IPT Jeopardizes 2006 US Open 9-Ball
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Are we as fans a little selfish?
I have always felt very fortunate that as a fan of anything that was unfortunately not commercially recognized, I had access to some of the greatest talent in the world on a very small and intimate stage. Is anyone a jazz music fan? I've seen Stan Getz play saxophone in a room of less than 100 people. As a pool fan, I've had the incredible opportunity to shake hands with, chat with, get my picture taken with, played a couple of games with, some of the greatest pool players in the world. Alison Fisher, Steve Mizerak, Earl Strickland, Jose Parica (Have I ever told you the story about how I beat Jose Parica like a drum?), Efren Reyes, Johnny Archer, just to name a few. Recognizing this as something very special, I also recognized how unfortunate it was for these world class talents! If the IPT succeeds in their vision of changing the sport such that players are regularly making six figure salaries I'm sure we as fans will loose some of the treasured intimacy we've enjoyed to this point. It will sure be sad not to see the likes of Keith 'The Earthquake' McCready and Mike Davis show up almost every Wednesday night at Orange Ball in Rockville Md. for a shot at a whopping $150 because they're out making some real money. Best of luck to the players!
I have always felt very fortunate that as a fan of anything that was unfortunately not commercially recognized, I had access to some of the greatest talent in the world on a very small and intimate stage. Is anyone a jazz music fan? I've seen Stan Getz play saxophone in a room of less than 100 people. As a pool fan, I've had the incredible opportunity to shake hands with, chat with, get my picture taken with, played a couple of games with, some of the greatest pool players in the world. Alison Fisher, Steve Mizerak, Earl Strickland, Jose Parica (Have I ever told you the story about how I beat Jose Parica like a drum?), Efren Reyes, Johnny Archer, just to name a few. Recognizing this as something very special, I also recognized how unfortunate it was for these world class talents! If the IPT succeeds in their vision of changing the sport such that players are regularly making six figure salaries I'm sure we as fans will loose some of the treasured intimacy we've enjoyed to this point. It will sure be sad not to see the likes of Keith 'The Earthquake' McCready and Mike Davis show up almost every Wednesday night at Orange Ball in Rockville Md. for a shot at a whopping $150 because they're out making some real money. Best of luck to the players!
Jerry hit it right on the nose. We fans are being selfish. Do we honestly think that the professional pool players themselves care about intimacy and tradition when intimacy and tradition can't feed their families? The IPT is here to revolutionize the sport, such that the players can be capable of obtaining a decent standard of living.Jerry Yost said:
Is it a bummer that there are scheduling conflicts? Yes, i'd hate to see the US Open or the WPC Championships go. But the bottom line is the IPT will be the one controlling the pool market, because it has the money to do so. The players will go wherever the money will take them, cuz that is their profession. The other tours/tournaments can either complain about it and fade away, or they can continue to survive by working around what's dominating the market. That's how capitalism and a free-market economy work, right Calc and chefjeff?
jjinfla said:
Good post. I One thing is clear from the IPT site, KT will not be bullied and he doesn't care if the players play elsewhere. This is the sign of a good businessman and somebody who can succeed. I HOPE KT scedules events against the people who tried to extort sanctioning fees from him. I didn't hope he hurt the US Open, and my guess is that future years will see no conflict between the events. But if the US Open is so prestigious, I am sure the players will forego the IPT and play the US Open and Behrman has nothing to worry about, right? Well, no, the players will go play the IPT, which says a lot more about the failure of the US Open than the "meanness" of the IPT. It is business, get in there and compete. Don't expect your competitor to go out of his way to help you because of some asserted nice guy status.
These are my feelings; I submitted this to the IPT.
I am very disappointed to read that several of the IPT '06 Tournament dates conflict with some established, major, annual events. I am referring mainly to the US Open (Sept) and the Mosconi Cup (Dec). These two events are staples of the professional tournament schedule, and are near and dear to many a fan. It is sad to me that players will be drawn away from playing for the pride of being US Open Champion, or the pride of representing their country/continent in the Mosconi Cup by the large purse that you offer. In my opinion, it is incredibly selfish and unfair that the IPT has scheduled conflicting event dates. Can a group of such vast influence and resources not work around these well-respected, PRE-SCHEDULED tournaments?
I cannot blame the players for pursuing the larger prize fund, but I can justifiably fault the organization that caused them to choose between cash and tradition. This is truly a low-blow to the pool community - players, fans, sponsors and organizers alike.
I have been a strong proponent of the IPT since its inception, but classless business manuvers like this really make me question the good intentions of the organization. To me it appears as if the IPT is trying to usurp these pillars of the sport. I sincerely hope that dates of the IPT events are changed.
I am very disappointed to read that several of the IPT '06 Tournament dates conflict with some established, major, annual events. I am referring mainly to the US Open (Sept) and the Mosconi Cup (Dec). These two events are staples of the professional tournament schedule, and are near and dear to many a fan. It is sad to me that players will be drawn away from playing for the pride of being US Open Champion, or the pride of representing their country/continent in the Mosconi Cup by the large purse that you offer. In my opinion, it is incredibly selfish and unfair that the IPT has scheduled conflicting event dates. Can a group of such vast influence and resources not work around these well-respected, PRE-SCHEDULED tournaments?
I cannot blame the players for pursuing the larger prize fund, but I can justifiably fault the organization that caused them to choose between cash and tradition. This is truly a low-blow to the pool community - players, fans, sponsors and organizers alike.
I have been a strong proponent of the IPT since its inception, but classless business manuvers like this really make me question the good intentions of the organization. To me it appears as if the IPT is trying to usurp these pillars of the sport. I sincerely hope that dates of the IPT events are changed.
JAM said:Speaking about the Filipino contingency, when they competed at the IPT KOTH in Orlando, they were supposed to be in another event in RP. As independents, they can pick and choose where to play.
From their point of view, I guess it's kind of nice that they did come to IPT KOTH, as Efren, Bustie, and Marlon, in that EXACT order, finished in the top four at the $1-million tournament. Mike Sigel didn't look too unhappy when he held his $100,000 check for coming in second.
I remember Francisco Bustamante came out outside to smoke a cigarette after the whole event. He was so very happy, with a stunned look in his eyes, as he told me that winning the $80,000 was the BIGGEST purse he'd ever won in his entire pool-playing career. Keith told me that Johnny Archer said the same thing, as he stuffed his pockets with $50,000.
Granted, my opinions are definitely skewed towards the pool player. Schedule clashes suck, though.
JAM
I thought they were required to be at the IPT event or risk losing their spots? That doesn't sound like they were free to choose.
tradition........
Funny, the IPT was heralded for its' commitment to tradition & the past by giving the HOFers a 'bonus' for playing in the KOH tournament but now that it goes against tradition of the US Open, some of these same people want to hear what the IPT will do to make it right. Excuse me, but the IPT already had the chance to make it right & went right up against the dates of the US Open. If KT couldn't get the venues he wanted for the dates that make sense then maybe he took on something too fast. But, I think that is a lie. The truth is that for TV purposes, his competition is events such as the US Open, the BCA Open & what better way to deal with competition then to open right next to it with the BBD (bigger better deal). If he puts the US Open, etc. out then when it comes time to negotitate his TV contracts, Fox Sports, ESPN will have no other entity to deal with. TV is how KT will get his $$$ back. Period.
Sure an IPT player has the right to play in other events/tours but with fact that only the Top 100 players come back for the next year, which event do you think an IPT player will be at. There might not be an immediate penalty from KT but the long lasting one is obvious. No one is going to jeopardize a year on the IPT for the tradition of the US Open.
I can't stop thinking of KT's last release when he went on & on about how the IPT keeps delivering more than what it says. Yep, it delivered it alright. I am sure more is to come.
Funny, the IPT was heralded for its' commitment to tradition & the past by giving the HOFers a 'bonus' for playing in the KOH tournament but now that it goes against tradition of the US Open, some of these same people want to hear what the IPT will do to make it right. Excuse me, but the IPT already had the chance to make it right & went right up against the dates of the US Open. If KT couldn't get the venues he wanted for the dates that make sense then maybe he took on something too fast. But, I think that is a lie. The truth is that for TV purposes, his competition is events such as the US Open, the BCA Open & what better way to deal with competition then to open right next to it with the BBD (bigger better deal). If he puts the US Open, etc. out then when it comes time to negotitate his TV contracts, Fox Sports, ESPN will have no other entity to deal with. TV is how KT will get his $$$ back. Period.
Sure an IPT player has the right to play in other events/tours but with fact that only the Top 100 players come back for the next year, which event do you think an IPT player will be at. There might not be an immediate penalty from KT but the long lasting one is obvious. No one is going to jeopardize a year on the IPT for the tradition of the US Open.
I can't stop thinking of KT's last release when he went on & on about how the IPT keeps delivering more than what it says. Yep, it delivered it alright. I am sure more is to come.
It defies all logic and rationality that the IPT were not aware of the conflict with the Reno tournament and the US Open. Which leads only to the conclusion they did it on purpose.
What is next? Are they going to try to disrupt the Derby City as well by putting one of their tournaments smack dab in the middle of January?
This scheduling really undermines the IPT's credibility as the future of pool.
What is next? Are they going to try to disrupt the Derby City as well by putting one of their tournaments smack dab in the middle of January?
This scheduling really undermines the IPT's credibility as the future of pool.
pokerhammer
Banned
Microsoft effect?
Have any of you ever heard of Microsoft, Wal-Mart, or any other major corporation? The IPT is just following the model of big business. Microsoft markets and packages all of its software to undercut and out perform its competition. Its just smart business. Wal-Mart had a plan to build right accross the street from every K-Mart and look what its done to K-Mart. They are bankrupt and struggling. I am all for businesses wanting to dominate a market. Thats the american way baby! Business is business and the IPT is no exception. Although I'm not a huge fan of KT, he has obviously done his homework and I'll lay 10 to 1 that these US OPEN conflicting dates are no coincidence.
Have any of you ever heard of Microsoft, Wal-Mart, or any other major corporation? The IPT is just following the model of big business. Microsoft markets and packages all of its software to undercut and out perform its competition. Its just smart business. Wal-Mart had a plan to build right accross the street from every K-Mart and look what its done to K-Mart. They are bankrupt and struggling. I am all for businesses wanting to dominate a market. Thats the american way baby! Business is business and the IPT is no exception. Although I'm not a huge fan of KT, he has obviously done his homework and I'll lay 10 to 1 that these US OPEN conflicting dates are no coincidence.
pokerhammer said:
What about all the players who are not IPT players, if they cause the shut down of tournaments that draw spectators, vendors and players just to benefit a hand full of IPT players, how do you justify that? The benefits of the IPT now appear are just for the IPT and screw all the other players and vendors who would have attended the US. Open and other tournaments that may be canceled. Pool is not big business it is Mickey Mouse at best in the grand scheme of things. To be honest, I don't even know why Barry bothers putting on the US Open he takes a bath it seems every year, maybe this will be the best thing that happened to him it will give him an excuse to pull the plug. So who are the winners and who are the losers in all this when the IPT goes belly up, As it will rest assure?
watchez said:
ok. Thats wierd.
I thought the accusation was a really odd response.
macguy said:
I have to disagree MacGuy. What I think will happen is that all the other tournaments will get better and grow. Without the Pros playing in the local tournaments, and robbing the young guns, the amateurs will come out in droves to hone their games so that they will be able to play in a qualifier and get on the tour.
That is what is happening in the APA. They have tons of people playing there. Same with the BCA.
Pool is on the verge of a major explosion in popularity. And all because of one person. Any idea who that can be?
And at KOH KT sure did make sure that the pros were available to everybody. But of course as their popularity increases the easy access will decline.
I have often admired my ability to be within a few feet of any pro playing in a tournament. Or to talk with him/her in between matches. I do realize that in the future I may lose that ability but it was fun while it lasted. And I feel sorry for the pool players who never took advantage of the opportunity.
But that is the price we will have to pay for their success.
But hang in their MacGuy. It may still be a con game. We have not had the first tournament yet.
As far as scheduling conflicts. There are only 3 time spans per month that are available to the IPT. They do need a 10 day block. On top of the tournamets they also have to schedule time for the qualifiers which is most likely another 4 day span. Get a calendar and try to find dates to put all of that in and also try and find venues with open dates. Unfortunately it is very common to book events at the very minimum a year in advance so the dates fill up fast. I really am surprised that the IPT was even able to get dates for this year. Being able to accomplish that is very impressive and shows the talent behind this organization.
Jake
Purdman said:I heard that!!! You ain't suppose to be calling me names on this forum buddy. Just ask Mr. Wilson if you don't believe me. I got a right to my opinions.
Why do you think I am a sick puppy?
Purdman
Any pup with fleas can't be well. Ergo, sick.
Just yanking your chain Purd. Hope it is not attached to something tender.
Jake
jjinfla said:
It doesn't have to be a con, no matter how you look at it in the end the IPT benefits only a hand full of players and in its wake may lay waste to a lot of other people in it's attempt to be a success. They are not building a public company or spawning an industry that will employ or create thousands of jobs, referring to the silly Microsoft analogy someone else made. At their height they may at best be a pool tour that some outside of the small subculture of the game may take a little notice of and maybe make a few bucks long the way, that's about it. How does trying to ruin other tournaments further their efforts? Can someone please explain this.
In KT's little speech he said he would meet all obstacles and when they came to a river they would cross it or build a bridge. (I am paraphrasing). But anytime something does comes up he makes an excuse why he couldn't do something it is always someone's else's fault, like not being able to get better dates, "I'm sorry that's the best I could do, those mean people wouldn't give me the dates I wanted". Blame it on someone else, typical, what happened to the guy who was going to build bridges and meet all obstacles. Oh, I forgot, this was the same guy who used the excuse he didn't know about the Super Bowl and now didn't know the dates of other tournaments or didn't care. I do have to ask the question again though, what does the IPT gain from wrecking other tournaments?
Anyone else curious why the IPT has not posted their side of the story on THEIR forum on the biggest pool website in the world? Their silence is deafening. We know they're busy but I would think winning the PR battle in the tour's infancy would be on the "to do list". As a pool fan, it's nice to see too many tournements and not enough time as opposed to the dark days when we only had a couple of decent events each year. IPT, where are you? Some of us fence-sitters want to hear both sides.