Desert Shootout Payoffs

Sorry, I must have missed this thread since I only check in on AZ every once in a while.

KUDOS to MARK GIFFIN! You've made an outstanding gesture!
 
Re: guaranteed prize money, I'm sure he'll do it just because it's the businesslike thing to do but I would take is word and check (same thing) any day.

Regards,
Jim

jay helfert said:
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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Mark & Jay are both to be commended for the many years of dedicated service to our sport. I know sometimes they must feel is this really worth the time and effort we have given to make our sport better for all of us to enjoy? We as AZer's and avid pool enthusiaists need to fully appreciate and help these fine gentlemen in anyway that is both finacially possible and meaningful for the betterment of all amatuers and professionals.


Stan Haines
 
Tables are still there!!

Stewscue said:
Did Mark buy the tables out of Alexanders?
Just wondering
Thanks
Carl :D :D :D :D
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No!!!!! Alexander's is still up and running. I was in there yesterday and Tres Kane told me that Ron Merceal had resolved his differences with the landlord, and his lease was good for several more years. Things have been slow due to the Vegas scene, so lets all get back to business as usual,and support Ron and all he has done for pool in Arizona.

Dick

PS. I do not know which tables Chuck sold to Mark. I certainly hope Mark did not buy the
"Brooklyn Bridge" ?????
 
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SJDinPHX said:
No!!!!! Alexander's is still up and running. I was in there yesterday and Tres Kane told me that Ron Merceal had resolved his differences with the landlord, and his lease was good for several more years. Things have been slow due to the Vegas scene, so lets all get back to business as usual,and support Ron and all he has done for pool in Arizona.

Dick
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Mark did buy the tables (in Alexander's) from Chuck (who actually owned them) although they are still being leased by Alexander's (Ron) so nothing has changed and Alexander's is still open. I will be there tonight to play in my first tourney as an 8. :)

BVal
 
Good news!!

BVal said:
Mark did buy the tables (in Alexander's) from Chuck (who actually owned them) although they are still being leased by Alexander's (Ron) so nothing has changed and Alexander's is still open. I will be there tonight to play in my first tourney as an 8. :)

BVal
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Bval sir, I bow to your inside information. Bottom line is Ron is still in business. Good luck to you in your first #8 ranked tournament.

Dick
 
SJDinPHX said:
Bval sir, I bow to your inside information. Bottom line is Ron is still in business. Good luck to you in your first #8 ranked tournament.

Dick
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No need to bow. You have forgotten more about pool and people in pool than I will ever know. Some other people have told me who you are/what you have done and it is my pleasure to be able to speak with you even if it is only on a pool forum. I did meet you at the dustoff this year but I am not sure if you remember me.

Thanks for the luck :) I need it.

Brady
 
Finally an 8 eh Brady!? Good for you! I will try and come out for your first tourny as an 8!

I am sure you will continue to do well.

-Carlos
 
back2good1 said:
Finally an 8 eh Brady!? Good for you! I will try and come out for your first tourny as an 8!

I am sure you will continue to do well.

-Carlos
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As of last Sunday I am finally an 8 :). I set a goal at the beginning of the year to become an 8 and I have made it. I have set some new goals but they are kind of like a wish on your birthday. If you say it out loud it won't come true :D Hope to see you out tonight.

BVal
 
Congrats Brady and good luck tonight! Need to tell you that the AZ Straight Pool (secret) Committee met recently and raised you to a 150.:D You're giving Jimmy weight now!:D
 
agt said:
Congrats Brady and good luck tonight! Need to tell you that the AZ Straight Pool (secret) Committee met recently and raised you to a 150.:D You're giving Jimmy weight now!:D
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Thanks Al.

lmfao - Jimmy could spot me 100 balls and I still couldn't beat him to 125. LMFAO.

How does one get on the secret committee anyways ( I promise I won't tell)

BVal
 
stanthebanker said:
Mark & Jay are both to be commended for the many years of dedicated service to our sport. I know sometimes they must feel is this really worth the time and effort we have given to make our sport better for all of us to enjoy? We as AZer's and avid pool enthusiaists need to fully appreciate and help these fine gentlemen in anyway that is both finacially possible and meaningful for the betterment of all amatuers and professionals.


Stan Haines
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Please send all donations to......just kidding :)
Thanks Stan for noticing. I can't tell you how much frustration has come with years of pushing for our sport, but I wouldn't have done it any other way. I appreciate the kind words.
 
BVal said:
As of last Sunday I am finally an 8 :). I set a goal at the beginning of the year to become an 8 and I have made it. I have set some new goals but they are kind of like a wish on your birthday. If you say it out loud it won't come true :D Hope to see you out tonight.

BVal
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Congrates...

I will get to witness your first tournament as an 8...(See you in the finals)...;)
 
Jay Hard Work And Mark Griffin's Class

Jay, I have met many pool lovers in the last few years and Mark is one of the best if not the top dude; thanks Mark.
 
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