Incident w/ Tony Watson in Duluth, GA?

Tony Watson

I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural. I was impressed, he also said that the preacher had been really spending time with him and communicating with Josey and that had alot to do with why Josey picked him back up. Now in Duluth we never saw Tony play but he was there. Supposedly he ran off with the guys truck that he rode with and went and got jacked up and when he finally returned things were missing and Tony was a day late. I talked to Stevie Little who had taken time off to come and stake Tony in Duluth and he said," I"M COMPLETELY DONE WITH TW." We sat there and discussed the issue and I tried to remind Stevie that Tony was sick and he wouldnt act like this if he wasnt jacked up... Stevie said its happened too much since they hooked up and it was over. I hate to say it but "hearsay" is that Tony is about to do some time in jail and alot of the people close to him think thats the only thing that may change him. I personally have the "MOST" respect for TW as any pool player. Hes exciting, bets high, entergetic, entertaining, and plays hard for the most money. I was sorry too see him having problems in Duluth with his friends, stakehorse, and the drugs.... I hope him the best and I hope that end result is not jail, dead, or a 65 year old junky but drugs are powerfull, they ruin lives, and in Tonys case the are ruining the "TONY" that alot of us really now and enjoy watching.... I hope it works out and he gets HELP.........LJOHN
 
liljon said:
I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural. I was impressed, he also said that the preacher had been really spending time with him and communicating with Josey and that had alot to do with why Josey picked him back up. Now in Duluth we never saw Tony play but he was there. Supposedly he ran off with the guys truck that he rode with and went and got jacked up and when he finally returned things were missing and Tony was a day late. I talked to Stevie Little who had taken time off to come and stake Tony in Duluth and he said," I"M COMPLETELY DONE WITH TW." We sat there and discussed the issue and I tried to remind Stevie that Tony was sick and he wouldnt act like this if he wasnt jacked up... Stevie said its happened too much since they hooked up and it was over. I hate to say it but "hearsay" is that Tony is about to do some time in jail and alot of the people close to him think thats the only thing that may change him. I personally have the "MOST" respect for TW as any pool player. Hes exciting, bets high, entergetic, entertaining, and plays hard for the most money. I was sorry too see him having problems in Duluth with his friends, stakehorse, and the drugs.... I hope him the best and I hope that end result is not jail, dead, or a 65 year old junky but drugs are powerfull, they ruin lives, and in Tonys case the are ruining the "TONY" that alot of us really now and enjoy watching.... I hope it works out and he gets HELP.........LJOHN
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Unfortunately it's an all too common story, not just in the pool world but in every part of society.

I'd rather see him (or anyone) never be able to make a ball but have a good life than be some kind of an addict to be able to do something good.

Drugs and alcohol to conquer nervousness or fear or whatever..............like selling your soul to the devil.

Hope all is well with you John
 
LowEnglish said:
By 'jacked up' do you guys mean meth or heroin or something else? I've never heard the term before.
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Crack, Cocaine, meth (ice) or heroin, its all the same results. And yes, being "jacked up" on the items listed above is what they mean...
 
> I live in an area of Tennessee where for a LOT of people,man-made drugs such as meth are a way of life. In rural areas like this one,it's often easier to get a bag of crank than it is to get someone to help change a tire. The state and federal govt has made it harder to get the materials to make the shit,but it still runs rampant,thanks to the ingenuity of the criminal element. When you see the same groups of people consistently,and work with the public,certain signs become all too apparent. When you get used to seeing a person every day,and over the course of several months watch them deteriorate physically,that is usually what is going on. I cannot say for sure exactly what Tony MIGHT be involved with,but judging from what I have personally seen from him on one occasion in Memphis,something very strong and certainly man-made had him by the balls. He wasn't aggressive or combative like a typical crack-head,but was actually rather giddy and seemed to be enjoying himself fully,but the eyes gave it away. As opposed to his pupils being dialated,or non existant like he was on LSD or coke,they were very small and fixed. This is a sad story,he has an enormous talent,and off the shit he seems to be a pretty decent guy. I hope something shakes him up and he gets his priorities in order. Tommy D.
 
The PHOENIX said:
This has nothing to do with pool players it's about an individual that has a drug problem.

The NFL and B-Ball players have consistantly done much worse and they still have corporate America.
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Thanks......
 
JustPlay said:
Crack, Cocaine, meth (ice) or heroin, its all the same results. And yes, being "jacked up" on the items listed above is what they mean...
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Actually, it does matter. You will see a 65yr old heroin addict, but I guarantee you will never see a 65 yr old meth addict, unless he has taken it up recently, and then he won't likely see 66 yrs old. The heart can't take it.

Lisa
 
liljon said:
I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural. I was impressed, he also said that the preacher had been really spending time with him and communicating with Josey and that had alot to do with why Josey picked him back up. Now in Duluth we never saw Tony play but he was there. Supposedly he ran off with the guys truck that he rode with and went and got jacked up and when he finally returned things were missing and Tony was a day late. I talked to Stevie Little who had taken time off to come and stake Tony in Duluth and he said," I"M COMPLETELY DONE WITH TW." We sat there and discussed the issue and I tried to remind Stevie that Tony was sick and he wouldnt act like this if he wasnt jacked up... Stevie said its happened too much since they hooked up and it was over. I hate to say it but "hearsay" is that Tony is about to do some time in jail and alot of the people close to him think thats the only thing that may change him. I personally have the "MOST" respect for TW as any pool player. Hes exciting, bets high, entergetic, entertaining, and plays hard for the most money. I was sorry too see him having problems in Duluth with his friends, stakehorse, and the drugs.... I hope him the best and I hope that end result is not jail, dead, or a 65 year old junky but drugs are powerfull, they ruin lives, and in Tonys case the are ruining the "TONY" that alot of us really now and enjoy watching.... I hope it works out and he gets HELP.........LJOHN
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I know Tony w good .And i pray 4 him. I ask God to help him ,Someday he don't gets the wrong sh&*t from a so called friend and thats the last hit he'll ever take ..I do hope he go's to jail ,(sorry to say it ) but god know he needs to get some real help .Someday or someone or that junk will KILL him .. Drugs never mix in life .Sports or everyday livin...We should pray for him, to get off that junk.And to get his life right ..
I feel so bad for him .. Not cause he a POOL PLAYER cause he somebody son..& Father..
 
Re: T. W.

liljon said:
I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural. I was impressed, he also said that the preacher had been really spending time with him and communicating with Josey and that had alot to do with why Josey picked him back up. Now in Duluth we never saw Tony play but he was there. Supposedly he ran off with the guys truck that he rode with and went and got jacked up and when he finally returned things were missing and Tony was a day late. I talked to Stevie Little who had taken time off to come and stake Tony in Duluth and he said," I"M COMPLETELY DONE WITH TW." We sat there and discussed the issue and I tried to remind Stevie that Tony was sick and he wouldnt act like this if he wasnt jacked up... Stevie said its happened too much since they hooked up and it was over. I hate to say it but "hearsay" is that Tony is about to do some time in jail and alot of the people close to him think thats the only thing that may change him. I personally have the "MOST" respect for TW as any pool player. Hes exciting, bets high, entergetic, entertaining, and plays hard for the most money. I was sorry too see him having problems in Duluth with his friends, stakehorse, and the drugs.... I hope him the best and I hope that end result is not jail, dead, or a 65 year old junky but drugs are powerfull, they ruin lives, and in Tonys case the are ruining the "TONY" that alot of us really now and enjoy watching.... I hope it works out and he gets HELP.........LJOHN
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Hey LJohn,
First, to let you know who I am....I bought Jerry S. in the 8-Ball event (player auction), at the pay out table you picked up his half....3rd Place auction $.

I agree with you, T.W. has a lot of talent. Sorry the drugs have taken over his game & life style. I over heard T.W. early in the week, say that, he was free of drugs, when I looked in his eyes....True statement from him?

As for the ball bat, as I know, all blow's of the bat were below the waist.

"Have a nice day"
Lamar
 
ridewiththewind said:
Actually, it does matter. You will see a 65yr old heroin addict, but I guarantee you will never see a 65 yr old meth addict, unless he has taken it up recently, and then he won't likely see 66 yrs old. The heart can't take it.

Lisa
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There is no such thing as an old crack whore or old dope fiend. The only old addicts are in recovery.

Kristi
 
liljon said:
I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural.


It's really unfortunate that he didn't give himself enough time to see that he would actually play better "on the natural". The best thing that can happen, is for people to stop enabling him. It's easier said then done; but he will continue to burn bridges and that guilt makes recovery all the more difficult.

Kristi
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tw

Kristi Carter said:
liljon said:
I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural.


It's really unfortunate that he didn't give himself enough time to see that he would actually play better "on the natural". The best thing that can happen, is for people to stop enabling him. It's easier said then done; but he will continue to burn bridges and that guilt makes recovery all the more difficult.

Kristi
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It truely is sad to see such a great talent, not only go to waste, but to suffer so much. I have been in that situation and now have been clean for about 12 years. I agree with you that the best thing peoople (friends) can do is to stop enabling it and that can very difficult. I wish him all the best>
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Kristi Carter said:
There is no such thing as an old crack whore or old dope fiend. The only old addicts are in recovery.

Kristi
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, that's not true. There are plenty of old addicts in this country.

Don't ask me how I know. You can figure it out.

John
 
Kristi Carter said:
liljon said:
I was there in Duluth when this all went down. I was also there at the US Open when he got his new cue. Tony told me at the Open that he was having a hard time making balls b/c he "WAS NOT" jacked up and it had been along time since he played on the natural.


It's really unfortunate that he didn't give himself enough time to see that he would actually play better "on the natural". The best thing that can happen, is for people to stop enabling him. It's easier said then done; but he will continue to burn bridges and that guilt makes recovery all the more difficult.

Kristi
Click to expand...


There is no better high than winning on the natural. You can't buy it.

John
Click to expand...
 
the_saint_siwa said:
Which part of TW's body got hit? Because I've heard he got hit in the head and had to go to the hospital.
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Hey "the_saint_siwa",
My info came from a good source & eye witness.
As I was told, all bat blows were on the legs, which could not have been very hard; because, T.W. walked away from the parking area.
"have a nice day"
Lamar
 
Most addicts never recover. A real good friend of mine, Lil Ricky Van Uum, was clean & sober for 11 years. He wouldn't even take cough syrup or cold medicine. When we would travel, if I left the table while he was playing & came back he would ask for another soda for fear that someone put something in it. He talked a lot about how some of his friends from pool had their own chemical problems & it was a shame they never got the help he did. During the Camel Tour days, Ricky was ranked I believe in the Top 25 when he quit due to a hernia. He never went back to the tour & never really went back to playing pool. His eyes would light up as we would sit around & talk about pool, gambling, playing, old stories of Louie Roberts, etc. but I could never get him to play. Believe me I begged him to just go out & play. I told him we could go to Idaho, Montana, Canada, nobody had to know...I didn't care, just wanted him to play again & enjoy life like I knew he did when he was playing. Ricky, in the early to mid 90's was considered one of the top one pocket players in the country. He had a mind that could create all kind of shots & make your head spin. He was the first person I saw, after the break in one pocket, to use a jump stick to go over the stack & bank a ball back at his hole. He had the heart of a lion. Jack Cooney & him had many battles playing even for hours on end. Ricky usually got the money. He played Cliff even until Cliff became the true champion at one pocket he is. I could go on and on about the matches he had & champions he beat. He never hustled. Always told the other player his name & just asked for a fair gamble. If the other player didn't know who he was and lost that wasn't hustling that was the other player's fault for not having enough information.
I lived with Ricky in a four family flat that he owned for 2 years. He started disappearing for a few days to later a few weeks at a time. He had fallen back into smoking crack and I knew it. He refused help, refused anyone being his friend and I couldn't bare to see it so I moved out. A few months later, he sold the building, came out to see me to pay me $300 he owed me & left town (A crackhead but still a person that wanted to make things right with a friend). That was 2002. I have seen Ricky one time since then, in Tunica MS. He looked terrible and was a completely different person than the one I knew. He asked me for money of course, I told him I would buy him dinner, buy him a hotel, buy him a place to stay for as long as he needed, buy him treatment but not give him money to get high. I gave him my number again but he has never called. I have spoken to his family, they are lost what to do. He has lived homeless at times, almost overdosed to death, been robbed, beaten. etc. Every day I read the obituaries hoping not to see his name.

My point is, if you are a friend of Tony Watson's, tie him to a chair, chain him to a bed, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to get the feeling of wanting to be high out of his system. A baseball bat to the knees isn't nearly as powerful as the drugs that he is rumored to crave.
 
watchez said:
Most addicts never recover. A real good friend of mine, Lil Ricky Van Uum, was clean & sober for 11 years. He wouldn't even take cough syrup or cold medicine. When we would travel, if I left the table while he was playing & came back he would ask for another soda for fear that someone put something in it. He talked a lot about how some of his friends from pool had their own chemical problems & it was a shame they never got the help he did. During the Camel Tour days, Ricky was ranked I believe in the Top 25 when he quit due to a hernia. He never went back to the tour & never really went back to playing pool. His eyes would light up as we would sit around & talk about pool, gambling, playing, old stories of Louie Roberts, etc. but I could never get him to play......

......... I lived with Ricky in a four family flat that he owned for 2 years. He started disappearing for a few days to later a few weeks at a time. He had fallen back into smoking crack and I knew it. He refused help, refused anyone being his friend and I couldn't bare to see it so I moved out. A few months later, he sold the building, came out to see me to pay me $300 he owed me & left town (A crackhead but still a person that wanted to make things right with a friend). That was 2002. I have seen Ricky one time since then, in Tunica MS. He looked terrible and was a completely different person than the one I knew. He asked me for money of course, I told him I would buy him dinner, buy him a hotel, buy him a place to stay for as long as he needed, buy him treatment but not give him money to get high. I gave him my number again but he has never called. I have spoken to his family, they are lost what to do. He has lived homeless at times, almost overdosed to death, been robbed, beaten. etc. Every day I read the obituaries hoping not to see his name.

My point is, if you are a friend of Tony Watson's, tie him to a chair, chain him to a bed, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to get the feeling of wanting to be high out of his system. A baseball bat to the knees isn't nearly as powerful as the drugs that he is rumored to crave.
Click to expand...


Sad story. Tony Watson has a wife and kid(s), family and friends. If that is not enough to keep him off drugs what is? The only thing left is divine intervention..
 
watchez said:
Most addicts never recover. A real good friend of mine, Lil Ricky Van Uum, was clean & sober for 11 years. He wouldn't even take cough syrup or cold medicine. When we would travel, if I left the table while he was playing & came back he would ask for another soda for fear that someone put something in it. He talked a lot about how some of his friends from pool had their own chemical problems & it was a shame they never got the help he did. During the Camel Tour days, Ricky was ranked I believe in the Top 25 when he quit due to a hernia. He never went back to the tour & never really went back to playing pool. His eyes would light up as we would sit around & talk about pool, gambling, playing, old stories of Louie Roberts, etc. but I could never get him to play. Believe me I begged him to just go out & play. I told him we could go to Idaho, Montana, Canada, nobody had to know...I didn't care, just wanted him to play again & enjoy life like I knew he did when he was playing. Ricky, in the early to mid 90's was considered one of the top one pocket players in the country. He had a mind that could create all kind of shots & make your head spin. He was the first person I saw, after the break in one pocket, to use a jump stick to go over the stack & bank a ball back at his hole. He had the heart of a lion. Jack Cooney & him had many battles playing even for hours on end. Ricky usually got the money. He played Cliff even until Cliff became the true champion at one pocket he is. I could go on and on about the matches he had & champions he beat. He never hustled. Always told the other player his name & just asked for a fair gamble. If the other player didn't know who he was and lost that wasn't hustling that was the other player's fault for not having enough information.
I lived with Ricky in a four family flat that he owned for 2 years. He started disappearing for a few days to later a few weeks at a time. He had fallen back into smoking crack and I knew it. He refused help, refused anyone being his friend and I couldn't bare to see it so I moved out. A few months later, he sold the building, came out to see me to pay me $300 he owed me & left town (A crackhead but still a person that wanted to make things right with a friend). That was 2002. I have seen Ricky one time since then, in Tunica MS. He looked terrible and was a completely different person than the one I knew. He asked me for money of course, I told him I would buy him dinner, buy him a hotel, buy him a place to stay for as long as he needed, buy him treatment but not give him money to get high. I gave him my number again but he has never called. I have spoken to his family, they are lost what to do. He has lived homeless at times, almost overdosed to death, been robbed, beaten. etc. Every day I read the obituaries hoping not to see his name.

My point is, if you are a friend of Tony Watson's, tie him to a chair, chain him to a bed, whatever it takes, for as long as it takes to get the feeling of wanting to be high out of his system. A baseball bat to the knees isn't nearly as powerful as the drugs that he is rumored to crave.
Click to expand...
Hey Watchez
Im so sorry to hear about Ricky. What a shame.
My prayers are with him.

Christyd
 
People need to stop doing these things to themselves. There are no words to describe the level of crime to self that drug addiction is. Promise yourself that you won't do that to you.
ONe of my wife's 'co-workers', and ~'friend', out on worker's comp for years, addicted to hard drugs, got the wron mix in him partying the other night with his fiancee. Ended up brain dead, packed on ice, fever of 109 before they pronounced him dead. Fiancee was so whacked out when my in-laws arrived @ hospital, she asked, "who are you? Are you coming to the wedding? Who invited you?"
NExt day, she gets into a car accident on I95 and is medivac'd to the same hospital.
Respect yourself. Be smart and make your best choices.
 
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