

He acknowledges his mistake of the past and has corrected his behavior.

Rodney now leads a righteous life by most standards of society and morality, yet there are those (some of you whom I call "friends") still trying to punish him for a mistake he made long ago.

In public, he carries himself as a friend to one and all. His talent in the pool world is legendary. In social media, he is honest and upfront for the world to see. Rodney is no fake ass *****. He is the real deal.

If you're looking to punish someone for turning their life around and doing well for themselves then it's a sad day for all of us. We ***** and moan as a society that criminals come out of prison worse than the day they went in. Now we have a MAN who gets his act together and we're going to sit here and beat him up for it. This kind of community attack is sickening to me.

Rodney, if you're reading this, continue doing the things you have been doing these recent years. There will always be those who will try to knock you down and bring up mistakes of the past. Stay in the moment and live your life to the fullest. While your talent at pool is something to be appreciative of, I more importantly respect the fact that you have learned from your mistakes of the past and lead an exemplary life.

JoeyA

 

[VIProfessor]

I failed to read some of the negative responses in this thread the first time around but I have now, at least up until this point.

Here's what I see:

I see an ELITE POOL PLAYER who made a mistake years ago and paid dearly for it. Since then he has walked the straight and narrow, doing good along the way.

He acknowledges his mistake of the past and has corrected his behavior.

Rodney now leads a righteous life by most standards of society and morality, yet there are those (some of you whom I call "friends") still trying to punish him for a mistake he made long ago.

In public, he carries himself as a friend to one and all. His talent in the pool world is legendary. In social media, he is honest and upfront for the world to see. Rodney is no fake ass *****. He is the real deal.

If you're looking to punish someone for turning their life around and doing well for themselves then it's a sad day for all of us. We ***** and moan as a society that criminals come out of prison worse than the day they went in. Now we have a MAN who gets his act together and we're going to sit here and beat him up for it. This kind of community attack is sickening to me.

Rodney, if you're reading this, continue doing the things you have been doing these recent years. There will always be those who will try to knock you down and bring up mistakes of the past. Stay in the moment and live your life to the fullest. While your talent at pool is something to be appreciative of, I more importantly respect the fact that you have learned from your mistakes of the past and lead an exemplary life.

JoeyA

"You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to JoeyA again."

 

[measureman]

I think if you met Rodney, like most, you would change your opinion.

Andy Billiard Cloth has no problems sponsoring him :wink:

I met Rodney back in the '80s when Hawaiian Brian brought him to Tony Cattuccis pool room in Toms River New Jersey to toughen him up against real players.
I played him and put a new ferrule and tip on his South West cue for free.
Nice kid at the time.
Dont assume things.

 

[westcoast]

Perhaps Rodney just played uncharacteristically poor in the Mosconi Cup. Would it really be worth it for him to risk his reputation for a little bit of money by dumping at such a high profile event?

Maybe he did, I don't know first hand. If so, that is quite a disappointment.

 

[Neil]

I failed to read some of the negative responses in this thread the first time around but I have now, at least up until this point.

Here's what I see:

I see an ELITE POOL PLAYER who made a mistake years ago and paid dearly for it. Since then he has walked the straight and narrow, doing good along the way.

He acknowledges his mistake of the past and has corrected his behavior.

Rodney now leads a righteous life by most standards of society and morality, yet there are those (some of you whom I call "friends") still trying to punish him for a mistake he made long ago.

In public, he carries himself as a friend to one and all. His talent in the pool world is legendary. In social media, he is honest and upfront for the world to see. Rodney is no fake ass *****. He is the real deal.

If you're looking to punish someone for turning their life around and doing well for themselves then it's a sad day for all of us. We ***** and moan as a society that criminals come out of prison worse than the day they went in. Now we have a MAN who gets his act together and we're going to sit here and beat him up for it. This kind of community attack is sickening to me.

Rodney, if you're reading this, continue doing the things you have been doing these recent years. There will always be those who will try to knock you down and bring up mistakes of the past. Stay in the moment and live your life to the fullest. While your talent at pool is something to be appreciative of, I more importantly respect the fact that you have learned from your mistakes of the past and lead an exemplary life.

JoeyA

Joey, did you wear just hip waders, or did you have to put on full chest waders to type that out? What's sickening is that some of you are so blind to the truth just because the guy plays pool real well. Exemplary life? Is that what got him barred from pro events recently? Really? But, for sure, Rodney, keep on acting just like you do. It's obvious some are totally blind to your real self and as long as you continue to play good, nothing else matters about you.

Also, very typical of you to take the truth others dare speak of and call it a "community attack". Just keep you head in the sand Joey. When you can't dispute the actual truth, just go after those speaking it. :shakehead:

I will say this for you though, when you pile it on, you sure pile it deep!

 

[Fast Lenny]

Joey, did you wear just hip waders, or did you have to put on full chest waders to type that out? What's sickening is that some of you are so blind to the truth just because the guy plays pool real well. Exemplary life? Is that what got him barred from pro events recently? Really? But, for sure, Rodney, keep on acting just like you do. It's obvious some are totally blind to your real self and as long as you continue to play good, nothing else matters about you.

Also, very typical of you to take the truth others dare speak of and call it a "community attack". Just keep you head in the sand Joey. When you can't dispute the actual truth, just go after those speaking it. :shakehead:

I will say this for you though, when you pile it on, you sure pile it deep!

Can you explain what knowledge you have of the incident and where you got the information from?