Earl

[lewdo26]

I have that match on tape. Ralf had a really tough shot on the 9 and he hung it up, and after a second or so, it fell. Earl *did* shake Ralf's hand. Later on, Ralf said something like 'good match, Earl', and that's when Earl shook his head. It was a 50,000 dollar winner-take-all match.. I'd be upset, too.. But, they did shake hands immediately after the match was over.

Mark, I have no idea what you're implying with your last two posts. Nothing you've said about Souquet seems improper to me. Further, even if he's not your kind of chap, this thread is about Earl's behavior --- quite apart from what any other player might have done.

Do you really think Earl's behavior tonight was quite OK? Not to me. It was painful to watch his behavior against Ralph.

Earl has obvious, and pressing emotional problems (yes, I disagree with you Colin... Earl's behavior was not a calculated shark; it was the result of desperation, like Snapshot says).

And I do not mean to put down Earl Strickland. It would make me very happy to see a functional Earl, considering his immense talent and the beauty of his game.

But the guy is obviously depressive, and it looks, from the outside, like he needs to take time away from the game and be medically treated (he may already be). I suffer from depression myself... it's a real illness. I should know.

 

[lamar25]

Please read all my post--REearl "The Dumpster".

and he was won the world championships more times than anyone, i think. he's defintiely one of the top 5 9-ballers ever. but not one of the best at this time.

according to AZ, this year he's #17 in earnings and hasn't won an event, last year not even in top 20 and no wins, year before, #10. he hasn't done much lately except in terms of gimmicks (glasses, glove, finger extensions).

Please read all post's in this thread.
"Have a nice day"
Lamar

 

[billlaur]

I've been a Strickland fan for a while and one of the recent posters mentioned a match between Ralf and Earl in the 96 Challange that i saw and Ralf at the end of that match went up to Earl and said something(good match?) and Earl just shook his head and didnt shake Ralf's hand. I thought it was odd but didnt think anything of it. From hearing what happened in this match i have one question....."is this have anything to do with the fact that on AZ's brackets....i dont see Earl Strickland on the losers side?????

If you wathched that game,Earl did shake his hand right before Ralph spoke,Even the commentator screwed that up,LON MCCARREN...Im not defending Earl but he has gone down hill fast and still tumbling..

 

[TAFKaENIGMA]

Does anyone know the name of the prescription medicine that Earl takes?

 

[Ed Wiggins]

Just try

Just try putting yourself in Earl's position.

 

[MarkJS]

OH, nonono.. I'm not saying anything bad about Souquet.. People have just brought up that story about Earl not shaking Ralf's hand for years now. They use it as ammunition.

No, I hate it when Earl acts like that. I think he's snapped. He acted the same way when he played Tony Crosby at Vegas this past May. How did Mark Wilson put it? He's going on tilt?

So, no, I wasn't commenting about Ralf per se, only the fact that people have used the 'no handshake' story to point out what a non-sportsman Earl is. The same way they use the bumped 5-ball. The same way they use what happened at Mosconi Cup a couple of years ago (maybe it was some other Tournament). Well.. who knows.. All I can say is I *HATE* it when the guy acts like he did the other night.. But I still love watching him run out.

Mark, I have no idea what you're implying with your last two posts. Nothing you've said about Souquet seems improper to me. Further, even if he's not your kind of chap, this thread is about Earl's behavior --- quite apart from what any other player might have done.

Do you really think Earl's behavior tonight was quite OK? Not to me. It was painful to watch his behavior against Ralph.

Earl has obvious, and pressing emotional problems (yes, I disagree with you Colin... Earl's behavior was not a calculated shark; it was the result of desperation, like Snapshot says).

And I do not mean to put down Earl Strickland. It would make me very happy to see a functional Earl, considering his immense talent and the beauty of his game.

But the guy is obviously depressive, and it looks, from the outside, like he needs to take time away from the game and be medically treated (he may already be). I suffer from depression myself... it's a real illness. I should know.

 

[lewdo26]

OH, nonono.. I'm not saying anything bad about Souquet.. People have just brought up that story about Earl not shaking Ralf's hand for years now. They use it as ammunition.

No, I hate it when Earl acts like that. I think he's snapped. He acted the same way when he played Tony Crosby at Vegas this past May. How did Mark Wilson put it? He's going on tilt?

So, no, I wasn't commenting about Ralf per se, only the fact that people have used the 'no handshake' story to point out what a non-sportsman Earl is. The same way they use the bumped 5-ball. The same way they use what happened at Mosconi Cup a couple of years ago (maybe it was some other Tournament). Well.. who knows.. All I can say is I *HATE* it when the guy acts like he did the other night.. But I still love watching him run out.

We're on the same page then, Mark. Thanks for the clarification. I also still derive pleasure from watching Earl's runout power, but his behavior yesterday made me cringe in embarassment... then the same guy made me my jaw drop those couple racks he ran with three banks in them in three seconds. Go firgure. He's definitely something special... But he needs help and I hope he's getting it already. And yes, I mean that in the most constructive way possible, not as a put down on him personally.

 

[MarkJS]

If you want to hear something really funny, order the Accu-Stats video 'Highlights 2000' (I beleive.. it might be one of the other two highlights videos).. There's a segment on one of those tapes where they have the most funny commentary. Things like Buddy Hall constantly asking Incardona whether the guy played the shot correctly (even though it's completely obvious), Billy reading the Sports page to Grady... things like that.. Anyhow, there's a clip of Ed Shehan (sp?) doing an Earl Strickland impression.. Dead-on, PERFECT. I almost fell off of my couch when I heard that.. lol

 

[5ballcharlie]

I think everyone who has something bad to say about Earl needs to lay off. None of us can possibly know what's going on in his head or what's going on in his life. He's a great player and a good person.

You are right I love earl he is one of the best he walks a fine line between brillance and insanity.

 

[5ballcharlie]

and he was won the world championships more times than anyone, i think. he's defintiely one of the top 5 9-ballers ever. but not one of the best at this time.

according to AZ, this year he's #17 in earnings and hasn't won an event, last year not even in top 20 and no wins, year before, #10. he hasn't done much lately except in terms of gimmicks (glasses, glove, finger extensions).

You have to be kidding me. Earl is the best 9 baller of all time.

 

[5ballcharlie]

I understand your point and I agree.

But, you also never see a pro athlete (Shaquille O'Neal) calling travelling on himself because the referee didn't see it.

An offensive lineman doesn't grab a referee's flag and throw it and admit that he held someone, because the referee didn't see it.

A baseball pitcher will never contest a strike, claiming it was really a ball, because the umpire didn't see it.

Someone stealing a base won't get up and admit that he was really out, because the umpire mistakenly called him safe.

I guess I'm just trying to figure out why Earl is such a *JERK* when he didn't call a foul on himself during the skins game (when he moved the 5-ball with his cuestick)...

Just recently in a WPBA ESPN televised event, Karen Corr was preparing to jump a ball with Steve Tipton STANDING RIGHT THERE. On the way up, the cueball *clearly* nicked the interfering ball. Karen looked at Steve with an 'oops' look on her face, but said nothing. Steve Tipton said nothing. Karen walked back to her chair as if she made a good hit. Why is she not 'totally unsportsmanlike'?

Just curious... (no flamewar intended.. I saw what happened when Shane made his 'age' comment.. lol)

That is a good point

 

[Fleece3]

You are right I love earl he is one of the best he walks a fine line between brillance and insanity.

If you accept the fact that Earl is a bipolar manic depressive, then his behavior will not seem so strange. Part of his brillance is due to that. If you were to take that part of him away, he would not be the player that he is. Asking and or expecting him to act any different is like asking a cat to bark like a dog. Accept that Earl is Earl. Be appreciative at the fact that you are watching one of the greatest pool players ever, and thank God that you do not live with him.

 

[5ballcharlie]

If you accept the fact that Earl is a bipolar manic depressive, then his behavior will not seem so strange. Part of his brillance is due to that. If you were to take that part of him away, he would not be the player that he is. Asking and or expecting him to act any different is like asking a cat to bark like a dog. Accept that Earl is Earl. Be appreciative at the fact that you are watching one of the greatest pool players ever, and thank God that you do not live with him.

You are right Earl makes the game fun to watch I am lucky enough to be able to watch his greatness on a pool table

 

[cuedoctor]

Thanks to cuedoctor and all the rest for descriptions and updates on the matches!

Well,maybe earl reads some of these because he has turned it around and there is plently left.He has put on a pool clinic the last 2 days and he is the best 9baller I have ever seen and I have seen alot. He went 6-0 today and he must have been like 66-25 or so because he ran over just about everyone and they were all great players who were on a roll,not players lucky to be there.bryant,reyes,hoa,vandberg,ocha,foldes

 

[gregory]

You have to be kidding me. Earl is the best 9 baller of all time.

that may be true, i never said he wasn't (though segal or hall are up there as well), but he still hasn't won any event in the past 2 years, so it is hard to say he is currently the best (though that could change today). he only won $17,000 last year. doesn't he have to give golf lessons now because he can't earn enough playing pool.

 

[cuedoctor]

that may be true, i never said he wasn't (though segal or hall are up there as well), but he still hasn't won any event in the past 2 years, so it is hard to say he is currently the best (though that could change today). he only won $17,000 last year. doesn't he have to give golf lessons now because he can't earn enough playing pool.

From what I hear,earl doesnt need to win a penny from these tournaments,cuctec pay's him 6 figures for sponsorship and he has a few other high sponsors.The corp. heads were in attendance sat. and he was un stopable.As far as the best 9 baller today,there could be many arguements but over time he may be the best,5 us opens says alot.

 

[pete lafond]

From what I hear,earl doesnt need to win a penny from these tournaments,cuctec pay's him 6 figures for sponsorship and he has a few other high sponsors.The corp. heads were in attendance sat. and he was un stopable.As far as the best 9 baller today,there could be many arguements but over time he may be the best,5 us opens says alot.

I think that Earl is better today than he ever was. The playing field today is tougher than ever before. (many more great players to have to compete against)

 

[Snapshot9]

I would like to know ..

From what I hear,earl doesnt need to win a penny from these tournaments,cuctec pay's him 6 figures for sponsorship and he has a few other high sponsors.The corp. heads were in attendance sat. and he was un stopable.As far as the best 9 baller today,there could be many arguements but over time he may be the best,5 us opens says alot.

where you got the 6 figures total? I can not imagine a company in the
billiards industry paying that much to 1 player in a year. You never know,
someone from Cuetec may have talked to Earl about sportsmanship and
good manners, and that they could not afford to represent someone
viewed as a 'negative' person. Companies do that, you know. Just a
hint to him that they might pull their sponsorship might have woken up up.

 

[ugotaction]

I think everyone who has something bad to say about Earl needs to lay off. None of us can possibly know what's going on in his head or what's going on in his life. He's a great player and a good person.[/QUO

I somewhat agree. I have been watching earl play in numerous tournaments lately and i have noticed that he is a mental mess during matches. Sometimes he is a complete ass if he is losing and sometimes he is only making minor complaints if he is winning. Earl is a great player and he is a good person most of the time, but he needs to grow up and learn how to fight the negative outcomes in his matches without crying and being an ass about it. if he learns how to do that then he would be able to play as good as Alex Pagulyan.

 

[cuedoctor]

where you got the 6 figures total? I can not imagine a company in the
billiards industry paying that much to 1 player in a year. You never know,
someone from Cuetec may have talked to Earl about sportsmanship and
good manners, and that they could not afford to represent someone
viewed as a 'negative' person. Companies do that, you know. Just a
hint to him that they might pull their sponsorship might have woken up up.

I sat behind a woman who was the rep from cutec and 2 other male co reps saturday night and indirectly heard those numbers thrown out there. Cutec is world wide and they were suposely from the asian offices.Could you imagine how many asians play pool and how many cues that company sell's over sea's. Probaly millions! Pool is way bigger in asian countries and earl and allison pictured in all the magizines sells there product tremendously.They dont see the bad side of earl overseas very often. But who knows the exact figure,I cant say.