Desert Shootout Payoffs

jay helfert said:
Okay, good news at last. Mark Griffin has come to the rescue of the pool players and me. He bought some pool tables that Chuck Bobbitt owned and paid the money (thru an agreement with Chuck) directly to us. This was all finalized last night here in Las Vegas.

We each got paid 70% of what we were owed. In Johnny's case, he was owed $12,000 (for his bad check), and he received $8,400. Mark wrote us all checks and we endorsed them and he cashed them immediately. So now, we have a balance of 30% still due from Chuck Bobbitt. We each received a Promissory Note saying that Chuck has a year to pay this debt with 10% interest.

No one is holding our breaths regarding the 30% still due us, but privately Chuck is saying he wants to clear this up as quickly as possible. We'll see!
All of us are quite glad that Mark stepped in here. There was one more unexpected bonus for the five players still due money. The UPA had received a $1,500 Sanctioning Fee from Bobbitt prior to the tournament. Frank Alvarez released that money to Mark and each player then received $300 from that fund to be applied to the balance due them. I got left out of that one, but that's cool with me.

I'm so glad that this happened. I have had more than a few sleepless nights since I left Phoenix. It only took like a million phone calls between several parties to make this happen. I truly appreciate what Mark did here. He didn't need to buy these tables.

Nice work, Jay.

Mark Griffin, as always, YOU ARE DA MAN!
JoeyA
 
JAM said:
I hope this thread gets as many responses and posts as the other ones pertaining to the Desert Shootout Non-Payoffs! If there was ever a thread worthy to be read, it is this one.

Mark Griffin will always be one of pool's shining stars, as far as I'm concerned. :)

I'd love to hear the story of how he emigrated from Alaska to Las Vegas someday! :D

JAM
Well for one thing there weren't too many women up in Alaska years ago.:D . Thank you for taking care of the players out of your own pocket again. Whatever your plan for pool is I'm sure you will get plenty of backing from some of the big names in pool and a few from under the radar. Johnnyt
 
Mark Griffin said:
As reported, I did pay 70% of the monies owed from the Desert Shootout. Several reasons why.

We had several small meetings the other night. I explained my new "PLAN" for pro pool.

The only reason I am doing this is because I am PISSED over the status of pool in America today.

There will be several press releases coming in the next couple of days. This will explain the basic plan that I have. I only hope I get the necessary support to make this happen.

If I do, we can make pool healthy. I REALLY need pool players (and interested parties) contact info. Please send them to markg@playbca.com. I can be contacted at 812-987-1461 however, I am still running "the world's largest pool tournament" and may not be able to respond for a couple of days. E-mail is best-but MAKE sure you have a phone number so I can call you back.

Mark Griffin
Mark, you are the man. Everything I have seen you do is of high quality and not enough good words can be said about you and your organization. I just got home from Vegas and appreciate the efforts you and your people put out to make all the tournaments a great success.

I would like to thank you for what you have done for the players in the Arizona tourny.


Please thank Mark Estes (mini Mark) for his efforts with the pro events. All done with much class. thank you again
 
BCAPL is the best and biggest+best pool league on the planet. With a first class crew at the helm. All the way from the top to the bottom. Some really good people, and always a pleasure to be around.

Your going to be hard pressed to find another with the heart, and passion for the game, as Mark has.

Thanks for everything Mark!

Rick S.
 
Duh!!

If that isn't a message to the pro players, I don't know what is. I understand the situation of the UPA, but let's be sophmoric- Mark is on the player's side, a cool dude, and a player himself. He is also the BCA- Why would pro players want to segregate themselves? Kudos for you Mark.
As far as Chuck Bobbit... 10% on money owed? Still gonna hurt when you got no $$$, but of course I don't know that for sure. I feel bad for all parties involved, but I do laugh about the UPA sanctioning an event, and it being so unorganized with the pay. Like putting your name on someone else's invention, and when they have a recall, just walk away and point a finger.
 
When Chuck Bobbitt couldn't pay the Desert Shoot Out winners, there were many different threads and hundreds of posts.

But when the situation is resolved, there are 26 posts on one thread. My question is why does good news not get the attention of the AZ posters?

I am not trying to toot my own horn BUT - it bothers me. I am going to be releasing some information (Press releases) soon about the "PLAN" I have to hopefully save pool. I got involved in the payout problem (and resolved it) to prove a point - and to show that I will protect the players. I will need everyone's help.

If you are a player, please send your contact info because I will need to know how to contact you.

Also thoughts on how to inform everyone of good news. Bad news always seems to travel faster and further.

Mark Griffin
BCA Pool League
markg@playbca.com
702-719-7665 office
812-987-1461 cell
 
Mark,

I heard this while in Vegas and was not really surprised to hear about the second part (your plan). This is a definite good faith move and hopefully
will be a factor in bringing the players closer together in unity.

Another good thing is that it does bring some closure and put a bandaid on the AZ event.
It lingering would be nothing but negative for all parties involved making the end result less favorable for the players. I think this gives Chuck
a little light and space to make it right.

Good luck

Frank Howe
 
Wonderful news

Mark Griffin said:
When Chuck Bobbitt couldn't pay the Desert Shoot Out winners, there were many different threads and hundreds of posts.

But when the situation is resolved, there are 26 posts on one thread. My question is why does good news not get the attention of the AZ posters?

I am not trying to toot my own horn BUT - it bothers me. I am going to be releasing some information (Press releases) soon about the "PLAN" I have to hopefully save pool. I got involved in the payout problem (and resolved it) to prove a point - and to show that I will protect the players. I will need everyone's help.

If you are a player, please send your contact info because I will need to know how to contact you.

Also thoughts on how to inform everyone of good news. Bad news always seems to travel faster and further.

Mark Griffin
BCA Pool League
markg@playbca.com
702-719-7665 office
812-987-1461 cell


This is great news Mark but the players are still owed 30% and pool still has a black eye. So the issue is not resolved yet. Of course 70% is a whole lot better than nothing. My point is not to be negative here but factual. I know the players really appreciate what you've done and will support you in the future. I just hope this doesn't happen again.
 
Mark Griffin said:
If you are a player, please send your contact info because I will need to know how to contact you.

Also thoughts on how to inform everyone of good news. Bad news always seems to travel faster and further.
Mark, you know that everyone whines and complains, but pool players make an avocation of it.:rolleyes: You and Greg are two of the mere handful of good guys at the top. Massive Emailing ought to get out the good news. PM sent with my Email address.

Doc
 
bump for good news

thanks for supporting pool Mark!

do you want contact info from guys who are really just donaters (aka billy bye to the pros) when it comes to large pool tournaments? Are u only interested in pros or do you want contact info from amateurs/enthusiasts?
 
uwate said:
bump for good news

thanks for supporting pool Mark!

do you want contact info from guys who are really just donaters (aka billy bye to the pros) when it comes to large pool tournaments? Are u only interested in pros or do you want contact info from amateurs/enthusiasts?

I can't speak for Mark but I think since he is posting in this forum, he is appealing to anyone here who will lend an ear.

THAT MEANS YOU!

Psst.... I think he said he needed everyone's help.
JoeyA
 
Last edited:
I am glad to hear that the players got the $$$ and Mark once again shows he is a man of his word. Jay H is the man as well.

Thanks Mark for another memorable 10 days in Vegas. There is no better pool venue in the world. Hear is hoping that you continue to make things memorable in the pool world.
 
Mark Griffin said:
When Chuck Bobbitt couldn't pay the Desert Shoot Out winners, there were many different threads and hundreds of posts.

But when the situation is resolved, there are 26 posts on one thread. My question is why does good news not get the attention of the AZ posters?

I am not trying to toot my own horn BUT - it bothers me. I am going to be releasing some information (Press releases) soon about the "PLAN" I have to hopefully save pool. I got involved in the payout problem (and resolved it) to prove a point - and to show that I will protect the players. I will need everyone's help.

If you are a player, please send your contact info because I will need to know how to contact you.

Also thoughts on how to inform everyone of good news. Bad news always seems to travel faster and further.

Mark Griffin
BCA Pool League
markg@playbca.com
702-719-7665 office
812-987-1461 cell

Mark it's the same reason good news isn't reported much on the news... People are just more attracted to drama. After the situation is resolved there isn't much to talk about except thanking you what you have done. It's just the nature of the beast. Rest assured that your new plan for pool will be attracting much conversation in the days to come. Everyone will have an opinion and an idea.

Thanks for a memorable event in Vegas!
 
players contact info

"do you want contact info from guys who are really just donaters (aka billy bye to the pros) when it comes to large pool tournaments? Are u only interested in pros or do you want contact info from amateurs/enthusiasts?"

Although I will need help from all levels. I am REALLY looking for contact info (Phone numbers, address, and e-mail) for the better pool players. Lets say the top 500 players or so. Please send to: markg@playbca.com

After venues are announced, I will need help in coordinating some of the activites that will happen at the events. I know this is all very vague. More info will be coming over the next several weeks.

Just keep you ears (and eyes) open. I think it can go a long ways.

Mark Griffin

(By the way - thanks for the kind words on our Riviera event. I have GREAT staff - and they do most of the work!!!)
 
Mark Griffin said:
As reported, I did pay 70% of the monies owed from the Desert Shootout. Several reasons why.

We had several small meetings the other night. I explained my new "PLAN" for pro pool.

The only reason I am doing this is because I am PISSED over the status of pool in America today.

There will be several press releases coming in the next couple of days. This will explain the basic plan that I have. I only hope I get the necessary support to make this happen.

If I do, we can make pool healthy. I REALLY need pool players (and interested parties) contact info. Please send them to markg@playbca.com. I can be contacted at 812-987-1461 however, I am still running "the world's largest pool tournament" and may not be able to respond for a couple of days. E-mail is best-but MAKE sure you have a phone number so I can call you back.

Mark Griffin
I wish you the best in your efforts. I sincerely hope the players realize that there needs to be unity to grow. There will always be detractors and nay-sayers but if you outline a good plan for growth I think you will have widespread support. Organization may not be good for every single person in the business but it should allow for better opportunities for the players in the future.

I am curious to see what the plan involves and how it will be beneficial to the players. I am also curious to see how the independent event directors will react to your ideas.

Best of Luck,
D

BTW- I am no "player" but have quite a few friends that are and would like to see them be able to succeed instead of scraping by.
 
Not so much

Mark Griffin said:
When Chuck Bobbitt couldn't pay the Desert Shoot Out winners, there were many different threads and hundreds of posts.

But when the situation is resolved, there are 26 posts on one thread. My question is why does good news not get the attention of the AZ posters?

I am not trying to toot my own horn BUT - it bothers me. I am going to be releasing some information (Press releases) soon about the "PLAN" I have to hopefully save pool. I got involved in the payout problem (and resolved it) to prove a point - and to show that I will protect the players. I will need everyone's help.

If you are a player, please send your contact info because I will need to know how to contact you.

Also thoughts on how to inform everyone of good news. Bad news always seems to travel faster and further.

Mark Griffin
BCA Pool League
markg@playbca.com
702-719-7665 office
812-987-1461 cell


Mark,

I think what you did with Chuck, Jay & the players is admirable. I don't think its as much that bad news travels faster as the good news was resolved and the bad news wasn't until the good news arrived.

I'm anxiously awaiting the Mark Griffin tour model!

Thanks Mark for all your doing!

Ray Hansen
 
That's What I'm Known For.... My THINKING

Mark Griffin said:
Also thoughts on how to inform everyone of good news. Bad news always seems to travel faster and further.

Mark Griffin


This is a no brainer........ simply staple the Good News memo to a $20 bill..... and VIOLA !

Doug
( case closed )
 
Stay Out

Smorgass Bored said:
This is a no brainer........ simply staple the Good News memo to a $20 bill..... and VIOLA !

Doug
( case closed )

Doug - You've got to stay out of those red light districts!

Ray

ps. Where do I meet Viola & can you loan me $20? :D
 
First of all, I am more pleased than almost anyone about Mark Griffin bailing out the players (and me) who got stiffed for over 30K. It was a great gesture on his part, and did not go unnoticed in the pool world, especially among the players. He should know that ALL the players know what he did to rectify a very bad situation. The pool grapevine is very strong.

For me, it was about more than money. My name was attached to this event as the TD. To say that I was upset is a gross understatement. Never in my 25+ years of doing pool tournaments had I run an event where the players did not get paid. And, as someone else said on here, there isn't final closure yet. Not until the final 30% is paid in full. I will not rest until this happens. I want all five players (and me) to be paid in full! 70% is only a start. I hope that I make this very clear to all parties concerned.

Now, going on to Mark's plan for professional pool. I have seen his game plan and it makes sense from several points of view. It will mean more events initially for the pros, with GUARANTEED prize funds. And it presents a clear avenue for growth and increased prize funds. As the fledgeling USA Pool Leagues grow, the pro tour will grow along with it. It is more of a partnership between the pro players and the new pool league. I hope that the players will see this opportunity for what it is. In the past they have sometimes been guilty of biting the hand that feeds them.

Mark is no doubt a good businessman. If he is successful (and I don't see why he won't be), he will be well compensated by the growth of his new league. At the same time, the pro players will have their tour and a willing partner in the industry. This is something they have not had previously, other than on a limited basis with some of the regional tours. What Mark is talking about could mean hundreds of thousands of dollars being added to pro events across the country.

I have known Mark for many years, and I'm proud to call him my friend. He has ALWAYS been a man of his word, and never afraid to pull out his checkbook when the time comes.
 
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