Mike Panozzo - Billiards Digest

[SpiderWebComm]

I'm always a little behind on my reading, so I just recently paged through Billiard Digest's website and came across Mike Panozzo's last article, which can be found HERE.

Mike's article, entitled "Barry Extraordinary," is either a paid-placement for Matchroom Sport, highly slanted or total baloney.

After my second time reading Mike's article, it reminded me of the famous Internet forum picture:

In reading Mike's article, he's taking a position that in a pool world that's polluted with bad promoters and cancelled events, Matchroom and Barry chugs on like, "The Little Engine Who Could."

I get that Barry runs a nice, successful made-for-TV event and should be commended as such. However, when Mike makes statements like, "How extraordinary it is that the person who has done most for American pool in the last two decades doesn't even live in America. Then again, Barry Hearn is anything but ordinary."

I had to read this about ten times in order to figure out if Mike was dead-serious or if he was just "trolling" in order to get a rise out of everyone. To say that Barry has done more for American pool than anyone else in the last 20 years is so over-the-top ridiculous, it can only leave one speechless.

I'm just going to list a few people that immediately come to mind:

- Allen Hopkins: Has been running his SBE for 22 years now, creating an event that puts tons of money into the pockets of vendors and players alike. Allen has always delivered and players have always been paid. On top of running one of the biggest and most successful pool events in the U.S., he's always fought hard for the players as a whole and has been a past leader of the pro billiard tour. 25 Years ago, Allen went to ESPN and pretty much got pool on TV, originally. At one time, players were going to boycott ESPN and Allen helped to bring peace to most of that.

I've been a long-time reader of Billiards Digest. Come to think of it, I'm pretty sure I've NEVER seen the Super Billiard Expo on their cover ever. Why is that??? To me, that's VERY bizarre.

Maybe BD can comment?

- Matt Braun (Billiards International): Has produced the Skins Game, Trick Shots and the International Challenge of Champions. Together, these events have put well over a $1M into players' pockets since their inception. Each time, players have left with their check and have always been paid. In many cases, BI has even paid for players' expenses just to get to their events. Matt's events have pretty much been THE mainstay for "pool on TV" here in the U.S. for the last 20 years, 100%. Braun and Hopkins have worked hard over the years to constantly improve these events and to take care of players to the highest level possible.


- Mark Griffin: Has been running one of the largest and most successful leagues in the history of the United States, pulling more new players into this sport than almost anyone. In addition to his leagues, Mark has produced some of the most successful events and trade shows our industry has seen. Mark has always delivered what he's promised and paid the players. In regards to "pool technology" -- CSI has also raised the bar in regards to tournament management innovations more than any other entity by far. If you count amateur players, Mark has put a fortune into players' pockets.

- Terry Bell / Larry Hubbart: APA Pool League -- Running the largest league and putting mountains of cash into players' pockets and pulling scores and scores of new players into our sport.

- Mike Howerton / Jerry Forsythe: AZBilliards. AZBilliards has re-defined how we read and learn about pool by leveraging the power of the Internet. Although we think of AZB as a medium for information, we seldom look at it in regards to pumping mountains of cash into players' pockets. If you consider how many local and regional events they've helped to promote as well as the volume of cash changing hands in the WANTED/FOR SALE section, it's a monsterous mountain of cash, volume-wise, over the years.

I could probably go on and on ---- there are tons of individuals who have done far more for American pool over the last 20 years and Barry isn't in the top 3 for SURE.

Therefore, is Mike being serious or is he "trolling?"

The article then continues to rave about how Barry is getting inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame. I'm not saying that Barry isn't in that league for Meritorious Service, but shouldn't Mark or Matt get that honor before Barry (since Allen, Terry and Larry are already in)?

Why doesn't Billiards Digest recognize and support the U.S. promoters and movers/shakers that DO grow U.S. pool and put piles of cash into players' pockets? Why the red carpet treatment for Barry?

I hope BD stops playing "favorites" and puts a little thought into what it writes. Write and cover people and events equally. Otherwise, it makes it appear slanted and heavily biased.

Sorry Mike -- Barry hasn't been the "top dog" in American pool for the last 20 or so years --- not even CLOSE.

 

[JAM]

A little more about the same article: The Other Barry

 

[SpiderWebComm]

A little more about the same article: The Other Barry

I know you think he's cute, but do you think he's done more for American pool than anyone else in the past 20 years? Do you think he deserves to be in the HOF before Matt or Mark?

You always seem to be a USA-FIRST kind of gal, so I'm curious if you've taken notice to the Mt. Everest-like slanting to BD's article?

 

[JAM]

I know you think he's cute, but do you think he's done more for American pool than anyone else in the past 20 years? Do you think he deserves to be in the HOF before Matt or Mark?

It kind of doesn't matter what I -- meaning the pool public -- think about who gets into the BCA's Hall of Fame. Media and industry members are the ones who vote them in, so that's who *they* believe should have gotten in before Matt or Mark.

You always seem to be a USA-FIRST kind of gal, so I'm curious if you've taken notice to the Mt. Everest-like slanting to BD's article?

Mike Panozzo sees things from a different level than you and me. He's leader of the pack when it comes to who gets in the BCA's Hall of Fame. I've learned over the past 12 years since I've been following this so-called "pool industry" that what people like you and me think doesn't mean a damn thing to them. Look at the BCA organization today. It speaks for itself. :frown:

 

[SpiderWebComm]

It kind of doesn't matter what I -- meaning the pool public -- think about who gets into the BCA's Hall of Fame. Media and industry members are the ones who vote them in, so that's who *they* believe should have gotten in before Matt or Mark.



Mike Panozzo sees things from a different level than you and me. He's leader of the pack when it comes to who gets in the BCA's Hall of Fame. I've learned over the past 12 years since I've been following this so-called "pool industry" that what people like you and me think doesn't mean a damn thing to them. Look at the BCA organization today. It speaks for itself. :frown:

Ahhh ... it all makes sense now. Thanks

 

[Roger Long]

You and I don't always agree, Dave (as a matter of fact, we seldom do), but I couldn't agree with you more on this one. To say that Barry Hearn has done more for American pool than the people you listed is, well, more than a little far-fetched.

I also agree with Jennie; the BCA doesn't care what we think.

Roger

 

[BasementDweller]

I've been scratching my head too when it comes to all the love Barry Hearn has been getting on this site.

Yes - we all love the Mosconi Cup. It is a great production and yes Mr. Hearn really knows what he's doing. That's probably why he really doesn't have that much to do with pool. When I heard he was inducted into the Hall of Fame I thought it was more due to the sad state of American pool than it was because he had done so much for it. They have to induct someone I suppose.

Nice post Spidey.

 

[SpiderWebComm]

I've been scratching my head too when it comes to all the love Barry Hearn has been getting on this site.

Yes - we all love the Mosconi Cup. It is a great production and yes Mr. Hearn really knows what he's doing. That's probably why he really doesn't have that much to do with pool. When I heard he was inducted into the Hall of Fame I thought it was more due to the sad state of American pool than it was because he had done so much for it. They have to induct someone I suppose.

Nice post Spidey.

Why not put Mark or Matt in then?

What this really proves is that the BCA is simply irrelevant (nothing new here). Not only are they impotent in regards to real change and leadership, they're clearly either out-of-touch or there's some kind of mutual back-rubbing going on.

It's all good though, in many ways. Just as the BCA doesn't care about how it operates or whether or not the pool population agrees with its policies, the sport could care less about whether or not the BCA is the leader of the pack for our country. Bonus Ball was a good example of what "could" happen, if someone could actually execute (same with the IPT).

For example, if the IPT actually executed and sustained, it would have automatically made the BCA irrelevant and either force the WPA to recognize it as the USA representation to pocket billiards or, more likely, the IPT would have replaced the WPA as well. These 3-letter cryptic organizations have no clue how close to extinction they REALLY are.

As JCIN and Mark say, "Gee.. anyone can own pool for a song, but what would you do with it?" --- That's totally the case. BUT, someone WILL find out how to buy it and know what to do with it in a way that will NOT include the BCA/WPA or other 3-letter BS organizations.

I'm sure when someone successful DOES do something with our sport (and rightly evicts the legacy 3-letter groups that have held pool back all these years), guys like Mike Panozza will likely use his column to knock the shit out of that group or ignore them completely, just as he has with the guys I mentioned in my original post.

 

[allen_jr]

I'm obviously too biased to comment here neutrally, but I appreciate your support for my dad (and everyone else's support as well - and I know he appreciates it)

I have always wondered why the Super Billiards Expo doesn't ever get on the cover of some of the major media magazines. I've been to lots of pool events over, oh, the last several years of my entire life - and few rival the size and depth of the Super Billiards Expo.

Like I said, I'm obviously biased in my opinion.

I could go on and on with my ramblings (as those of you know me know I'm prone to do) but I'm simply gonna keep my thoughts to myself on this. For now at least

 

[SpiderWebComm]

I'm obviously too biased to comment here neutrally, but I appreciate your support for my dad (and everyone else's support as well - and I know he appreciates it)

I have always wondered why the Super Billiards Expo doesn't ever get on the cover of some of the major media magazines. I've been to lots of pool events over, oh, the last several years of my entire life - and few rival the size and depth of the Super Billiards Expo.

Like I said, I'm obviously biased in my opinion.

I could go on and on with my ramblings (as those of you know me know I'm prone to do) but I'm simply gonna keep my thoughts to myself on this. For now at least

It's strange, which is why I made a comment about it. I wish someone from BD would comment on that. It "appears" as if BD is the PR arm of the BCA and maybe just because your dad made a billiard expo of his own, they look the other way in regards to writing about it. As if they're the "sole-source" billiard expo providers in the universe, or something.

Here's to hoping Mike/BD comments: :thumbup:

 

[sjm]

Barry Hearn may have done more for pro pool in the world than anybody alive over the past twenty years and his HOF induction was appropriate on that basis alone. His events have exceptional production vales and their arena set the standard in this industry. He is afine businessman and is to be greatly admired.

Still, Matchroom's reach barely extends to American pool. Matchroom events are televised in Europe and Asia and sometimes aren't even available on a stream in America (see World Pool Masters of about a month ago).

Yes, Matchroom's Mosconi Cup has had some impact on American pool, although it's played on American turf just once every two years, so its visibility is minimal on this side of the Atlantic ocean. It has, at times, motivated US players, but, on the other hand, the criteria for participation seemingly change every year. Only three of the last ten Team USA spots were awarded on competitive performance, and I cringe as I ponder how the next team might be selected.

My guess is that Mike Panozzo's agenda here is political patronage, and that at a moment in which American pro pool is bleeding, he logically feels that showing that American pool respects Barry greatly is well-timed. The thing is, though, that Barry himself knows that he's not the person "who has done most for American pool in the last two decades." In fact, in his HOF speech, he spoke of how little success he has had trying to transact pool-related business in America. Mike and the rest of us would like to have Barry Hearn on board in, and even holding the reins of, American pool. That's why Mike, in my opinion, greatly overstated Barry's impact on American pool.

When it comes to American pool alone, it is comical to compare a Barry Hearn to somebody like Mark Griffin, who has a) managed and overseen the BCAPL and USPL pool leagues, b) produced countless pro events and regularly develops new events, c) has, through CSI, greatly improved the technology for tracking tournament charts, match assignments, match schedules and match results at and away from tournaments and d) along with Justin Collette, developed the TAR product into something very special. Very few Americans have heard of Matchroom or the Mosconi Cup, but lots of them know of the BCAPL, USPL, CSI, and TAR.

... and here's another guy that has contributed more to American pool than Barry Hearn over the past twenty years ----- Mike Panozzo. Yes, count me as a Mike Panozzo fan. He's a very special guy in our industry.

 

[JAM]

I'm obviously too biased to comment here neutrally, but I appreciate your support for my dad (and everyone else's support as well - and I know he appreciates it)

I have always wondered why the Super Billiards Expo doesn't ever get on the cover of some of the major media magazines. I've been to lots of pool events over, oh, the last several years of my entire life - and few rival the size and depth of the Super Billiards Expo.

Like I said, I'm obviously biased in my opinion.

I could go on and on with my ramblings (as those of you know me know I'm prone to do) but I'm simply gonna keep my thoughts to myself on this. For now at least

Your father should have been inducted LONG, LONG before he was finally inducted.

The BCA's industry members may have looked at Allen Sr. as fierce competition to some of their enterprises. It's what I call politics at its finest, but I live in D.C. where politics raising its ugly head is an everyday occurrence. It's not shocking to me, but it is disappointing, to say the least.

There needs to be a new governing body of professional pool in North America. Let the BCA continue on and relinquish their authority to govern pro pool.

Of course print media is going to be loyal to their advertisers, who consist mostly of BCA members. :wink:

 

[JAM]

Barry Hearn may have done more for pro pool in the world than anybody alive over the past twenty years and his HOF induction was appropriate on that basis alone. His events have exceptional production vales and their arena set the standard in this industry. He is afine businessman and is to be greatly admired.

Still, Matchroom's reach barely extends to American pool. Matchroom events are televised in Europe and Asia and sometimes aren't even available on a stream in America (see World Pool Masters of about a month ago).

Yes, Matchroom's Mosconi Cup has had some impact on American pool, although it's played on American turf just once every two years, so its visibility is minimal on this side of the Atlantic ocean. It has, at times, motivated US players, but, on the other hand, the criteria for inclusion seemingly change every year. Only three of the last ten Team USA spots were awarded on competitive performance, and I cringe as I ponder how the next team might be selected.

My guess is that Mike Panozzo's agenda here is political patronage, and that at a moment in which American pro pool is bleeding, he logically feels that showing that American pool respects Barry greatly is well-timed. The thing is, though, that Barry himself knows that he's not the person "who has done most for American pool in the last two decades." In fact, in his HOF speech, he spoke of how little success he has had trying to transact pool-related business in America. Mike and the rest of us would like to have Barry Hearn on board in, and even holding the reins of, American pool. That's why Mike, in my opinion, greatly overstated Barry's impact on American pool.

When it comes to American pool alone, it is comical to compare a Barry Hearn to somebody like Mark Griffin, who has a) managed and overseen the BCAPL and USPL pool leagues, b) produced countless pro events and regularly develops new events, c) has, through CSI, greatly improved the technology for tracking tournament charts, match assignments, match schedules and match results at and away from tournaments and d) along with Justin Collette, developed the TAR product into something very special. Very few Americans have heard of Matchroom or the Mosconi Cup, but lots of them know of the BCAPL, USPL, CSI, and TAR.

... and here's another guy that has contributed more to pool than Barry Hearn over the past twenty years ----- Mike Panozzo.

Your last sentence is the only one that we're in agreement with.

People like to bash the pros a lot on this forum, but I wonder what they'd think of some of those industry members' dirty laundry was examined and analyzed on this forum. Nobody dares to speak about it.

 

[JB Cases]

+1 Excellent post.

It was a ridiculous statement and a very bad faux pas slight to Greg Sullivan, Mark Griffin and Even Barry Behrman. I mean Barry Hearn is a Certified Public Accountant. He came into the business with a professional understanding of how to handle business and had the fortune to become the manager of a young Steve Davis in a game that was already on TV and highly popular. That's like finding a boulder of gold on your land when you are already a professional excavator.

No doubt Barry Hearn has built a solid business on that foundation but to say he has done more for American pool in America is ridiculous. The folks you mentioned and a lot more are the ones who kept pool alive and going, folks like Mike Janis, and the Texas Express group, all the tours and regional events.

Once again you are SPOT ON.

 

[Scott Lee]

Dave...That's the dumbest statement I've ever read. The BCA show is industry only, and always has been...the public can't even get in. Allen's show has always been a consumer show...and in fact was started because there was no "consumer-oriented" pool trade show. His success speaks to the need for such a show. That said, others have tried to copy his formula without success.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

It "appears" as if BD is the PR arm of the BCA and maybe just because your dad made a billiard expo of his own, they look the other way in regards to writing about it. As if they're the "sole-source" billiard expo providers in the universe, or something.

Here's to hoping Mike/BD comments: :thumbup:

 

[chefjeff]

For the record:

There are more than one "done the most" people. Why argue over such things? Let's celebrate them all.

I really like Mike's writings in BD...I read his right after I read George's, the first thing.


Jeff Livingston

 

[Philthepockets]

TV, who else has as many hours?

 

[sjm]

I really like Mike's writings in BD...I read his right after I read George's, the first thing.


Jeff Livingston

Hey, Jeff, hope you're well.

Let me add that Mike is a fantastic Master of Ceremonies. He did a wonderful job running the show at the recent Hall of Fame Dinner.

 

[bfdlad]

I think that Barry Hearn deserved the HOF recognition. I am also biased when it comes to BH as I admire the whole ball of matchroom wax. As far as pool goes the have put pool on TV all over the world and put on fantastic events for a long time. Having said that not sure if he has done more than anyone but for sure done a lot.

I also agree with a number of posters here that there are a number of great people in the sport who should also be recognized. Mark Griffin I think should be in the HOF for sure and although Barry Behrman has had his share of problems over the past few years I think he should also be in there if he isn't already.

Mr Hopkins is in as a player not for service to the sport wonder I anyone is in the HOF for both catagories.

There are a lot of people out there who should be in the HOF in my opinion but back to the topic of the BD article, As much as I respect BH maybe Mike's article maybe went too far in some of things he said although its great to recognize BH and what he can do he probably discounted a few people with his wording. Just my opinion.

 

[SpiderWebComm]

Dave...That's the dumbest statement I've ever read. The BCA show is industry only, and always has been...the public can't even get in. Allen's show has always been a consumer show...and in fact was started because there was no "consumer-oriented" pool trade show. His success speaks to the need for such a show. That said, others have tried to copy his formula without success.

Scott Lee
http://poolknowledge.com

It's not dumb at all --- I believe it's an astute comment. This isn't the topic of this thread, but since you said something, I'd add:

1) Allen was inducted into the HOF WAAAAAY after he should have.

2) BD has never featured the SBE (for reasons unknown) and

3) Allen received "threatening phone calls" when he first started the expo. "You'll be sorry if you start this expo" kind of calls. Not pointing fingers or insinuating the origin, but it did happen.

If you then consider weird anomalies since then, such as:

A) Hop won the World 9-Ball in 1983, beating Keith McCready (I would have died to see this match -- two of my favorite players) and won the Challenge of Champions in 1993. BD has never mentioned these in their "Yesteryear" section this year -- why??

B) In 1977, Allen won the World 14.1 and US Open 9-ball in the SAME year and didn't get Player of the Year.

C) In 1990, Allen won 1/2 pro tour events and beat Kim Davenport in the finals at the expo, and they awarded Player of the Year to Kim Davenport.

Therefore, it's not a stupid statement and it certainly deserves an eyebrow-raise.

Is there a link to 1, 2 and 3 and A, B and C in regards to Allen starting his Expo? I don't know for sure, but it certainly deserves an eyebrow-raise.