In defense of Mike Sigel

Gregg

Gregg

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Sigel was the IPT KOTH because KT wanted it that way, to promote billiards, his television program, using Sigel as a billard icon.

Sure he didn't earn it any more than any other player, but what can he do; he was getting paid. Pool players don't make that kind of money that KT was offering to him, and few if any would be in any position to turn the money down. And why should he? Hey, get in the booth, commentate on some games, play the role, well call you KOTH, and put you into the finals of a tournament. What's not to like?

Furthermore, even after all the hoopla, the grandstanding, the boasting, Sigel said multiple times that all six finalists were playing perfect pool, many times that he was very impressed with Manalo (how could he not be with Manalo ripping off 18 straight matches) and that he himself did really not know what was going to happen in the finals, since he had not played through the tournament.

My point is that I think that Sigel did a commendable job, and should not be picked apart for a great job of promoting billiards.
 
Gregg said:
Sigel was the IPT KOTH because KT wanted it that way, to promote billiards, his television program, using Sigel as a billard icon.

Sure he didn't earn it any more than any other player, but what can he do; he was getting paid. Pool players don't make that kind of money that KT was offering to him, and few if any would be in any position to turn the money down. And why should he? Hey, get in the booth, commentate on some games, play the role, well call you KOTH, and put you into the finals of a tournament. What's not to like?

Furthermore, even after all the hoopla, the grandstanding, the boasting, Sigel said multiple times that all six finalists were playing perfect pool, many times that he was very impressed with Manalo (how could he not be with Manalo ripping off 18 straight matches) and that he himself did really not know what was going to happen in the finals, since he had not played through the tournament.

My point is that I think that Sigel did a commendable job, and should not be picked apart for a great job of promoting billiards.
Click to expand...



+1 on that. Great post. What folks need to understand is this is not about Mike or Ego or anything like that. It is about selling the Natural Cures book.
That is the bottom line. Unless they sell a boatload of the book's there will be no IPT.:)
 
If KT had asked me, I would have been more than happy to play LJJ in the first event...knowing full well that she might well have won! I would have been happy to be a part of it, not to mention collecting a pretty nice pay check.
As luck would have it, he and Mike are friends, and KT doesn't even know I exist...not to mention that I'm no world champion either!
Steve
 
Because he was one of those at the helm of the creation of this tour, Sigel is owed a great debt of gratitude.

But that debt of gratitude need not extend to buying into the fiction that Mike is still a top player. As a competitor, because he disappeared from pro pool for so many years, Mike will have to win us over again, and that's as it should be.

If he's still one of the best, it's time he showed it over the glorious green felt.
 
Mike rocks the cheeba like nobody's business.

From what I've seen he is a proven billiard player as well.
 
I had the opportunity to see Mike play several times in tournaments. He is a great player and competitor. That my friends is a fact.

His personality may grate against some, especially since he is an East Coast/Northerner. They just love to bust your nuts. So what. Get over it.

Now is your opportunity to get a big time money backer and put on a tournament---just like you want it. I won't complain, but will only support it.

Lori Jon is a class act, was a great pool player and represented the sport in a way that all men and women players should take note. Not all of us are great speakers or would be great the first time commentating on TV in front of our peers.

If you disagree---please let me know what you have done to support our great sport.
 
Mike has the know-how to be champion again. He did run an 8 pack in practice. If that is not the makings of a world champion, I don't know what is. He just needs to gain confidence in tournament situations again, get rid of the deer-in-the-headlights feeling, unkink his rusty arm, and it will all come back.

I think he will do better in the next one. He may not reach the top, but there is still plenty left in the guy. ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top