Earl refused to be interviewed after the match.

[pt109]

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

You admitted that you were off-topic.
Well, I don't feel health should be ever off-topic.
Healthy people play pool better....to keep it pool-related.
I've smoked off and on most of my life..longest time off-5 years.
And you explained why I like red grape juice.
Big-time kudos for you for this info.

regards
pt..<...who is going to give not smoking another try

 

[ccshrimper]

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

Ray, if Shawn would have made one comment about disliking Earl as a player nobody would be complaining here. As a matter of fact, he probably would have been praised for standing up for his beliefs but he wouldn't shut up about it. We all got it Shawn, you don't like Earl but you didn't need to repeat it 20-50 times. That's not a straight commentator, that's a biased one who is openly rooting against one of the players people paid money to watch and cheer for.

 

[justadub]

Ray, if Shawn would have made one comment about disliking Earl as a player nobody would be complaining here. As a matter of fact, he probably would have been praised for standing up for his beliefs but he wouldn't shut up about it. We all got it Shawn, you don't like Earl but you didn't need to repeat it 20-50 times. That's not a straight commentator, that's a biased one who is openly rooting against one of the players people paid money to watch and cheer for.

Not to mention elevating the situation by talking about how 9-10 players wouldn't play on the Mosconi Cup team if Earl was on it. Exactly how was that discussion appropriate for a commentator of the match?

 

[bobroberts]

Ray, if Shawn would have made one comment about disliking Earl as a player nobody would be complaining here. As a matter of fact, he probably would have been praised for standing up for his beliefs but he wouldn't shut up about it. We all got it Shawn, you don't like Earl but you didn't need to repeat it 20-50 times. That's not a straight commentator, that's a biased one who is openly rooting against one of the players people paid money to watch and cheer for.

I called Shane out on his commentary. He just doesn't get it. He gave a lame excuse about not being ESPN or politically correct,maybe if he listens to himself he will realize what a jerk he sounded like.

 

[Bigtruck]

Ray, if Shawn would have made one comment about disliking Earl as a player nobody would be complaining here. As a matter of fact, he probably would have been praised for standing up for his beliefs but he wouldn't shut up about it. We all got it Shawn, you don't like Earl but you didn't need to repeat it 20-50 times. That's not a straight commentator, that's a biased one who is openly rooting against one of the players people paid money to watch and cheer for.

I agree that Shawn crossed the line and then some. Nick was the straight man, and a very good one.

This match was presented from the beginning as "bad blood". The match theme was promoted and exploited. With Shawn coming in in the 12th hour, I can see were he may have even been encouraged to do it because of his "bad blood" with Earl. Did he take it too far? I think he did.

Ray

 

[mikeyfrost]

Not to mention elevating the situation by talking about how 9-10 players wouldn't play on the Mosconi Cup team if Earl was on it. Exactly how was that discussion appropriate for a commentator of the match?

Well they gonna have to, cause Earl is getting a spot this year.

 

[KMRUNOUT]

I agree! We should pass a law in this country to give all smokers a one-way ticket to the abattoir.

Not necessary. Although it would quicken the process.

 

[tucson9ball]

I watched most of the 14.1 match and was very happy to see 2 huge runs, one per player. It was a great exhibition and great shooting from both Earl and Johnny.

Nick is really good in the booth, he gives his thoughts and explains what the players are doing very well.

Shawn Putnam is a really strong player, but as a commentator, well..........I hope he sticks to playing pool. He could have mentioned the "Earl and Mosconi Cup issue" just one time and let it go. I lost a lil' respect for Shawn, because of his negative comments.

 

[KMRUNOUT]

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.

Excellent point. This is an insight that didn't exactly occur to me until you just said it. Because Earl has as much talent as any human ever with a cue stick (imho), I *REALLY* want to see him present the game the way someone like Efren does, with humility, class, and respect. So in that regard, I am always rooting for Earl to come with the toughest shot for him: being cool, respectful, and considerate. He is clearly the underdog with that, and you are totally right...I think that is a big part of why I love watching him. (Of course, the amazing stroke, cleanest ball pocketing of anyone, and incredible position play doesn't exactly turn me away

KMRUNOUT

 

[Matt90]

Lol

Knew you would not miss that for the world .....Ray , the past to me is really the past . You never know I may show up and buy you a chicken dinner .Hope life and the streaming business is treating you well and you have ironed out all your wrinkles with others that may not be as open about how they feel as me . One thing is for sure neither you or I have ever bashed a player pro or what have you while in the booth All the best to you Matt

It certainly does.

Ray

 

[justadub]

Well they gonna have to, cause Earl is getting a spot this year.

I sure hope so.

It'll be fun on so many levels...

 

[justadub]

Excellent point. This is an insight that didn't exactly occur to me until you just said it. Because Earl has as much talent as any human ever with a cue stick (imho), I *REALLY* want to see him present the game the way someone like Efren does, with humility, class, and respect. So in that regard, I am always rooting for Earl to come with the toughest shot for him: being cool, respectful, and considerate. He is clearly the underdog with that, and you are totally right...I think that is a big part of why I love watching him. (Of course, the amazing stroke, cleanest ball pocketing of anyone, and incredible position play doesn't exactly turn me away

KMRUNOUT

I really don't expect Earl to become the gentleman that many folks here wish for. What I hope for is a decent level of expression, without going overboard.

I don't think a muted Earl would be a successful Earl. (Or a fun-to-watch Earl.) I do hope he can find a way to keep the outbursts controlled, and the expressions toned down to muttering. Enough that he isn't really sharking anyone, at least not in the sense of when folks are shooting and such. He seemed to sense some of this, in the Day 1 interview CaliRed put up. Maybe someone that he respects can reinforce this to him. Maybe not...

Earl has a lot to say, and much of it deserves to be heard. The trick is hearing it in the appropriate time and place.

 

[javi2]

I called Shane out on his commentary. He just doesn't get it. He gave a lame excuse about not being ESPN or politically correct,maybe if he listens to himself he will realize what a jerk he sounded like.

I guess we'll be able to hear it over and over once the dvd's come out.

 

[KRJ]

Hmmm

Well, I can tell you first hand a few things. I was Earl's "cornerman" for the weekend, walked him in and out of the room, smoke breaks, drive him to his hotel, etc.

He was worked up already because of the easy pockets and soft rails. And sitting there for over an hour watching Johnny run over 100 balls. Mabye I'll do a thread later about my Weekend at Earl's !!

But I will say that the fans were routing for both, and Earl signed autographs for everyone and anyone who wanted one, and was truly being cool after matches signing cases, cues, balls, posters, etc. etc.

Folks were saying hi, congratulating him, etc. It's hard to imagine that there was any fans that "hated" Earl, or if they did they still wanted to meet him and get his autograph. He had the crowd in stitches before the matches began and that would have been worth the price of admisson for anyone. Too bad that didn't make it on the stream.

And folks brought their kids afterwards because this pool hall has a junior league,and Earl lit up like a christmas tree around the kids, signing their little cues and cases, and asking them about their game. Shaking their hands and really enjoying the fact that kids are into the pool. That was a hoot. It was nice meeting Johnny, Nick and Shawn as well. I got some other stories I really would like to share, but I got back home at 2am today and I'm gonna go take a nap......

 

[justadub]

Well, I can tell you first hand a few things. I was Earl's "cornerman" for the weekend, walked him in and out of the room, smoke breaks, drive him to his hotel, etc.

He was worked up already because of the easy pockets and soft rails. And sitting there for over an hour watching Johnny run over 100 balls. Mabye I'll do a thread later about my Weekend at Earl's !!

But I will say that the fans were routing for both, and Earl signed autographs for everyone and anyone who wanted one, and was truly being cool after matches signing cases, cues, balls, posters, etc. etc.

Folks were saying hi, congratulating him, etc. It's hard to imagine that there was any fans that "hated" Earl, or if they did they still wanted to meet him and get his autograph. He had the crowd in stitches before the matches began and that would have been worth the price of admisson for anyone. Too bad that didn't make it on the stream.

And folks brought their kids afterwards because this pool hall has a junior league,and Earl lit up like a christmas tree around the kids, signing their little cues and cases, and asking them about their game. Shaking their hands and really enjoying the fact that kids are into the pool. That was a hoot. It was nice meeting Johnny, Nick and Shawn as well. I got some other stories I really would like to share, but I got back home at 2am today and I'm gonna go take a nap......

I don't remember you letting on that you were gonna be there.... holding out on us?

Looking forward to your report on the weekend. Get some rest!

 

[Bigtruck]

Well, I can tell you first hand a few things. I was Earl's "cornerman" for the weekend, walked him in and out of the room, smoke breaks, drive him to his hotel, etc.

He was worked up already because of the easy pockets and soft rails. And sitting there for over an hour watching Johnny run over 100 balls. Mabye I'll do a thread later about my Weekend at Earl's !!

But I will say that the fans were routing for both, and Earl signed autographs for everyone and anyone who wanted one, and was truly being cool after matches signing cases, cues, balls, posters, etc. etc.

Folks were saying hi, congratulating him, etc. It's hard to imagine that there was any fans that "hated" Earl, or if they did they still wanted to meet him and get his autograph. He had the crowd in stitches before the matches began and that would have been worth the price of admisson for anyone. Too bad that didn't make it on the stream.

And folks brought their kids afterwards because this pool hall has a junior league,and Earl lit up like a christmas tree around the kids, signing their little cues and cases, and asking them about their game. Shaking their hands and really enjoying the fact that kids are into the pool. That was a hoot. It was nice meeting Johnny, Nick and Shawn as well. I got some other stories I really would like to share, but I got back home at 2am today and I'm gonna go take a nap......

Nice report! Thanks.

Ray

 

[itsfroze]

Oh well

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.

I guess you were not hoping for Earl to win?

 

[itsfroze]

Me think

Watching the two great champions run racks today was very cool.
People were in attendance because of Earl and Johnny.

So, for some clown and second rate player to be bushing Earl is a joke. Nobody gives a shit if Putman is there or not.

Putnam is jealous

 

[caponesinc]

Earl's smoking

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 re duce 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 think their talking
about Cig's

 

[Snake Plisken]

Well, I can tell you first hand a few things. I was Earl's "cornerman" for the weekend, walked him in and out of the room, smoke breaks, drive him to his hotel, etc.

He was worked up already because of the easy pockets and soft rails. And sitting there for over an hour watching Johnny run over 100 balls. Mabye I'll do a thread later about my Weekend at Earl's !!

But I will say that the fans were routing for both, and Earl signed autographs for everyone and anyone who wanted one, and was truly being cool after matches signing cases, cues, balls, posters, etc. etc.

Folks were saying hi, congratulating him, etc. It's hard to imagine that there was any fans that "hated" Earl, or if they did they still wanted to meet him and get his autograph. He had the crowd in stitches before the matches began and that would have been worth the price of admisson for anyone. Too bad that didn't make it on the stream.

And folks brought their kids afterwards because this pool hall has a junior league,and Earl lit up like a christmas tree around the kids, signing their little cues and cases, and asking them about their game. Shaking their hands and really enjoying the fact that kids are into the pool. That was a hoot. It was nice meeting Johnny, Nick and Shawn as well. I got some other stories I really would like to share, but I got back home at 2am today and I'm gonna go take a nap......

Thanks for the report! I am glad to hear these positive comments about Earl. I have never met the man but I hear that off the table in non-competition mode that he is a really good guy with a great sense of humor.

I really want to pull for Earl but his antics during competitive play makes it very difficult. I look forward to further posts from you talking about your time with Earl. I think it is important to hear more about his positive aspects of his personality so he can be viewed more as a whole person wrather than just a nut-job when he's on the table (who happens to be one of the best pool players who ever lived!)