It's Earl again!

Earl's Tantrum

Hi Folks,

On another AZ forum a couple of weeks ago I related a short story to another poster. Forgive the repetition.

While playing in the 2003 Reno Open, I was called to a match in front of the stands. As had been his policy, Scott the Shot introduced the players by beginning with "we started with 212 of the world's greatest players". One of the spectators mentioned to a friend that that wasn't possible as Earl wasn't there. Not Earl Strickland, just Earl! He is both part of the show AND the show. I've seen him both at his best and worst. We lived here with Mike Sigel. I guess we're used to "that attitude". When your the best and a fierce competitor, poop happens. Go get'em Earl!!!
 
Just what is it that Earl did that was so terribly offensive?
Let's see - stuck his fingers in his ears when the fans were yelling. To me that sounds like he was playing up to the fans. Egging them on. Getting their goat, so to speak. Letting them have fun at his expense.

Is Earl playing with a Cuetec? If he should overcome all odds and win at Cardif how much would that Cue command on Ebay? How about if Earl signed it and presented it to the winning bidder?

Would Earl part with it?

Jake
 
jjinfla said:


Is Earl playing with a Cuetec? If he should overcome all odds and win at Cardif how much would that Cue command on Ebay? How about if Earl signed it and presented it to the winning bidder?

Would Earl part with it?

Jake
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cuetec is mass produced. it's not like mika and capone. i doubt it would have an affect here in the states because everyone who plays already knows earl uses a cuetec, yet no one i know owns a cuetec, and the pool hall i used to go to had a cue buying clientele.
 
Maybe it is a production model. But it would be THE cue that he used to win. There must be something special about that one. Surely, if I owned it, it would make a Champion out of me too. LOL. But if Cuetec and Earl did get together and list it with profits going to their favorite charity I am sure that Cuetec would get a million dollars worth of publicity out of it. And there are quite a few players around here who do buy the Cuetec cues. The local bar sells them. Which model does Earl play with? Jake
 
It seems like most of you feel that Earl is good for the sport. He's a winner. He has some quirks but what the heck, people like to watch him. He has crowd appeal so let's let him do his thing. To me, this is one of the real problems we have today. There is no sense of right and wrong. No respect or upholding of the rules. Why have rules if we are not going to enforce them just because someone is good? If a new player or a player that is not in the top ten were to behave like Earl has towards his opponent, they would have been shown the door. I don't have to cite incidents because everyone who has been in and around pool knows all about them. All players need to conforrm to the rules of the tournament. The players are not at a tournament to hustle so they shouldn't act like a low-life.

I recently watched a match between Morro Paez and Alex Pagulian at Hardtimes in Sacramento. Both players were perfect gentlemen. They were a pleasure to watch. I prefer to believe these players and players like them are the future of pool. They will hopefully propel this game to greater heights. Players like Earl need to learn to control their behavior or suffer the consequences for a change.
 
Adanac67 said:
You bet. Pool could always use another black eye. Nobody watches it now, so what's the difference? Maybe if we're lucky he'll have another temper tantrum on World Wide television. That would be great for promoting the sport as one to be taken seriously. :rolleyes:
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Ok, i'm biting my tounge on that one, if i didn't i would be kicked off this forum for sure, just one thing though... adanac67... %$^& you, $#%$ you in your ear...

Thanks

Jon

Shut up Dafatman, not even start with me
 
Earls not one of my favorite guys either but he is interesting to watch and his tantrums make his matches more enjoyable to watch. Plus it seems to me he's the only american guy left that actually has a chance at winning the bigger tourneys besides Archer.
 
One last word on Earl. At one of the major tournaments, Earl was playing a young unknown and the kid was shooting lights out. Earl was pissed only because the kid was beating him. Earl started talking to the kid while he was playing saying he was lucky and he's just playing like this because he's playing a great player. Buddy Hall, Tony Ellin and several other pros heard Earl and they went to the tournament director and told him that Earl should be kicked out of the tournament. Do you all really want top players to act like that? If the tournament director had the will to do as the other players suggested, Earl would probably figure out that he cannot act like that anymore. Earl only acts the way he does because he gets away with it. All I'm saying is that he shouldn't be allowed to get away with it. The rules at that tournament were clear, when your opponent is shooting, you are suppose to shut up and sit down PERIOD!!! Maybe if everyone had to do that, pool could become a better sport.

When Keith is playing and talking while he's playing, as far as I know, that's okay. I'm not trying to take all the drama out of this game. I just think the rules should be enforced consistently. Look at what happened with Sammy Sosa and the cork bat. He paid a price. I'll bet he doesn't ever have a cork bat in a game again, what do you want to bet?
 
I have a quick question. For those of you who are American (and yes, I'm American), how many of you would put up with Earl's BS if he were Japanese? Or German? Or Filipino? Or Chinese? Or Mexican? It seems to me that most of the pro-Earl sentiment comes from Americans. Should we excuse his behavior simply because he's from North Carolina? I'm not expecting an answer to this, because it would just be an admission of hypocrisy on the part of those who choose to blind themselves to Earl's antics. There is no justification for his behavior, no matter how hard you try. In fact, I've asked Earl about his behavior, and he told me that he simply cannot help himself. He can't even justify his own behavior to himself, why should others try to do it for him? Earl was one of the reasons the CPBT shut down. He's one of the reasons men's pool is not shown on TV that much. He's one of the reasons corporate sponsors want nothing to do with men's pool. Would you want somebody who tells a referee to shut up to represent your product? Earl is a great player, but why is he not in the Hall of Fame? Because of his behavior. Lots of other players hate him. Lots of fans hate him. How can everybody be wrong except Earl?

djb
 
DoomCue said:
I have a quick question. For those of you who are American (and yes, I'm American), how many of you would put up with Earl's BS if he were Japanese? Or German? Or Filipino? Or Chinese? Or Mexican? It seems to me that most of the pro-Earl sentiment comes from Americans. Should we excuse his behavior simply because he's from North Carolina? I'm not expecting an answer to this, because it would just be an admission of hypocrisy on the part of those who choose to blind themselves to Earl's antics. There is no justification for his behavior, no matter how hard you try. In fact, I've asked Earl about his behavior, and he told me that he simply cannot help himself. He can't even justify his own behavior to himself, why should others try to do it for him? Earl was one of the reasons the CPBT shut down. He's one of the reasons men's pool is not shown on TV that much. He's one of the reasons corporate sponsors want nothing to do with men's pool. Would you want somebody who tells a referee to shut up to represent your product? Earl is a great player, but why is he not in the Hall of Fame? Because of his behavior. Lots of other players hate him. Lots of fans hate him. How can everybody be wrong except Earl?


djb
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Great points DC. One prominent pool instructor told me one time, if there were a dozen Efren Reyes, there will be a million dollar tour. Not just because Efren is a great player, but because he never complains, is a great sportsman and is very accomodating.
How people can justify a player who screams on top of his lungs during a match is beyond me. If a golf player did that, he'd be suspended.
Is sportmanship that hard to learn?
I don't think so.
 
When the refs call a foul on Michael Jordan and he got in their face to say a few choice words, did everyone say negative things about Mike? NO!! On the frontline of a football game and someone is barking remarks at the quarter back, is he frowned upon or called bad names? NO!! That's just the nature of the beast! Like it or leave it!

Zim
 
Zims Rack said:
When the refs call a foul on Michael Jordan and he got in their face to say a few choice words, did everyone say negative things about Mike? NO!! On the frontline of a football game and someone is barking remarks at the quarter back, is he frowned upon or called bad names? NO!! That's just the nature of the beast! Like it or leave it!

Zim
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Was MJ habitual in his behavior? Did he constantly bark at referees? Did he constantly get into arguments with Bulls/Wizards fans? Did he ever threaten another player? Did you hear him bitch about the humidity in an arena? Or the slickness of the floor? Perhaps the rim wasn't EXACTLY the right size, did he ever suggest somebody look into it, that's why he missed some jumpers? If he had, people would say the same things about him as they do about Earl. You can't compare Mike and Earl - you can't compare an isolated incident with a lifetime of behavior.

Your football comparison is apples to oranges - football is by nature a confrontational and violent sport, while pool is not. Barking at the quarterback is accepted because the defense is looking to take his head off. In pool, you play the TABLE, not the opponent, so ire should be directed there, not in the opponent's direction.

I was never more ashamed of being a pool player than I was at the 2000 US Open, where Earl won his record 5th title. Not only did he bark at fans, he intimidated his opponent (Takeshi Okumura) into submission by pointing his cue directly into Okumura's face and yelling at him. Okumura, who had played a wonderful tournament up to this point, simply faded away after that. The reason I was ashamed was because fans were cheering Earl! I don't know if they were cheering him because they wanted to see that kind of behavior, or if they just wanted to see an American terrorize a Japanese. I pray it was the former, because the latter would make me ashamed not only to be a pool player, but also to be an American.

I've seen Earl play many times in person, and there's always an incident. He's a habitual offender who has never had to suffer the consequence of his actions. In fact, he's rewarded by people kissing his ass, which just perpetuates his behavior. If it were anybody but Earl, this topic wouldn't even have presented itself. Is he supposed to be above reproach simply because he's a great player? Do rules and morality not apply to him? If we were talking about Charlie Williams committing these acts, people from this forum would want to lynch him. Why is the attitude different because it's Earl?

djb
 
So you think that is what Earl meant when he said"I'm one of the natural characters of Pool" ? Is that what it's called now ? Being a character? Sound's like being a poor sport to me.

I'm from North Carolina also but fair is fair and I won't side with Earl because he's from N.C. Aren't the pro's supposed to knwo the rules and if a jump cue is allowed what the hell is he b*&^%^** about?

When you are a professional sports figure you are held to a higher standard !!!!!!!!!! Period.
 
If fans "appear" to be behind Earl and cheering him on, then maybe that's what pool needs to grow! Maybe we need to be able to heckle our opponents, to a point during a match, but not during a stroke! Maybe we need a "Happy Gilmore" of pool! Someone who the crowd loves and will travel and pay to see. If pool hasn't hit the big time yet, don't you think something has been going on that just isn't working and it's time for a change! I'll be honest, I've never watched Earl live, nor have I met him in person, but I read and keep up with most things in our cueing sport! I've traveled and played in many different countries over the past 4 years and I can see what others are doing to promote and what we (US) is doing to promote, and to be honest with you...I think our Billiard structure needs a makeover (a small one, but still needs one)!!!

Zim
 
Zims Rack said:
If fans "appear" to be behind Earl and cheering him on, then maybe that's what pool needs to grow! Maybe we need to be able to heckle our opponents, to a point during a match, but not during a stroke! Maybe we need a "Happy Gilmore" of pool! Someone who the crowd loves and will travel and pay to see. If pool hasn't hit the big time yet, don't you think something has been going on that just isn't working and it's time for a change! I'll be honest, I've never watched Earl live, nor have I met him in person, but I read and keep up with most things in our cueing sport! I've traveled and played in many different countries over the past 4 years and I can see what others are doing to promote and what we (US) is doing to promote, and to be honest with you...I think our Billiard structure needs a makeover (a small one, but still needs one)!!!

Zim
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Zim, the WPC is the biggest pool event of the year. Isn't that a great place to showcase the pool players and pool ? Don't you think EVERY player who is lucky enough to participate in this event should conduct himself in a professional manner?
Since you have never seen Earl play live, you really have no idea how he behaves and why people heckle him.
Earl was suspended one time by the defunct Pro Billiards Tour for getting it on with the audience.
 
Zims Rack said:
If fans "appear" to be behind Earl and cheering him on, then maybe that's what pool needs to grow! Maybe we need to be able to heckle our opponents, to a point during a match, but not during a stroke! Maybe we need a "Happy Gilmore" of pool! Someone who the crowd loves and will travel and pay to see. If pool hasn't hit the big time yet, don't you think something has been going on that just isn't working and it's time for a change! I'll be honest, I've never watched Earl live, nor have I met him in person, but I read and keep up with most things in our cueing sport! I've traveled and played in many different countries over the past 4 years and I can see what others are doing to promote and what we (US) is doing to promote, and to be honest with you...I think our Billiard structure needs a makeover (a small one, but still needs one)!!!

Zim
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The only thing wrong with this statement is that it would appear that Earl is a new comer offering a breathe of fresh air. I have to admit that I do enjoy watching him play but he has been around a long time and what he is doing must not be working to promote the game any further. He does crack me up though.

Dave
 
If he's that bad, then why is he still allowed to play in the major tournaments? Why hasn't he been banned? Perhaps because he brings the fans in, which in turn makes $$$$!!!

Zim
 
Zims Rack said:
If he's that bad, then why is he still allowed to play in the major tournaments? Why hasn't he been banned? Perhaps because he brings the fans in, which in turn makes $$$$!!!

Zim
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There is no governing body for pool.
Does Earl bring in the fans? I doubt it.
I saw the Legends of 9-ball twice. Both sold out without him.
I saw the World 8-ball twice at the Riviera in Vegas. Both events sold out the semis and the finals.
If you want to know who people come to watch, you can go to the tournes and you will notice which player draws the most crowd since seating is not assigned.
If there was ONE governing body for pool, I'm pretty sure, he'd get a fine or suspension here and there.
 
Zims Rack said:
If fans "appear" to be behind Earl and cheering him on, then maybe that's what pool needs to grow! Maybe we need to be able to heckle our opponents, to a point during a match, but not during a stroke! Maybe we need a "Happy Gilmore" of pool! Someone who the crowd loves and will travel and pay to see. If pool hasn't hit the big time yet, don't you think something has been going on that just isn't working and it's time for a change! I'll be honest, I've never watched Earl live, nor have I met him in person, but I read and keep up with most things in our cueing sport! I've traveled and played in many different countries over the past 4 years and I can see what others are doing to promote and what we (US) is doing to promote, and to be honest with you...I think our Billiard structure needs a makeover (a small one, but still needs one)!!!

Zim
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Pool absolutely needs to be marketed in a manner which will promote the game and the players. In fact, promotion of the players is far more important than promotion of the game itself. Casual fans don't watch for the love of the respective game, they want to see the players. People don't watch basketball for the sake of watching basketball, they want to see Shaq, Kobe, Iverson, etc. People don't watch baseball for the sake of watching baseball, they want to see A-Rod and Bonds hit homers, or Glavine lose to the Braves, or Ichiro run down fly balls and throw guys out at home plate. Unfortunately, Earl and his famous attitude make if very hard to generate interest from corporate sponsors, which is what pool needs in order to grow. If you were General Mills, would you want Earl on a Wheaties box? What would that say about your "Breakfast of Champions?" Wouldn't that legitimize further erosion of respect in our society by making his type of behavior acceptable?

You said, "If pool hasn't hit the big time yet, don't you think something has been going on that just isn't working and it's time for a change!" That's absolutely true, and Earl's attitude is one of those things which needs to change. He's a detriment to the game itself because his antics make it impossible to market pool to sponsors. As long as he has an impact on the game, and as long as he can run amok with no consequences, pool will continue in obscurity in the States. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame just Earl for pool's woes, but he is a big reason for them.

Finally, you really need to see Earl in person in order to form an opinion. I defy anybody to watch Earl with an open mind and not come away feeling sheepish after seeing him pull off one of his bone-head moves. And all that being said, Earl really is not that bad away from the table. He's warm, funny, and intelligent. He's a true Jekyll-and-Hyde, though, and his Hyde personality comes to the forefront far too often.
 
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