Lot's of people like to watch auto racing because of the chance of seeing a dramatic crash, people watched Dennis Rodman because there was always the possibility of him doing something crazy, there are people that watch ice hockey because they like the fighting, and so on. The fact is, people are attracted to dramatic and unpredictable events in sports, and it is those events that boost ratings or sell tickets. However, when it comes from the point of view of a true lover of the sport itself, I have to agree that Earl can be an embarrasment to the rest of the pool playing world. Janet Jacksons t*ts on national tv probably did wonders for the ratings, but the sponsors in that situations all pulled out from underneath. I personally think that Janet is worth watching, and would definately increase ratings if she were to appear in future television spots, but even though they could get better ratings, I would bet that most sponsors wouldn't touch her with a stick.
I think Earl is the same way. Sure he's fun to watch, and I bet many non-viewers become viewers as a result of him, thus higher ratings, but in the long run, that's the kind of crap that scares sponsors away.
dave