After reading almost this entire thread, I have come to several conclusions that I believe are true:
1. John Schmidt is generally thought of as a good guy, a great pool player, and someone who is good for the game of pool.
Agreed
2. Mike Janis is a reputable tournament director who works very hard to promote the game and provide a great environment for pool players to compete and earn money.
Agreed
3. John Schmidt was not aware that he could withdrawl his name from the Players Auction. Though that is not a legitimate excuse, it is something to be considered.
I don't agree with this for several reasons. 1). I've played in a couple of MJ's events and he always announces that you can opt out so I don't believe JS didn't know what I do think is 2). He originally had no intention of playing golf when the tournament started so opting out wasn't considered during the player auction, the golf match was a spur of the moment kind of thing. 3). A player who considers himself to be or aspires to be a professional would play his matches in any tournament he enters for reasons that have nothing to do with a player auction. I don't think anyone can argue this.
4. Mike Janis is trying to uphold the integrity of the Viking Tour and there are times that he needs to make decisions that will be difficult for one particular player but will benefit and sustain the tour overall.
Agreed
5. Mike Janis warned John Schmidt that it would not be prudent to skip out on the match to play golf.
Agreed
6. John Schmidt contends that it is his right to not participate in a match if he decides that it is not in his best interest.
While it may be true that he can't be forced to play his matches I don't agree that this is how a "professional" should act. Lets remember, this was not an emergency situation for JS. No illness or family things that would warrant not showing for a match in a "professional" tournament.
After looking at these points and thinking about this particular situation, I think John and Mike should talk in person or on the telephone and come to a reasonable compromise. While I'm sure that Mike and others were very upset when this event occurred, some time has passed and it really is easy to see both sides of the story. I would encourage Mike and John to work this out because, as I've stated before, there are too many goofballs in this sport, and it would be a shame to have a rift between two decent, dedicated pool enthusiasts.
I couldn't agree more, they should be able to work this out between themselves.
For John:
I think it is your decision to participate or not participate in any match where you have put up your own money to enter the tournament. I think your idea to not be involved in player's auctions in the future will solve the problem mentioned in this thread. Like you said before, it's not even a good deal for a player of your caliber since you go for such a high price anyway.
For Mike:
I completely understand your feelings and the need to establish and enforce rules on your tour. In this case, I suggest that you consider the fact that John was not aware that he could opt out of the player's auction before the event. I know you feel a certain responsibility to John's buyer, but I think an explanation of the things that came out of this thread may help to alleviate his contempt. While you did warn John about not skipping his match, I'm sure John felt like he had a right to skip his match if it was in his best interest. I believe John Schmidt when he says that he was unaware that he could opt out of the players auction and I think that needs to be considered.
I think this is something that the both of you can come to some resolution on because the alternative is the Viking Tour losing a great player and someone that will draw crowds and John Schmidt losing one of the few available money earning opportunities in this country.
So, although it's not my place, I will recommend one course of action...
Mike, my understanding is that you believe that John should pay the buyer the $400. From knowing a lot of professional players, I have come to undertand that $400 is not merely $400, but entry fee and two nights motel for their next tournament. So I can understand that most pros would not want to give up $400 for what they believe is nothing in return.
My Recommendation
I am assuming that the buyer of John Schmidt probably isn't as skilled as him but could possibly be as passionate about the game. The next Viking Tour, allow John to participate and exclude himself from the players auction. John, who I'm sure wants to clear his name from this episode with AZers and the buyer, agrees to dedicate four hours over the course of the weekend to the buyer for lessons or "free play". If the buyer is not interested in the lessons or the "free play", perhaps John could autograph some memorabilia and find some sponsor (assuming he has one) to donate a cue or a case.
I think this is a reasonable compromise to this situation and I am curious if John and Mike would be open to it. Remember, there is a mutual benefit to the both of you continuing your association. Think on these things.
(FTR, southpaw has 30 posts. All but 6 are in a lets bash JS thread. What does that tell ya? 
