Skirt required???Not sure what the point is for the other guys to be there with pom-poms in hand.
Mosconi Cup Unpicked Players Bail Out
- Thread starter elvicash
- Start date
Starting this thread without all of the facts, and right before the cup is nothing more than spreading miserable negativity. This thread is cancerous.
IF you really feel this topic needs to be discussed (not)...., after the cup might have been much more appropriate, IMHO.
We're not talking about an all-star team of people chosen from a group of highly paid athletes here...., Some of these guys have full time jobs, and if not actually playing in the cup they may need to save their time off for opportunities at bigger pool paydays.
In the even bigger picture, none of this is any of our business. We have our Mosconi Cup teams. Support your side and cheer the f--- up.
IF you really feel this topic needs to be discussed (not)...., after the cup might have been much more appropriate, IMHO.
We're not talking about an all-star team of people chosen from a group of highly paid athletes here...., Some of these guys have full time jobs, and if not actually playing in the cup they may need to save their time off for opportunities at bigger pool paydays.
In the even bigger picture, none of this is any of our business. We have our Mosconi Cup teams. Support your side and cheer the f--- up.
Valid point, and I totally understand where you're coming from on this.
With that said, after last year's Mosconi Cup fiasco, the topic of which we've all beaten to death on this forum ad nauseum, Matchroom Sport has bent over backwards to accommodate the Americans as it pertains to a new-and-improved Team USA.
If the "chosen ones" to be considered in the selection criteria turn their back on the upcoming Mosconi Cup because they weren't in the top five, well, this speaks volumes to Matchroom Sport.
I would advise each and every one of you who enjoy collecting pool paraphernalia to purchase as much Mosconi Cup products this year as you can.
American professional pool is already circling the drain. This just may be the nail in the coffin for Matchroom Sport to move in another direction, and who could blame them?
But, hey, the players gotta do what is best for them. It's their choice. If they don't give a damn, then neither do I. And neither will Matchroom Sport in 2015. Life goes on . . .
What if a player gets injured?
My understanding is that the players committed to being a team, and traveling together to Blackpool, regardless of being selected. That was part of the deal being one of the Mosconi 8, working out together and participating in the public appearances, competitions, and exercises such as the Seal training.
Additionally, there was further commitment documented in Luke Riches press release which contained the following:
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In order to maximise their chances of glory, Wilson will be bringing the whole squad to Blackpool with the three non-playing members filling very specific roles as he leaves no stone unturned.
Jeremy Sossei is tasked as Offensive Coordinator in the build up and during the event while Oscar Dominguez fulfils the role of Defensive Coach. The eighth member of the squad Brandon Shuff has a technical role as Special Shots Instructor.
Commented Mark Wilson, “Despite having to name the five playing members we are still eight strong and are a family pushing for the ultimate goal. I sincerely could have drawn the names at random and been well pleased, proud, and willing to put it all on the line.
“These guys have all unilaterally improved both on and off the table and represent the sport into the new era.
“Today we are beginning the final stages of preparation with even more urgency and intensity. The guys have all contributed and sacrificed for the entire year and I sincerely appreciate all of their collective efforts now and moving forward. The team and staff are excited and prepared for the ultimate challenge of Mosconi Cup XXI.”
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IMO, the second that press release was written, the facts double-checked as I have no doubt Riches did, and it hit the front page of AZ, it was a done deal.
No one is whining here or trying to pillory the players that have backed out (they've cut their own throats). We're all just doing what we usually do and that is to have an adult conversation about the major and minor issues concerning the sport we all love. Or at least some of us are.
Lou Figueroa
Additionally, there was further commitment documented in Luke Riches press release which contained the following:
#####
In order to maximise their chances of glory, Wilson will be bringing the whole squad to Blackpool with the three non-playing members filling very specific roles as he leaves no stone unturned.
Jeremy Sossei is tasked as Offensive Coordinator in the build up and during the event while Oscar Dominguez fulfils the role of Defensive Coach. The eighth member of the squad Brandon Shuff has a technical role as Special Shots Instructor.
Commented Mark Wilson, “Despite having to name the five playing members we are still eight strong and are a family pushing for the ultimate goal. I sincerely could have drawn the names at random and been well pleased, proud, and willing to put it all on the line.
“These guys have all unilaterally improved both on and off the table and represent the sport into the new era.
“Today we are beginning the final stages of preparation with even more urgency and intensity. The guys have all contributed and sacrificed for the entire year and I sincerely appreciate all of their collective efforts now and moving forward. The team and staff are excited and prepared for the ultimate challenge of Mosconi Cup XXI.”
#####
IMO, the second that press release was written, the facts double-checked as I have no doubt Riches did, and it hit the front page of AZ, it was a done deal.
No one is whining here or trying to pillory the players that have backed out (they've cut their own throats). We're all just doing what we usually do and that is to have an adult conversation about the major and minor issues concerning the sport we all love. Or at least some of us are.
Lou Figueroa
Valid point, and I totally understand where you're coming from on this.
With that said, after last year's Mosconi Cup fiasco, the topic of which we've all beaten to death on this forum ad nauseum, Matchroom Sport has bent over backwards to accommodate the Americans as it pertains to a new-and-improved Team USA.
If the "chosen ones" to be considered in the selection criteria turn their back on the upcoming Mosconi Cup because they weren't in the top five, well, this speaks volumes to Matchroom Sport.
I would advise each and every one of you who enjoy collecting pool paraphernalia to purchase as much Mosconi Cup products this year as you can.
American professional pool is already circling the drain. This just may be the nail in the coffin for Matchroom Sport to move in another direction, and who could blame them?
But, hey, the players gotta do what is best for them. It's their choice. If they don't give a damn, then neither do I. And neither will Matchroom Sport in 2015. Life goes on . . .
This situation is a fragile one! One created by missteps and misconduct by people other then the 3 players mentioned. Given the fragile nature of the USA pro pool relationship with Matchroom, I do see the point of not adding fuel to the flame by not having "Everything" run as described by Mr. Mark Wilson.
With the above point in mind, I know at least one player that is a phone call away. I can't help but wonder why AZB members that have contact information or easy access to their phone number, do not reach out to them privately and ask them to attend as a favor to them and for the good of the sport. As much power and influence some here have garnered over the years, these guys are "NOT" looking to make enemies and could/would welcome as many friends as they can get.
Again, these 3 did not create this situation but do have the power to put a bandaid on what could be interpreted badly. Just my opinion. Give them a call is all I am trying to say. don't go about it via the AZB board.
KD
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And one more thing. Central to the revolving question of what is wrong with pool is the fact that there are too many guys that don't understand that your word is your bond.
There are too many guys in pool that don't understand that, from the players that break their word and fail to live up to their commitments, to promoters that make empty promises. And the only thing worse than that are apologists who say: it's OK, the money wasn't enough anyway, they have a job, he eventually pays off, or whatever other excuse you can dream up.
What is wrong with pool is the culture that condones the scam, the hustle, the empty promise.
Lou Figueroa
There are too many guys in pool that don't understand that, from the players that break their word and fail to live up to their commitments, to promoters that make empty promises. And the only thing worse than that are apologists who say: it's OK, the money wasn't enough anyway, they have a job, he eventually pays off, or whatever other excuse you can dream up.
What is wrong with pool is the culture that condones the scam, the hustle, the empty promise.
Lou Figueroa
So true bud
They did not opt out, they had that done for them by being told they were not on the team.
Expecting them to show up and shake red white and blue pom poms and give high fives to the players that "did" actually make the team is absurd and TBH highly disrespectful to those three. They are professional pool players, not cheerleaders and not coaches and they would be doing nothing more then acting like a fan or the wife of a player rooting them on from the bleachers and they bloody well know it.
Anyone with any self respect would have passed on this and simply wished the team the best of luck. It would have been a weird and uncomfortable situation for "everyone" including the 5 "actual" team members.
Lou,
One question for you and this above post! What came first the chicken or the egg???
You omitted the timeline and date of that post? Why? Sequentially, this press release was several months after being selected and released on Oct, 21 2014! These guys were named on the original 8 man teams on March 21, 2014! Again, they were never given the fine print and told what they would be obligated to do or preform prior to joining. A very key point to any argument against them and their actions! Additionally, they we're under the impression there would be a "merit" based system of selection and the coach failed to utilize or implement the selection process and nullified any obligations associated with them.
KD
It started out meaning a point that is only hypothetical or one that has no PRACTICAL relevance in the current situation but still may be worthy of debate. Now with constant misuse, who knows what it means.
Here is where I think the confusion lies. It is my understanding that the players agreed that IF THEY MADE THE TEAM, they would be ok with giving the guys who did not make the team part of the money to come along. As not to be greedy they agreed. This is drastically different than saying I will come along if I don't make the team. Maybe Mark took this as an "agreement" I don't know and NEITHER DO YOU, but that don't stop you from getting knee deep in the drama and talking about "a man's word" in your adult kind of way.
And that's another thing... who are you to talk about adult discussions? You are like a 60 yr old Mexican Bart Simpson with the childish Shit you write on here daily... that and you look like an old El Barto since you have no chin.
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Why does it have to be assumed that it's selfishness or pride???
I know that if I was on the original eight and they offered me a free ride with pay to go, I would WANT to go, but would I?? I'm not so sure.
I would be looking at it from the picked players perspective. Have any of you thought that some, one or all three of the players not picked might think that being there as a consolation might hinder the other players?? That the players that are playing may be focusing on the not picked players getting a free trip and pay that could be money in their pocket instead of focusing on the task at hand?
I mean, couldn't it actually be that the players want their team to win and don't want to be a reason (or an excuse) for the team not playing their best?
I swear, it's like a self fulfilling prophecy with all the negativity, especially for a player like Oscar, whose integrity is so far above this petty shit that it's laughable.
Jaden
I know that if I was on the original eight and they offered me a free ride with pay to go, I would WANT to go, but would I?? I'm not so sure.
I would be looking at it from the picked players perspective. Have any of you thought that some, one or all three of the players not picked might think that being there as a consolation might hinder the other players?? That the players that are playing may be focusing on the not picked players getting a free trip and pay that could be money in their pocket instead of focusing on the task at hand?
I mean, couldn't it actually be that the players want their team to win and don't want to be a reason (or an excuse) for the team not playing their best?
I swear, it's like a self fulfilling prophecy with all the negativity, especially for a player like Oscar, whose integrity is so far above this petty shit that it's laughable.
Jaden
Well....
Well, I think that is when you WANT to make a point, but you're too afraid to actually speak it out loud????
Jaden
Well, I think that is when you WANT to make a point, but you're too afraid to actually speak it out loud????
Jaden
Good post, Jay.
After reading your post, I still stand by my own post on this.
However, I failed to consider that Mr. Wilson MAY have given his blessings for the three
non-picks to stay home in light of financial constraints.
Granted, that is a possibility that I HOPE is the truth.
Anything else, e.g. the three non-players suddenly decided to not fulfill their moral obligations, is bad in my book.
I will reserve complete judgment until we find out what the agreement was for the three non-picks to stay home.
Where is the info that the 3 non-playing team members actually decided not to attend? Is that itself factual? How does the OP know this?
They've already invested a substantial amount of time and effort, unfortunately there isn't enough money to go around. I wouldn't be surprised if all of the players had agreed, without Mark's knowledge, the three left out would stay behind. It's tough enough to make a living in pool, now you're expected to pay for three extra coaches, that you don't need. Come on, these guys are all experts, plus they already have one coach.
Whole thing is a joke.
MC is a televised stunt. Sure it's entertaining, but it's not serious.
The selection process was opaque. Two words: John Schmidt...enough said.
By far the stupidest sentence written on AZB: "Jeremy Sossei is tasked as Offensive Coordinator in the build up and during the event while Oscar Dominguez fulfils the role of Defensive Coach. The eighth member of the squad Brandon Shuff has a technical role as Special Shots Instructor."
I don't blame the 3 guys being tarred/feathered one bit for opting out of the circus.
MC is a televised stunt. Sure it's entertaining, but it's not serious.
The selection process was opaque. Two words: John Schmidt...enough said.
By far the stupidest sentence written on AZB: "Jeremy Sossei is tasked as Offensive Coordinator in the build up and during the event while Oscar Dominguez fulfils the role of Defensive Coach. The eighth member of the squad Brandon Shuff has a technical role as Special Shots Instructor."
I don't blame the 3 guys being tarred/feathered one bit for opting out of the circus.