"Former" World Champion?!

[bfdlad]

I think it is absolutely appropriate/fair and good to use the term "former" World Champion to describe someone's accomplishments.

1/ It is good for the readers to know and identify whom the current champion is. For example, without the term "former", it would be confusing for a lot of people to know who the current US Open Champion is, who the current world's 9-ball champion is, who the current world's 8-ball champion is, etc...

2/ The term "former" World Champion should not be taken as a slight. Anyone that has their names attached with the word champion, or "former" world champion, should be very proud. It is an accomplishment that cannot be taken away from them. Which is the reason why the writers associate their names with the term "former" World Champion.

3/ Past accomplishments do not equal current accomplishments. Yet, past accomplishments should be identified. Which is why the term "former" is very appropriate.

4/ As you said, once a World Champion is always a World Champion. But he/she is not the CURRENT World Champion.

This has actually given me something to think about. At exhibitions I announce Earl as 5 time US Open Champion 5 time world Champion and hall of famer. I guess if I was to go through all the years it would go on a bit ya know? Still I believe that the titles should stick with them of course. I am not sure if former WC is bad but they should get the credit for it.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... Let's say someone is talking about Alex Pagulayan, they always say "former World Champion." I think that is a crock of sh**. ...

No, they invariably refer to him as "the diminutive ex-Champion" and it's high time they stopped! :smilewinkgrin:

 

[PoolBum]

I find it interesting that although there have been some good arguements brought up, thus far 90% of those polled agree with me. Pretty landslide if you ask me.

Disagreeing with you about what is meant or implied by the phrase "former world champion" is not inconsistent with agreeing with you that "once a champion, always a champion," as I tried to explain in my post.

 

[CrownCityCorey]

thats probably because the wording of your poll is a bit skewed. While I agree that once a champion always a champion, I think the terms "former champion", "2 time champion", "current champion", etc. should be used to distinguish the individual accomplishment and not lump them all together.

Hmmm........good point.

Someone make a new and improved poll. I am tired.

 

[JoeW]

Anybody notice, this is the USA -- we don't do titles -- any titles. If the press wants to return to royalty I have that much less respect for them.

If your name is Alex and your from Corzon (or where ever) lets see you play some.