Grady update...

[corvette1340]

Someone said that Thorston left because of all the Charlie Williams bashing. Now Grady has left, in part due to the reaction from his Charlie Williams bashing. How is that for irony?

(Sorry if someone already mentioned that in this thread; I only skimmed most of the posts.)

Someone should tell Thorsten that Grady is gone and maybe he will come back.

 

[vagabond]

just because someone plays good dosent mean they post good or should have some sort of special privlages,

for saying that you will be in trouble my friend.Many are going to jump on you.Even though you are a telemarketer with silver tongue you will have tough time arguing with the internet gustapo .From now on you may need Jays help.

 

[uwate]

This is a good thread. At least there is an element to AZB that recognizes the importance of having pro players on here. I personally am with the camp that the pro players are deserving of more respect and tolerance from the AZB regulars. The analogy JimS wrote, that in real life you don't call out an older pool war horse out in the pool room because you disagree with what he is saying is very appropriate in this case imo. People seems to get emboldened to act behind the keyboard in ways they would never act in real life. Especially for the pro players in this forum, why can't the AZB regulars hold themselves to this very standard that they do in real life?

Whether the anti-Grady people realize it or not, AZB needs Grady alot more than Grady needs AZB.

 

[NYC cue dude]

terry,
I think you did grady a tremendous diservice by posting a link to his blog. In recent days, the tension created by his threads sent divisive shockwaves throughout the az community. Gradys style of dropping bombs, and then not answering his own threads added to the frustration of some posters. By reigniting these flames here, no purpose will be served. The only thing that can/will happen is more of the arguing, nastiness and ultimately, more blemish on gradys name.

Its time to let it go. Grady will rejoin us when he's ready. Or not.

As far as Thorsten, he was never attacked personally. He was told by many pros (for those that don't know, they talk amongst themselves and they generally urge eachother to NOT post here) to not be an active member. He gave it a try until he saw his very good friend charlie attacked. That was the end.

Rg

 

[Terry Ardeno]

terry,
I think you did grady a tremendous diservice by posting a link to his blog. In recent days, the tension created by his threads sent divisive shockwaves throughout the az community. Gradys style of dropping bombs, and then not answering his own threads added to the frustration of some posters. By reigniting these flames here, no purpose will be served. The only thing that can/will happen is more of the arguing, nastiness and ultimately, more blemish on gradys name.

Its time to let it go. Grady will rejoin us when he's ready. Or not.

As far as Thorsten, he was never attacked personally. He was told by many pros (for those that don't know, they talk amongst themselves and they generally urge eachother to NOT post here) to not be an active member. He gave it a try until he saw his very good friend charlie attacked. That was the end.

Rg

Randy,

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I didn't post it as a service or dis-service to Grady, I posted it because it validated that he was really gone and wasn't joking. But I do wish now that I would not have posted it. I sincerely don't want bad blood between any of the members here.

When bomber (Aaron) reads this thread tomorrow, I'm afraid he's going to feel like it was all his fault and it most certainly wasn't. He was clearly on one side, but it'wasn't "his fault" that Grady chose to quit, and I hope he doesn't feel like he's not liked here anymore. Although I'm equally certain that if some members here could, they would award some kind of medal on whoever they thought DID run him out of here.

Randy, I appreciate that you've "taken the high road" thru out this whole mess with Grady. Your stock here rose, I'm sure, because of the way you handled yourself here. Grady's stock, sadly, has fallen off for the same reasons.

I wish you and Grady all the best. Hopefully, one day, this will all pan out for everyone's good.

 

[dabarbr]

I have always had much respect for Grady, starting from the time he beat me in Berkely, Ca about 40 years agos. We played nine ball. I was very impressed and became a fan.

Throughtout the years I have always had high regard for his play and commentary. I always felt he was good for the game and that he had respect for all others.

I started to lose my admiration for him last year when he made a big issue regarding a call by the referee at the IPT tournament in Vegas last year. He ran around ranting and raving about what he believed to be a bad call. The way he carried on was very unbecoming for a person of his stature

Now with some of his recent posts I have lost even more respect.

 

[vagabond]

The analogy JimS wrote, that in real life you don't call out an older pool war horse out in the pool room because you disagree with what he is saying is very appropriate in this case imo.

I am NOT in this Drama but I want to mention some thing here and I do not enjoy writing the following note
If that is how Jim S feels and wants to respect others that is fine and dandy.I bet JimS will get a heart attack if he had seen what I had seen .I almost CRIED when I saw this happening to a legendary pool player.Few years ago ( ? 2004) in Breakers in Mobile,Alabama Grady Mathews was held from behind and draged on his feet by the bouncer of that pool room in front of hundreds of pool players all the way accros the room and thrown out of the room after he lunged at his his opponent in his 9 ball match on a BarBox.
I was not there but a friend of mine a pro player was there when Grady had a physical altercation with `` Big BoB` in a tournament in Florida some years ago.
Today I followed the link provided by another poster for Gradys Blog.After reading the blog about his reason for leaving AZB I felt sorry for Grady as it did not make any sense.And hisblogs and some of his posts reminded of the incoherent letter written by late St.Louis louie roberts before his death.Louie`s one time room mate used to gamble with me in one pocket.
Many many years ago I cried when I read in the media about Minnesota Fats who was alleged to have stollen a steel spoon and as a result was committed by a court to the mental Institution in one of the southern states and he later died in that institution.
I hate to hear or see the legendery pool players having tragic ending.
Friends of Grady should pay some attention to his behavior in public places and advise him about it rather than getting angry at the posters that were allegedly slighted/insulted Grady.
It is a Shame we all have to share as pool players.

 

[bomber]

If anyone actually think I wanted to conspire to get Grady off of the forum is not only badly mistaken but needs a reality check. You are all good people and good internet friends, but get real...I have better things to do with my time to conspire against an old time legend pool player. I have said it before and I will say it again...i have absolutely no problem speaking my mind to whomever it is. If Grady has a problem with critics then he shouldnt be posting his kind of messages on a public message board, and if the rest of you can handle people like me who have strong opinions and a will to back them up with intelligent discourse then a public message board isnt the place for you either. What do you guys want to talk about all the time...the best pool chalk or who is the best 9 ball player. Get real!!! The posts that dealt with Grady were actually interesting. I havent seen that much intelligent banter in the three or four years that I have been around here. Granted...not all of it was intelligent but it actually made people stand up for something and it created an open forum to discuss issues that really matter in the pool community. How will pool ever get better if we dont have these discussions. We are the people who care the most about the game and some of us on this forum are the future of it and some of us are the past. This is a FANTASTIC way for us to improve the game. I believe that alot of people learned a great deal from the Grady rantings and ravings...hopefully it showed a lot of people how not to act and what needed to be done to improve the pool culture. Come on folks, if Grady is such a great pool icon then why should he be defending himself on this message board. If he was such a god in the pool world then why does so many people disagree with his views. I refuse, ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to sit by and not say what is on my mind. I didnt join this forum to discuss master chalk, the best banker in the world, and who makes the best shaft. Did you? If so, then why do you think that the same posts you are so upset about are the ones that draw the most interest...YOU CANT STAY AWAY!!!! Who knows...maybe it is just the teacher in me, but I believe that we all learn something from social and adult discourse...i certainly have.

Terry, as for you, this is no test for me as a poster. Give me a freaking break...i have a student who is 15 years old, just lost a cousin to suicide and he has absolutely no idea how to read a Dick and Jane book...i have real problems to deal with. If you actually think I will lose a minute of sleep thinking about this, then you are dead wrong. I will, however, continue to post on issues that draw my intrigue and if anyone has any reason to not want to read my posts, then that is perfectly fine with me. I love having the friends that I have met on here...especially you Terry. You seem like a super guy, but I also have people in my life that love me too. I am not going to kiss anyones behind or hold back anything...i dont in real life and i sure wont on here. I love all of you and respect all of you...I hope that you can do the same for me...even if you do not agree with all of my stances...i would fight to the end for your right to say anything you wish.

 

[Terry Ardeno]

If anyone actually think I wanted to conspire to get Grady off of the forum is not only badly mistaken but needs a reality check. You are all good people and good internet friends, but get real...I have better things to do with my time to conspire against an old time legend pool player. I have said it before and I will say it again...i have absolutely no problem speaking my mind to whomever it is. If Grady has a problem with critics then he shouldnt be posting his kind of messages on a public message board, and if the rest of you can handle people like me who have strong opinions and a will to back them up with intelligent discourse then a public message board isnt the place for you either. What do you guys want to talk about all the time...the best pool chalk or who is the best 9 ball player. Get real!!! The posts that dealt with Grady were actually interesting. I havent seen that much intelligent banter in the three or four years that I have been around here. Granted...not all of it was intelligent but it actually made people stand up for something and it created an open forum to discuss issues that really matter in the pool community. How will pool ever get better if we dont have these discussions. We are the people who care the most about the game and some of us on this forum are the future of it and some of us are the past. This is a FANTASTIC way for us to improve the game. I believe that alot of people learned a great deal from the Grady rantings and ravings...hopefully it showed a lot of people how not to act and what needed to be done to improve the pool culture. Come on folks, if Grady is such a great pool icon then why should he be defending himself on this message board. If he was such a god in the pool world then why does so many people disagree with his views. I refuse, ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to sit by and not say what is on my mind. I didnt join this forum to discuss master chalk, the best banker in the world, and who makes the best shaft. Did you? If so, then why do you think that the same posts you are so upset about are the ones that draw the most interest...YOU CANT STAY AWAY!!!! Who knows...maybe it is just the teacher in me, but I believe that we all learn something from social and adult discourse...i certainly have.

Terry, as for you, this is no test for me as a poster. Give me a freaking break...i have a student who is 15 years old, just lost a cousin to suicide and he has absolutely no idea how to read a Dick and Jane book...i have real problems to deal with. If you actually think I will lose a minute of sleep thinking about this, then you are dead wrong. I will, however, continue to post on issues that draw my intrigue and if anyone has any reason to not want to read my posts, then that is perfectly fine with me. I love having the friends that I have met on here...especially you Terry. You seem like a super guy, but I also have people in my life that love me too. I am not going to kiss anyones behind or hold back anything...i dont in real life and i sure wont on here. I love all of you and respect all of you...I hope that you can do the same for me...even if you do not agree with all of my stances...i would fight to the end for your right to say anything you wish.

Aaron,
I do feel much better now. If we were NOT pals, I could have cared less. I really was worried about how you were going to take the flak, but you took it like a man, said your piece and threw it right back. Like we're supposed to. And you powerfully got your point accross without acting like a jerk. Nice job.

Your last several sentences, begining with "I love you all.." was and is exactly how I wish everybody here felt. I have been trying for some time now to say what you were better able to put into words than I could. I would like that to be our AZB pledge of honor or something.

Out of all of this mess, maybe some real good can come out of it. I plan on being here until I die, this place goes under or I get banned. So, i want it to be the best place for all of us. Your response is a model for how things can be.
Lastly, just so I FEEL BETTER, I'm not kissing your hind end either. The only one I do that to is my wife. Who should get some type of medal herself for having to live with me.

 

[bomber]

My girl gets hers kissed quite a bit...but I deserve the medal!!!! LOL Just kidding. No worries here partner...im just a country boy with a lot on his brain and too much edumication!!!

 

[Thecoats]

I liked the story about the loyal knights of the Grady Table, and their adventures to slay Charlie "The Dragon" Williams.

Positive rep to you, damn funny and very true

 

[TheOne]

terry,
I think you did grady a tremendous diservice by posting a link to his blog. In recent days, the tension created by his threads sent divisive shockwaves throughout the az community. Gradys style of dropping bombs, and then not answering his own threads added to the frustration of some posters. By reigniting these flames here, no purpose will be served. The only thing that can/will happen is more of the arguing, nastiness and ultimately, more blemish on gradys name.

Its time to let it go. Grady will rejoin us when he's ready. Or not.

As far as Thorsten, he was never attacked personally. He was told by many pros (for those that don't know, they talk amongst themselves and they generally urge eachother to NOT post here) to not be an active member. He gave it a try until he saw his very good friend charlie attacked. That was the end.

Rg

This is so true, I've had a few players ask me why I bother also, I know many who read AZ but dont post.

I don't think players should be immune to a bashing if they make a t*t of themselves but they shouldn't be attacked for the sake of it. Afterall as others have said the banter that goes on in a pool hall is far worse, I'm surprised more players don't get stuck in and roll with it.

WHat really irks me is some posters on here seem to pick and choose which players deserve protection. Grady and others have attacked CW, BJ, European players etc yet cry foul if any of their fav players recieve the same. This is just ludicrous, if you are prepared to give it out on AZ (or anywhere for that matter) you should be prepared to take a few knocks along the way.

Personally I like the sarcastic style of numerous posters such as corvette, pancakeman, smorg etc, its a shame so many have a tumor in their humor!

 

[Fatboy]

for saying that you will be in trouble my friend.Many are going to jump on you.Even though you are a telemarketer with silver tongue you will have tough time arguing with the internet gustapo .From now on you may need Jays help.

i need all the help i can get, seriously Grady has the triple nuts here if he moves right.

 

[jay helfert]

If anyone actually think I wanted to conspire to get Grady off of the forum is not only badly mistaken but needs a reality check. You are all good people and good internet friends, but get real...I have better things to do with my time to conspire against an old time legend pool player. I have said it before and I will say it again...i have absolutely no problem speaking my mind to whomever it is. If Grady has a problem with critics then he shouldnt be posting his kind of messages on a public message board, and if the rest of you can handle people like me who have strong opinions and a will to back them up with intelligent discourse then a public message board isnt the place for you either. What do you guys want to talk about all the time...the best pool chalk or who is the best 9 ball player. Get real!!! The posts that dealt with Grady were actually interesting. I havent seen that much intelligent banter in the three or four years that I have been around here. Granted...not all of it was intelligent but it actually made people stand up for something and it created an open forum to discuss issues that really matter in the pool community. How will pool ever get better if we dont have these discussions. We are the people who care the most about the game and some of us on this forum are the future of it and some of us are the past. This is a FANTASTIC way for us to improve the game. I believe that alot of people learned a great deal from the Grady rantings and ravings...hopefully it showed a lot of people how not to act and what needed to be done to improve the pool culture. Come on folks, if Grady is such a great pool icon then why should he be defending himself on this message board. If he was such a god in the pool world then why does so many people disagree with his views. I refuse, ABSOLUTELY REFUSE to sit by and not say what is on my mind. I didnt join this forum to discuss master chalk, the best banker in the world, and who makes the best shaft. Did you? If so, then why do you think that the same posts you are so upset about are the ones that draw the most interest...YOU CANT STAY AWAY!!!! Who knows...maybe it is just the teacher in me, but I believe that we all learn something from social and adult discourse...i certainly have.

Terry, as for you, this is no test for me as a poster. Give me a freaking break...i have a student who is 15 years old, just lost a cousin to suicide and he has absolutely no idea how to read a Dick and Jane book...i have real problems to deal with. If you actually think I will lose a minute of sleep thinking about this, then you are dead wrong. I will, however, continue to post on issues that draw my intrigue and if anyone has any reason to not want to read my posts, then that is perfectly fine with me. I love having the friends that I have met on here...especially you Terry. You seem like a super guy, but I also have people in my life that love me too. I am not going to kiss anyones behind or hold back anything...i dont in real life and i sure wont on here. I love all of you and respect all of you...I hope that you can do the same for me...even if you do not agree with all of my stances...i would fight to the end for your right to say anything you wish.

LISTEN UP! This is a man talking! Yeah, I like the guy and we've never met. But I know a man's voice when I hear one. Age is not the criteria and neither is pool ability. We could use a few more like him on here and in the pool world.

Thanks Aaron for being part of this forum. By the way, I may not always agree with you either, nor you with me. And that is cool.

 

[Scott Lee]

Edit: I don't understand how people PHYSICALLY get their blood pressure to skyrocket by reading posts. You can talk about my mom on here and it wouldn't faze me the slightest.

Agreed! But I'd never talk about your mom in a derogatory manner...cause my own mom taught me better!

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com