Earl refused to be interviewed after the match.

[justadub]

Good to see Earls accumulating even more fans with each stop..:indecisive:

I am admittedly rooting for him, not only to keep winning, but to do so and also get a handle on the "stuff". It's kind of like rooting for the underdog, even though this underdog plays as well or better than most. Interesting.

 

[justadub]

Shawn Putnam is a good guy. Originally from Ohio, he moved down South several years ago and lives near Johnny Archer.

When you meet Shawn in person, if you don't know him, he has kind of a quiet, unassuming-type personality. He does have a lot of pride in his pool game and has tried very hard to eke a living in pool, like the rest of the aspiring pros and pro-caliber players.

Shawn's best pool year was 2005. He won a UPA tour stop, a now-defunct Hilton Tour event in Pittsburgh, as well as a Super Billiards Expo men's pro tournament. Shawn was featured on the cover of InsidePOOL magazine, which I'm sure brought him much delight.

In the American pool culture, I think there's two camps: the pool purists and the emotion-filled players. Shawn Putnam and Johnny Archer are both pool purists. Earl Strickland is an emotion-filled player.

Every pool player has a streak, and Shawn's streak was 2005. Both Johnny and Earl are still having moments of glory and streaking in 2011. Earl Strickland has enjoyed the longest streak of American pool glory than any other player, even Nick Varner, King James Rempe, Mike Sigel, and Allen Hopkins.

Johnny Archer comes in as a close second to Earl's streak. Earl's days of glory may be numbered now due to his age, though recent happenings show the opposite. Johnny's still got a lot of fire left in the jug. Professional players are competitive and have strong egos. Johnny and Earl are no different.

For rock stars, getting on the cover of the Rolling Stone is the height of greatness, and for a pool player, getting on the cover of a pool mag is just as prestigious.

As usual, I respect what you're saying, JAM. And you certainly are more "in the know" than I ever will be.

When I said I hadn't heard of Shawn Putnam, that wasn't a knock per se, I seriously hadn't ever heard of him. I'm still relatively new to pool, so I don't go back very far, even tho I read most everything on this site and have for a couple of years now. His name doesn't often come up in discussions of the best players, or high finishers at tournaments, at least what I've seen. Again, no knock on his accomplishments or ability.

BUT.... if he behaved on the stream as has been described, the rest of my comments stand. As boorish as people accuse Earl of being, at least he isn't doing so while doing commentary on a match in progress.

The descriptions of how mr.Putnam behaved in the booth give a poor first impression of his character. Since everyone is sooooo concerned with Earls character these days...

Pot meet kettle.

 

[scrappy]

Here is a heads up, that jag-off Earl will act the same just like a little d-bag during the next big 10 Ball tournament in Dallas. Just the same old story, over and over. Then there will be another 20 threads filled with his nut huggers, excuse makers, star struck morons, apologists, and clowns that want to compare pool to golf :rotflmao1:

Nice to see Big Bubba Putnam tell it like it is and how the players have to resort to policing themselves by finally having enough of this clown.

nice post there, time to pour yourself a big ol glass of haterade

 

[JAM]

As usual, I respect what you're saying, JAM...
When I said I hadn't heard of Shawn Putnam, that wasn't a knock per se, I seriously hadn't ever heard of him....His name doesn't often come up in discussions of the best players, or high finishers at tournaments, at least what I've seen....

I totally understand your thoughts, believe me!

Just as an FYI, as of March 15, 2011, Shawn Putnam is in the lead for those precious Mosconi Cup ranking points, according to AzBilliards: http://www.azbilliards.com/racetomosconi-us.php

Previous Team USA Mosconi Cup members go like this: Johnny Archer is currently in 10the place, with Rodney Morris coming in 12th place. Corey Deuel is currently in 5th place, with Shane Van Boening currently in 7th place on the Mosconi Cup ranking chart. Dennis and Corey are in like Flynn, as of the time of this writing. Of course, things could change since there is 11 events used for ranking, which only 4 have been played thus far.

If they were to play the Mosconi Cup today, the team would consist of Shawn Putnam, Dennis Hatch, Earl Strickland, Mike DeChaine, and Corey Deuel.

 

[justadub]

I totally understand your thoughts, believe me!

Just as an FYI, as of March 15, 2011, Shawn Putnam is in the lead for those precious Mosconi Cup ranking points, according to AzBilliards: http://www.azbilliards.com/racetomosconi-us.php

Previous Team USA Mosconi Cup members Johnny Archer is currently in 10the place, with Rodney Morris coming in 12th place. Corey Deuel is currently in 5th place, with Shane Van Boening currently in 7th place on the Mosconi Cup ranking chart.

If they were to play the Mosconi Cup today, the team would consist of Shawn Putnam, Dennis Hatch, Earl Strickland, Mike DeChaine, and Corey Deuel.

So to play that thought out some more, obviously Mr.Putnam wouldn't play. Mike Dechaine and Corey Deuel haven't been before have they? Does anyone believe they would turn it down? And I guess I don't remember if Mr. Hatch is in the JA camp or not... If the Mosconi Cup were today, conceivably we'd only have to replace one, maybe two players. Stevie Moore and SVB being next in line.... hmmmmm. I'd like that.

It'll be fun forum banter for a while, in any event.

Go Earl!

 

[hunger strike]

Forty years is how much time you've got guys

People keep talking about his smoking, ever heard of fred biletnikoff?
6x pro bowl selection, 6x all pro selection, super bowl champion and MVP
and smoked 2 packs a day...did i mention he was a wide reciever!

I know basketball players and tennis players who smoke and are still great athletes.

I do vascular work at hospitals. When I take the histories of men who have really clogged arteries to the point where they can't do much of anything, their smoking history is almost always close to 40 years. It may take that long, and you may do fine for a while, but anything over half a pack per day for 40 years and you might as well force the taxpayer to buy your $50,000 scooter right now. No wonder we are $14 Trillion in insurmountable debt. So go ahead, mountain bike, play football, and run a marathon, smokers. The 50%+ of Americans who pay $ZERO in federal income tax will take care of you ~ well, at least they will force me to do so.

 

[JAM]

So to play that thought out some more, obviously Mr.Putnam wouldn't play. Mike Dechaine and Corey Deuel haven't been before have they? Does anyone believe they would turn it down? And I guess I don't remember if Mr. Hatch is in the JA camp or not... If the Mosconi Cup were today, conceivably we'd only have to replace one, maybe two players. Stevie Moore and SVB being next in line.... hmmmmm. I'd like that.

It'll be fun forum banter for a while, in any event.

Go Earl!

Corey has been there several times, I'm pretty sure. I'd love to see some new blood like Stevie Moore. Hatch's enthusiasm is infectious. I enjoy seeing him at the Mosconi Cup.

 

[Bigtruck]

I totally understand your thoughts, believe me!

Just as an FYI, as of March 15, 2011, Shawn Putnam is in the lead for those precious Mosconi Cup ranking points, according to AzBilliards: http://www.azbilliards.com/racetomosconi-us.php

Previous Team USA Mosconi Cup members go like this: Johnny Archer is currently in 10the place, with Rodney Morris coming in 12th place. Corey Deuel is currently in 5th place, with Shane Van Boening currently in 7th place on the Mosconi Cup ranking chart. Dennis and Corey are in like Flynn, as of the time of this writing. Of course, things could change since there is 11 events used for ranking, which only 4 have been played thus far.

If they were to play the Mosconi Cup today, the team would consist of Shawn Putnam, Dennis Hatch, Earl Strickland, Mike DeChaine, and Corey Deuel.

That team and there would be some fireworks for sure!! lol.

I think if it came down to it and Earl made the team, Putnam would re-assess his position on playing.

Shawn and Earl played twice at the Mizerak, including the finals. Shawn was is top form defeating the U.S. Open champ Darren Appleton with a 2 pack out of the gate. I really believe that if Shawn had not let Earl's antics bother him, he would have won the Mizerak.

Bottom line.....Earl handles the demons better than anyone.

Regarding the comments in the booth. I think Shawn may have harped a little more than he should have, but I DO think it's good to have one straight man. all business commentator and one who is not afraid to speak frankly and give his opinion. If they both played it straight we wouldn't even remember who did the commentary.

I wondered if the commentators could hear the players commentary or even each other. They sure talked over each other a lot.

Ray

 

[justadub]

Corey has been there several times, I'm pretty sure. I'd love to see some new blood like Stevie Moore. Hatch's enthusiasm is infectious. I enjoy seeing him at the Mosconi Cup.

Gotta admit, I'd love to see Mike Dechaine go. He being from Maine, and all.

 

[Bigtruck]

I do vascular work at hospitals. When I take the histories of men who have really clogged arteries to the point where they can't do much of anything, their smoking history is almost always close to 40 years. It may take that long, and you may do fine for a while, but anything over half a pack per day for 40 years and you might as well force the taxpayer to buy your $50,000 scooter right now. No wonder we are $14 Trillion in insurmountable debt. So go ahead, mountain bike, play football, and run a marathon, smokers. The 50%+ of Americans who pay $ZERO in federal income tax will take care of you ~ well, at least they will force me to do so.

I wonder how long it takes for second hand smoke to clog stuff up?

 

[JAM]

Shawn and Earl played twice at the Mizerak, including the finals. Shawn was is top form defeating the U.S. Open champ Darren Appleton with a 2 pack out of the gate. I really believe that if Shawn had not let Earl's antics bother him, he would have won the Mizerak....

Ray, I had forgotten about that tournament. You're right. Talk about some "bad blood." :grin-devilish:

BTW, I was going to PM you, but I figure I could catch you here now. Keith won't let me clean out his closet for the vests that he probably will never wear again for the rest of his life. He wants to keep them, for some damn reason. I am trying to clean my house, so I can sell it someday and retire. He's really becoming a hoarder.

 

[JAM]

Gotta admit, I'd love to see Mike Dechaine go. He being from Maine, and all.

The only thing he has to do is keep winning. He's got a good shot for sure!

 

[Bigtruck]

Ray, I had forgotten about that tournament. You're right. Talk about some "bad blood." :grin-devilish:

BTW, I was going to PM you, but I figure I could catch you here now. Keith won't let me clean out his closet for the vests that he probably will never wear again for the rest of his life. He wants to keep them, for some damn reason. I am trying to clean my house, so I can sell it someday and retire. He's really becoming a hoarder.

Roy Rogers hoarded everything and opened a museum in his later years. How cool would it be to have a Pool Museum full of legends memorabilia?

Tell Keith to hang on to everything he can.

Your thoughts regarding the vests speaks volumes of your kind heart. Hope we get to meet someday. (even though I feel like we already have).

Ray

 

[hunger strike]

Admittedly off topic, but since you asked....

I wonder how long it takes for second hand smoke to clog stuff up?

The real problem with second hand smoke is with children. Its association with asthma aside, children of smokers are pre-addicted to cigarettes to the point where if they try them they really are not even making the decision if the like them. Their system makes that choice.
Here are two solutions to smoking that even smokers can agree on. ~Stop telling smokers to quit. Generally they will not, and the stress of thinking about quitting makes them smoke more. Tell them they need to cut it down to a minimum. It can't be that hard to cut down from a 20 cig pack down to ten, and to do it away from kids. And nonsmoking players.
~And for their health, they need to be drinking red grape juice to reduce their increased platelet counts. Platelets are the bricks, cholesterol is the mortar, cigarettes are the cause of the damage to vessels your body is trying to patch up with that brick wall of plaque. Peace

 

[JAM]

Roy Rogers hoarded everything and opened a museum in his later years. How cool would it be to have a Pool Museum full of legends memorabilia?

Tell Keith to hang on to everything he can.

Your thoughts regarding the vests speaks volumes of your kind heart. Hope we get to meet someday. (even though I feel like we already have).

Ray

So true, and I look forward to that day, too!

Roy Rogers was a *huge* supporter of the 4-H Club. I used to work for the 4-H headquarters. Their two biggest philanthropic contributors are Marriott and Roy Rogers foundations.

When I worked at 4-H, I tried to get them to have a pocket billiards category. I provided material demonstrating that it would teach our youth the spirit of competition, good sportsmanship, as well as informing them that NASA used pocket billiards as a way to train the astronauts for hand-and-eye coordination. I was turned down.

Here's a cute shot of Dale and Roy handing out awards to the 4-H winners. Look at the 4-H dress code. Gee, one of the males on the left looks exactly like Niels Feijen. :grin-square:

 

[hunger strike]

Billiard museum

Roy Rogers hoarded everything and opened a museum in his later years. How cool would it be to have a Pool Museum full of legends memorabilia?

Tell Keith to hang on to everything he can.

Your thoughts regarding the vests speaks volumes of your kind heart. Hope we get to meet someday. (even though I feel like we already have).

Ray

I have a pre-WWII billiard museum in my home. I am also starting a website to display it for all to see, museumofbilliards.com. I can't show many people in person because I might get robbed- a third time.

 

[JoeyA]

Nick asked Earl for an interview. Earl clearly walked towards Nick when Johnny said something like, "Sure you want to do an interview when you win." in a jocular manner.

Earl said, "You do it then. I don't even want to do it."

Johnny then said, "See Earl, I'll do an interview even when I lose." again in a friendly ribbing fashion with a laugh.

Earl probably took it like Johnny expected Earl to gloat over the win and then Earl took his time packing, lingering and I would have bet anyone right then 5-1 odds that Earl would have interviewed as guys in chat were pleading for them to ask him again saying Earl was just playing hard to get.

Meanwhile Johnny is interviewing and Mr. Professional Shawn Putnam is talking louder than Johnny saying, "There is your hero, refusing to interview." he went on to say, "refuse" and "interview" at least five more times.

Earl's interview after the Shane match was amazing. We missed out big time.

Earl is back and there is nothing you can do about it Putnam!

So that's what Johnny said. Thanks for clarifying that. I read all of the other previous posts and no one said what it was that Earl got ticked off with. I had thought the worse and thought that Johnny had teased Earl about sharking him in the match because I thought I had heard Earl say that he didn't shark him.

We did miss another interview with Earl and an opportunity to see his point of view. Even when we don't agree with one another, it is important to know what perspective the other person has and why. The interviews can often give important insight to how the players see the world they live and compete in.

 

[Neil]

...............

 

[upindaklub]

Don't let the door hit your large backside on the way out of town Putnam

Ray, I had forgotten about that tournament. You're right. Talk about some "bad blood." :grin-devilish:

BTW, I was going to PM you, but I figure I could catch you here now. Keith won't let me clean out his closet for the vests that he probably will never wear again for the rest of his life. He wants to keep them, for some damn reason. I am trying to clean my house, so I can sell it someday and retire. He's really becoming a hoarder.

Didn't Earl also eliminate Putnam from one of the CSI barbox events, not last time but the year before? Also at VF the year before too? Putnam had a bitter beer tone towards Earl during the whole event and some of that is fueled by "sour grapes" IMO. The fact that he is now one of Archers paid minions fills out the story line quite nicely. In summary if Putnam does not care to represent his country at the Mosconi cup, who cares? Good ridance, again IMO. I wouldn't pay $ to see Putnam as the main draw and I doubt many others would either. For Matchroom, Earl is a big draw. Putnam is just a big guy who showed his lack of class during his analysis of the match in Lincoln. Don't let the door hit your large backside on the way out of town Putnam, lol.

 

[David_Smith]

The real problem with second hand smoke is with children. Its association with asthma aside, children of smokers are pre-addicted to cigarettes to the point where if they try them they really are not even making the decision if the like them. Their system makes that choice.
Here are two solutions to smoking that even smokers can agree on. ~Stop telling smokers to quit. Generally they will not, and the stress of thinking about quitting makes them smoke more. Tell them they need to cut it down to a minimum. It can't be that hard to cut down from a 20 cig pack down to ten, and to do it away from kids. And nonsmoking players.
~And for their health, they need to be drinking red grape juice to reduce their increased platelet counts. Platelets are the bricks, cholesterol is the mortar, cigarettes are the cause of the damage to vessels your body is trying to patch up with that brick wall of plaque. Peace

I don't want to hijack this thread, but since you work in this field, I invite you to come to the NPR section of this forum and discuss the causes of vascular problems. I agree cigarette smoke is poison, but cholesterol cannot be blamed for heart disease which is caused largely by dehydration (which is certainly aggravated by cigarettes), sugar consumption, and deficiencies of fats and minerals in the diet.