Is Earl Good for the Game?
- Thread starter recoveryjones
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lukeinva
Banned
Earl is the bad boy of pool! Just like Allen Iverson is in basketball or any other person you love to hate!!
You watch him to see what he is going to do next you hope it is something bad just so you can blast him later on this and other forums! But everyone loves to see it!! He is GREAT for the game!! Everyone who loves pool loves to watch him play not only because he is a great player but because of what he might do or say!!
On another note I think they should take away the mic's from the commentators and just mic the players to hear what they are saying I think that would be way more interesting then listening to mitch laurence ramble on about nothing!!
You watch him to see what he is going to do next you hope it is something bad just so you can blast him later on this and other forums! But everyone loves to see it!! He is GREAT for the game!! Everyone who loves pool loves to watch him play not only because he is a great player but because of what he might do or say!!
On another note I think they should take away the mic's from the commentators and just mic the players to hear what they are saying I think that would be way more interesting then listening to mitch laurence ramble on about nothing!!
Archer no good????
Have you lost your mind??? Johnny, not good for the game??? This is crazy.
I do agree that Earl is great for the game, one of the all time best. His behavior is not is unique and it has become part of the game itself. We can deal with it. But people like Johnny Archer are even better, long term, for the game. I'll tell you why.
You know the old story, that bowling has passed billiards by, due to the 'bad' reputation of pool players. No major company is going to put advertising dollars into a sport that seems to be loaded with criminals. The new pool player needs to be respected like any other sport and in order to be respected they need to be good solid citizens, like Johnny. It is critical for the growth of the sport!! Johnny is a great man, handles himself as a professional and has brought the overall level of the sport up a few notches by being the type of leader we need.
Sorry he bores you so much.
undefined
Have you lost your mind??? Johnny, not good for the game??? This is crazy.
I do agree that Earl is great for the game, one of the all time best. His behavior is not is unique and it has become part of the game itself. We can deal with it. But people like Johnny Archer are even better, long term, for the game. I'll tell you why.
You know the old story, that bowling has passed billiards by, due to the 'bad' reputation of pool players. No major company is going to put advertising dollars into a sport that seems to be loaded with criminals. The new pool player needs to be respected like any other sport and in order to be respected they need to be good solid citizens, like Johnny. It is critical for the growth of the sport!! Johnny is a great man, handles himself as a professional and has brought the overall level of the sport up a few notches by being the type of leader we need.
Sorry he bores you so much.
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Celtic said:
Is the Game Good for Earl?
Turning the question around, is the game good for Earl? Not in these times. Some might say, then, well, why does he continue if the game ain't no good.
Good question. Here's a player with expertise in every facet of the game, with many championship titles under his belt. That and a quarter won't even buy you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
If you compare Earl and Johnny Archer, as another example, to other champions in their chosen field, the pool players pale by comparison. There is one school of thought that the players themselves don't do anything to advance the sport/game, but in the cases of these two gentlemen, nothing could be further from the truth.
You see, it's not the players that are thwarting the progress, in the United States at least. To date, this is an industry-driven sport, with monies coming from one entity, and if you think it's the pool players who are getting rich, you are, indeed, mistaken, with low tournament payouts and no salaries.
If I were a mathematician, I'd draw up a pie chart of where the pool monies flow. I think the pool players' slice would look like a little teeny weeny sliver compared to others in the industry. Some folks are getting fat, but, in reality, they are the same bunch who are investing the most, so why shouldn't they enjoy the bigger slice of the pie? I've said it before and I'll say it again: everybody is chewing on the same pool bone, with not much meat on it.
When it's all said and done, the pool players of today make far less than those of Allen Hopkins' era, as an example. Hopkins, a champion player in his own right, had the good sense to leave the playing field many years ago. He figured out a way to earn a living and continue to enjoy his strong passion for the game. He is creative, innovative, knowledgeable, and good businessman. Is Allen Hopkins good for pool? Yes. Thankfully, the Allen Hopkins machine is an independent which continues to contribute in a big way to the sport/game, sans all the political inequities of organizational entities.
Do I see things changing for the better? I think so. It is a much different environment in today's tournament-inclined world. The bulk of the monies come from league players and social shooters, some of which have never even heard of "Earl Strickland." It's no secret that the pro events are no money-makers; in fact, the promoters are lucky to break even in pro-only tournaments.
In sum, Earl Strickland is definitely good for the game, but sadly, in the year 2005, the game ain't no good for Earl. Younger players like Danny Basavich and Alex Paguylayan may have something to look forward to down the road. Pool is growing in popularity internationally, and America is a very transient country. It may be only a matter of time before pool fever hits our shores, and I do remain optimistic. Because of history repeating itself as it pertains to pool in the U.S., the sport/game has made no progress, and I believe greed on the part of a select few is the real culprit.
Hopefully, the professional lot of pool players will continue to thrive on their little teeny weeny sliver of the pool pie, but I don't think the players themelves can EFFECT a change for the better when they're struggling to keep their heads above water. JMHO, FWIW!
JAM
Turning the question around, is the game good for Earl? Not in these times. Some might say, then, well, why does he continue if the game ain't no good.
Good question. Here's a player with expertise in every facet of the game, with many championship titles under his belt. That and a quarter won't even buy you a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
If you compare Earl and Johnny Archer, as another example, to other champions in their chosen field, the pool players pale by comparison. There is one school of thought that the players themselves don't do anything to advance the sport/game, but in the cases of these two gentlemen, nothing could be further from the truth.
You see, it's not the players that are thwarting the progress, in the United States at least. To date, this is an industry-driven sport, with monies coming from one entity, and if you think it's the pool players who are getting rich, you are, indeed, mistaken, with low tournament payouts and no salaries.
If I were a mathematician, I'd draw up a pie chart of where the pool monies flow. I think the pool players' slice would look like a little teeny weeny sliver compared to others in the industry. Some folks are getting fat, but, in reality, they are the same bunch who are investing the most, so why shouldn't they enjoy the bigger slice of the pie? I've said it before and I'll say it again: everybody is chewing on the same pool bone, with not much meat on it.
When it's all said and done, the pool players of today make far less than those of Allen Hopkins' era, as an example. Hopkins, a champion player in his own right, had the good sense to leave the playing field many years ago. He figured out a way to earn a living and continue to enjoy his strong passion for the game. He is creative, innovative, knowledgeable, and good businessman. Is Allen Hopkins good for pool? Yes. Thankfully, the Allen Hopkins machine is an independent which continues to contribute in a big way to the sport/game, sans all the political inequities of organizational entities.
Do I see things changing for the better? I think so. It is a much different environment in today's tournament-inclined world. The bulk of the monies come from league players and social shooters, some of which have never even heard of "Earl Strickland." It's no secret that the pro events are no money-makers; in fact, the promoters are lucky to break even in pro-only tournaments.
In sum, Earl Strickland is definitely good for the game, but sadly, in the year 2005, the game ain't no good for Earl. Younger players like Danny Basavich and Alex Paguylayan may have something to look forward to down the road. Pool is growing in popularity internationally, and America is a very transient country. It may be only a matter of time before pool fever hits our shores, and I do remain optimistic. Because of history repeating itself as it pertains to pool in the U.S., the sport/game has made no progress, and I believe greed on the part of a select few is the real culprit.
Hopefully, the professional lot of pool players will continue to thrive on their little teeny weeny sliver of the pool pie, but I don't think the players themelves can EFFECT a change for the better when they're struggling to keep their heads above water. JMHO, FWIW!
JAM
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Earl? Earl Strickland? The man who should have received every HOF vote? The man who the industry snubbed by not voting him in? Evidently the people who could have gained the most don't appreciate him.
If every player could draw fans like Earl does they would be playing to packed houses at every tournament.
Earl is what the fans want. Which is evidenced by the fans watching when he plays. Yet the industry snubs him. And the UPA, instead of welcoming him with open arms, chases him away.
Idiots. The world of pool is filled with idiots.
Jake
If every player could draw fans like Earl does they would be playing to packed houses at every tournament.
Earl is what the fans want. Which is evidenced by the fans watching when he plays. Yet the industry snubs him. And the UPA, instead of welcoming him with open arms, chases him away.
Idiots. The world of pool is filled with idiots.
Jake
I think that Earl is the worst example of a pool player that the public could ever see and that if it were possible he should be banned from public exhibitions. His behavior is absolutely untolerable and inexcusable.
I think that how we treat others is of paramount importance in life and consequently in sport and it's interesting that this value has become almost completely absent from the value systems of many people. This is evidenced by the opinions experessed in this thread where Earl's "value" to pool is based almost entirely on his proficiency and/or shock value. It appears that our society holds in disdain and sees as a sign of weakness any suggestion that we ought to be gentalmanly, polite or have integrity, and that we have come closer to the level of more base animals where we value being tough above being civilized beings who value becoming better people with each generation.
It appears we are now almost completely willing to excuse rude and even violent behavior as long as it is profitable and/or enables someone to "win". The rules of the jungle are taking over..... maybe have taken over, to the extent that a truly "kinder and gentler" society is not only an impossibility but is laughed at by most. I truly believe that the United States is becoming more barbaric, as opposed to more civilized, and that Earl's behavior and our tendancy to not only accept it but to actually endorse it, is a clear sign that pool, and our world, is in trouble.
I will not again, after watching his "performance" in St. Charles last fall, watch an Earl Strickland match. If I were to be attending a tournament I'd leave the area while he played.
His behavior should not be tolerated. Standards for minimum politeness should prohibit him from being as incredibly rude as he is. There is NO excuse and his behavior is intolerable. Were I a tournament promoter I would do everything I could to keep him from participating or even attending my tournament and I would quickly move to disqualify him were he to act up in the manner described in the opening post of this thread.
I think that how we treat others is of paramount importance in life and consequently in sport and it's interesting that this value has become almost completely absent from the value systems of many people. This is evidenced by the opinions experessed in this thread where Earl's "value" to pool is based almost entirely on his proficiency and/or shock value. It appears that our society holds in disdain and sees as a sign of weakness any suggestion that we ought to be gentalmanly, polite or have integrity, and that we have come closer to the level of more base animals where we value being tough above being civilized beings who value becoming better people with each generation.
It appears we are now almost completely willing to excuse rude and even violent behavior as long as it is profitable and/or enables someone to "win". The rules of the jungle are taking over..... maybe have taken over, to the extent that a truly "kinder and gentler" society is not only an impossibility but is laughed at by most. I truly believe that the United States is becoming more barbaric, as opposed to more civilized, and that Earl's behavior and our tendancy to not only accept it but to actually endorse it, is a clear sign that pool, and our world, is in trouble.
I will not again, after watching his "performance" in St. Charles last fall, watch an Earl Strickland match. If I were to be attending a tournament I'd leave the area while he played.
His behavior should not be tolerated. Standards for minimum politeness should prohibit him from being as incredibly rude as he is. There is NO excuse and his behavior is intolerable. Were I a tournament promoter I would do everything I could to keep him from participating or even attending my tournament and I would quickly move to disqualify him were he to act up in the manner described in the opening post of this thread.
S
spartan
Guest
Earl is actually a nice guy off the table. He plays with so much intensity and desire it brings out the worst in him. He has always been nice to me and I think he is the greatest 9 ball player of this generation. Earl is nothing but great for pool.
Most of us agree that Earl definitely belongs in the hall of fame, and many of us, myself included, have taken note of some of his less admirable qualities, too.
I'd like to take note of one of the things Earl does that I like a lot. At major events, whether he's playing, socializing, sweating matches, or even already eliminated, he always dresses impeccably when in the tournament venue. I feel this makes a very nice imporession, and I wish more players would follow his lead, for, on average, this is an area where pool players have come up short.
Count me among those who feel that the credibility and integrity of the BCA Hall of Fame system will remain in question until the day that Earl is inducted.
I'd like to take note of one of the things Earl does that I like a lot. At major events, whether he's playing, socializing, sweating matches, or even already eliminated, he always dresses impeccably when in the tournament venue. I feel this makes a very nice imporession, and I wish more players would follow his lead, for, on average, this is an area where pool players have come up short.
Count me among those who feel that the credibility and integrity of the BCA Hall of Fame system will remain in question until the day that Earl is inducted.
vagabond said:
That's giving Earl a free pass. If you don't think he's an instigator, how do you feel about when he goes after the crowd? I was at a tournament where Earl made a shot he was proud of, but nobody applauded. He turned around to the crowd and asked "Didn't anyone here think that was a good shot?" Unprovoked and uncalled for rudeness.
Even when he's not the instigator, his fuse is ridiculously short. Let's not twist the facts here, they guy is a loose cannon.
Nonetheless, like so many others, I love to watch him. Great player, great entertainer, great charisma. Quite probably the best nineballer ever.
vagabond said:
I have never seen Earl NOT be the instigator.He always starts gesturing or talking to the crowd and his opponent til he gets an answer he doesnt like-then the glares start and more talk as i am cringing in my seat. I even got the glare myself one time when i dared to shake out some tic-tacs during a COMMERCIAL BREAK at the WPC.
I heard he behaved at one tournament about 6 months ago and Earl said it was a result of 'medication' his DR had given him. Maybe he has stopped taking it.
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JrockJustin said:
An interesting thing about Earl and Ty Cobb, both
players of the highest order, both southern, both
with a similar personality and extreme desire to
win and get this...Ty Cobb died within a month of
Earl being born...perhaps Cobb was reborn as Earl!
And yes, Earl is great for the game.
I think Earl is good for the sport. Any player that won the US Open 5 times has got to be good for the sport. One thing I don't understand, though, is if he is so insulting to other players, why hasn't someone lashed back at Earl? My opinion is that if you don't demand some respect for yourself, you don't deserve getting any. I've watched Earl be rude to people and they just take it and don't say anything. If you're going to be a door mat, you gotta expect that someone is going to wipe their feet all over you.
Gee I wonder what would happen if Earl threw his cue stick at someone like baseball players throw their bats. Or pitchers put the ball in the batter's ear the next time he bats after hitting a home run or the second baseman will put it in the runners face if he doesn't slide half way to 2nd to get out of the way. That's pro sports gang. They all know the little tricks.
I watched Earl play Rob Saez and Rob was checking every rack making Earl re-rack several times. Finally Earl just told Rob to rack. Next match Earl plays Rodney Morris and Earl checks the rack one time and Rodney jumps up toward Earl in a very menacing manner and says what's this crap. Earl backed off and didn't check the rack again. Had Rodney come at me like that, with that look on his face, I would still be running. But it is always Earl who is the bad guy. Sure Earl talks to the crowd, it's part of his schtick. You guys aren't really that thin skinned that a couple words are going to upset you are you? Hell, little league baseball and football and basketball fans all rip each other up every day.
Jake
I watched Earl play Rob Saez and Rob was checking every rack making Earl re-rack several times. Finally Earl just told Rob to rack. Next match Earl plays Rodney Morris and Earl checks the rack one time and Rodney jumps up toward Earl in a very menacing manner and says what's this crap. Earl backed off and didn't check the rack again. Had Rodney come at me like that, with that look on his face, I would still be running. But it is always Earl who is the bad guy. Sure Earl talks to the crowd, it's part of his schtick. You guys aren't really that thin skinned that a couple words are going to upset you are you? Hell, little league baseball and football and basketball fans all rip each other up every day.
Jake
sjm said:
I am not even sure if they did include Earl that I would feel any better about the organization. They have already shown by his glaring ommision that they are a corrupt and dishonest organization that should not in fact be seen as the "true" Hall of Fame for this sport.
We should start our own Hall of Fame on AZBilliards. We have a massive membership that could vote in a person or two each year based on a poll. Initially we could vote in a person each month or so to build the membership of those people like Mosconi and the like who are obvious inclusions. Use threads to see who people want in the 5 options. Maybe if it is possible we could make a 10 player poll with the ability for each person to vote for 5 of the players and then the top 5 of the 10 are voted in as members after the month
Once we have a proper membership which includes the obvious legends of the game we can then drop back to yearly votes with one or two additions each year.
The only condition I would like to see is the player needs to be 45+ years old (or deceased) in order to be eligible. No reason to vote in young players, recognition is best done in the later part of a players carreer when we know what that player accomplished.
MaddCapp
New member
He's definitely no Jordon or Tiger. Pope, maybe
Would be more like asking if MacEnroe was good for tennis.
I'm a firm believer that trash-talk and attitude have place in every sport, but at the same time - there's a fine line between being a good trash talker and just an @$$.
Earl's assmanship might cross the line sometimes - but if you're at the table, you've gotta step up. Either put it back in your opponents face or (as Rickw said) be ready for people to walk all over you.
Sure he's good for the game. If he pulled that trash with me I think I'd laugh at him.
Would be more like asking if MacEnroe was good for tennis.
I'm a firm believer that trash-talk and attitude have place in every sport, but at the same time - there's a fine line between being a good trash talker and just an @$$.
Earl's assmanship might cross the line sometimes - but if you're at the table, you've gotta step up. Either put it back in your opponents face or (as Rickw said) be ready for people to walk all over you.
Sure he's good for the game. If he pulled that trash with me I think I'd laugh at him.
sjm said:
Howdy SJM,
I am not giving a free pass for him and I am not intending to twist the facts either.It is some one in the crowd that has been rude to him most of the times.He is very sensitive to those comments and some times he over reacts.In those situations he may not come across as a Southern Gentleman but in private he is all right.
cheers
Vagabond