My opinion about Earl and what he is doing to pool...

RonF...I stand corrected! LOL Funny thing is, I've read Jay's book twice, and KNEW the passage you quoted. It just didn't occur to me, since it happened so long ago. :D

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Excerpted from Jay's "Pool Wars":
"It all came crashing down at Caesars Palace [Las Vegas] in 1985. Everything looked good during the course of the event, and it came down to Dallas West, Terry Bell and Earl [Strickland] on the final day. Once again the matches were to be televised by ESPN, and the players were required to sign television releases prior to the taping. This is where things got sticky. They refused to sign the releases on the grounds that they were not being paid residuals for reruns of the shows. At that time it was ESPN’s custom to rerun shows multiple times. In fact, they still do it today."

“Signing television releases is normally a formality, and the players were getting some very bad advice [which recommended refusal]. … ESPN
went ahead and taped the matches in the hope that the players would relent and sign the necessary releases. They never did and the shows
never aired. That was the end of RDF Productions, Richie’s pool promotion company. He never staged another tournament and pool lost its best promoter."

“The players had essentially shot themselves in the foot. It wasn’t going to be the last time either. … Someone should have told them that repeated airings of televised matches was the surest way to stardom for any pool player. Look at what it’s done for Allison Fisher and the other stars of the WPBA.”
 
My first post. RIP Ginky. My idol here on the east coast.

Bottom line, pool will never, ever be popular on television. We had a shot in the 90's when pool was very popular. It isn't anymore. And it's NOT because of the "Earl's" out there... how ignorant. So why are we even having that ridiculous discussion? Also pool players aren't role models, so no discussion there either.

So for what pool is now and forever....Earl is the best thing we have. No question! Sigel in his prime, a close 2nd.

And what that is....is a combination of insane skills combined with entertainment. He is similar to Dale Earnhardt (#3) when he was alive.
You either loved or hated Earnhardt, drivers and fans alike. Same goes with Earl. Sure he can be a jerk, but would you rather watch Thorsten Hohmann? Please...

Earl's been entertaining and wowing us for 4 decades! Ya, he's terrible for the game.... You're out of your mind!

When Earl leaves the game, you will truly miss watching arguably the greatest American pool player ever.

Enjoy golfing OP.

Charlie

Greatest post and most sense ever made on this site.......
 
The only thing that sticks out to me here is that pool has always been in the toilet. It's not like Earl has ruined pool all by himself. It's had a negative image and hardly any sponsorship for as long as it's been around. Don't lay the blame on Earl Strickland. I'm a huge fan of Earl Strickland but I don't have blinders on. Sure, he acts up waaaay more than he should, and it's embarrassing, but don't blame pools image on him. Blame it on every scumbag that walks into a neighborhood pool room and acts a fool. We all know them, and don't say you don't.
MULLY

+1!

Spot on.
 
Alex is much more entertaining in my book. Not even close as far as A-hole Earl is concerned. I'd take Keith over Earl for good entertainment any day. Also not close. Earl is only entertaining to people who like to watch auto races to see the accidents.
 
Alex is much more entertaining in my book. Not even close as far as A-hole Earl is concerned. I'd take Keith over Earl for good entertainment any day. Also not close. Earl is only entertaining to people who like to watch auto races to see the accidents.

TAP TAP TAP

I agree 1000%
 
So i read a bunch of posts about how people think Earl is good for the game, how earl generates interest in pool, how and why Earl should be on the cup team....

I KNOW Earl hurts pool, and he hurts it in the biggest spot, MONEY.
I have heard straight investors mouths that facts show people turn off the TV and stop attending events when participants act like Earl. Arguing with the crowd, cheating, confrontational with everyone, no concern for anyone in the room but himself...

Now there are some who will tune in to see this, but the majority do not.

In fact, i think I do more good for pool then Earl does.... Lets have a look:

What does Earl do good for the game:
1. Some people might tune in to see him lose
2.

What do i do that is good for the game:
1. I buy products. I but at least 4-6 cues a year. From production break cues to 5k customs. I have also helped friends and people new to pool spend they cash getting cues and cases.
2. I run tournaments, I encourage people to show up and play. And if someone starts acting like Earl i get them to calm down our out they go. Ive seen new players stop showing up due to azz's. So get rid of them and more players show up and pool grows.
3. I tune in. On TV and the internet.

Now things i see from Earl and other players who act like him has been pushing me to one thing, quit the sport and take up something else. Some might say go ahead and quit, no big deal. However people investing in billiards will care, i'm a 10k a year guy. If you take in the ripple effect that 10K probably goes upwards of 20k. There are lots of industries that would love my $$. I just entered my 40's and have some good years left on these tires. I do have to say 4 to 8 of my closest friends are getting very tired of how players like Earl act. So much so we are all considering selling off our gear and heading out to the golf course.

Just my .02

I do think if more professionals acted like professionals and not like Earl then the mens tour would be a lot further along then where it is now.

Watching Earl is embarrassing, as a pool player and a competitor.



Do you play pool for the game itself....or do you play pool for the pro players that play the game???????

I myself play it for the game and could care less what the "pro players" act like.

If you are going to chastise Earl for his weakness of being able to hide his emotions.....then you must also chastise all of the fans that attend events in hopes of squirting lighter fluid on smoldering coals.

I can't think of another player that gets as much harassment during matches as Earl does.....(have you watched any Mosconi Cup Events?)

You probably have more direct contact with those league playing, amateur tournament event playing, lighter fluid toting fans then you do with Earl himself.
 
Really Jay? The greatest 9-baller we've ever produced here in the USA and that's your take on him? Interesting. I wonder what your reputation is on these forums. Because that statement is pure ignorance.

As far as his antics, like I said before, people love it or hate it. I happen to love it. You're in the minority there for sure.

I'm a McCready fan, very entertaining. Great player too, but Keith has never been a world beater.

This is why I love Earl:
He has that swagger. His confidence is unmatched. He's scary intimidating (recall Efren's meltdown in the US Open final vs Earl).

There's a buzz when he arrives. The energy is palpable. Then he plays 9ball to near perfection... for 30+ years.
He moves around the table so quickly, effortlessly. Nobody plays at his pace, it's awesome n refreshing. I love Archer, but his pace is too slow.

Try finding a seat when the Pearl plays. He's the biggest draw, interest in the sport, for a very long time. Only Reyes is comparable in this dept.

He's unpredictable, controversial, entertaining, and crazy!
I happen to like that!!! Would you prefer Souquet??

Jay, you're going to compare Keith to Earl?? That's embarrassing.

OP... you're an idiot.
Charlie


Is this Earl?Because you show about as much respect as he does.
Charlie...you're an idiot.
Jimmy-leggs
 
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Really Jay? The greatest 9-baller we've ever produced here in the USA and that's your take on him? Interesting. I wonder what your reputation is on these forums. Because that statement is pure ignorance.

As far as his antics, like I said before, people love it or hate it. I happen to love it. You're in the minority there for sure.

I'm a McCready fan, very entertaining. Great player too, but Keith has never been a world beater.

This is why I love Earl:
He has that swagger. His confidence is unmatched. He's scary intimidating (recall Efren's meltdown in the US Open final vs Earl).

There's a buzz when he arrives. The energy is palpable. Then he plays 9ball to near perfection... for 30+ years.
He moves around the table so quickly, effortlessly. Nobody plays at his pace, it's awesome n refreshing. I love Archer, but his pace is too slow.

Try finding a seat when the Pearl plays. He's the biggest draw, interest in the sport, for a very long time. Only Reyes is comparable in this dept.

He's unpredictable, controversial, entertaining, and crazy!
I happen to like that!!! Would you prefer Souquet??

Jay, you're going to compare Keith to Earl?? That's embarrassing.

OP... you're an idiot.
Charlie


I'd rather watch Archer play Souquet, but I'm an idiot too. And my reputation sucks as well. Ask anyone about me. I'm the biggest joke on here. Thanks for
your input and all three of your posts. I'm sure you will be a valued member of this forum.
 
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Poker has Phil Helmuth and he is a pain in the arse, thinks he's God's gift to poker, makes fun of anyone that beats him in a hand, has an inflated ego, talks smack during the game, etc....And I believe his wife is a physchiatrist !! How funny is that.

Yet, poker is absolutely thriving. Phil has more sponsors then you can shake a stick at. Sells millions of books, has poker schools around the country, invited to any and every tourney world wide. WOW...Jeepers, kick this guy out for heavens sake, if poker makes any more money they won't have enough trucks to haul away the loot !!

Would I want to play in a poker game against Phil...Yep.....just to suck out on him with my J-2 off suit !

yes but pool and poker not even close.
poker you can suck out on phil.
pool you cant beat earl.
 
///I'm a McCready fan, very entertaining. Great player too, but Keith has never been a world beater....

...Jay, you're going to compare Keith to Earl?? That's embarrassing.

OP... you're an idiot.
Charlie

Au contraire, it's *you* who are an "idiot."

Earl is a tournament soldier, and Keith is an action man. Tournaments were only a gathering place for players like Keith to engage in high stakes action. Do you think tin cups and tournament payouts were the attraction for Keith? Maybe for bragging rights, but that's about it.

You have no idea how good Keith played, probably never saw him in his prime like Jay, et al., have. Earl, Sigel, Varner, Rempe, Larry Hubbart, Buddy Hall, none of them enjoyed playing Keith in a tournament, and he's beat all of them at one time or another. They're not invincible.

Go back to where you came from. Your opinons stink. :angry:
 
I'd rather watch Archer play Souquet, but I'm an idiot too. And my reputation sucks as well. Ask anyone about me. I'm the biggest joke on here. Thanks for
your input and all three of your posts. I'm sure you will be a valued member of this forum.

Jay, I'd rather read your posts than that troll named "Charliescene." He/she can't even shine your shoes when it comes to pool. I'd venture to guess he's/she's not even 30 years old. He/she claims to be from the "East Coast," so it's obvious he's/she's never witnessed championship-level pool as often as you have in your lifetime. His vantage point is skewed as well as his opinions are ignorant.
 
Its like rubberneckers looking at a car crash or people going to the daytona 500 just to see the wrecks.
But if you actually believe that Earl is GOOD for the sport........then pool will be nothing but an entertainment sport like it is now.
Its guys like Daz,Shane,Ralf,Thorsten,Morris,Williams etc. just to name a few that bring class to this sport and want it to become a mainstream sport.
Earl IS NOT the best thing this game has seen in years.Just because the lunatic is bring some craziness to a dying sport like Tyson did to boxing,doesnt mean its good for the sport.

There's a ring of truth in this.

I remember the Nancy Kerrigan and Tanya Harding fiasco. It hit all the front-page news and media outlets around the world. Harding was banned from professional ice skating in the end, but what this negative incident did was bring ice skating to the forefront. This is actually when it caught my attention. I even went to a couple of ice skating shows in my area when the pros were in town putting on an event.

Pool will never be the classy sport that some wish it to be. It just ain't happening. It's about the most boring thing I've ever seen on TV, especially when played by those "classy" tournament robots. Even though I do enjoy pool, I can't stand watching pool like that. It's just my personal preference. I'm not a pool purist. I don't like seeing mum pool. I do enjoy seeing a little emotion in the game.

Earl Strickland has to work with what he's got. He chose this way of life, and he's making the best of it. The challenge matches and road shows are good venues for Earl to shine his brightest.

I am reminded, though, of when Wade Crane passed away and other pool legends who passed before him. Will those Earl fans of today care? Will they help him to rest in peace if he's penniless?

In the end, pool is cool, but there's so much more to life. For lifetime thoroughbred pool players, pool *is* their life and nothing else matters.

Since Earl is approaching 50 this year, he's doing what he's got to do to get by. I do wonder how many fans he will have when he can't see the balls anymore or if he gets sick or if he goes broke.

For all those championship titles and Hall of Fame awards, it's not worth much to Earl's livelihood, but there's one thing for sure, they can *never* take those tin cups and awards away from him. :wink:

I do hope Earl is able to find true happiness in life that will complement his passion for pool. Archer, Varner, Rempe, Buddy Hall, et al., are lifetime thoroughbred pool champions, but they do have families that love them. In the end, this is what really matters in life, much more so than those tin cups.

Johnny Cash explains the value of being a celebrity much better than me: Everyone I know goes away in the end....

Mama, don't let your babies grow up to be pool players, unless they live in the Philippines. :)
 
Jay knows Earl on a personal basis, and a professional one. Most of the rest of us can't say that, so we have no real idea of dealing with Earl is all about. He has a perspective that virtually all the other posters here do not.

That having been said, I don't agree, completely. Not with all the characterizations that have been placed thru these threads, at least.

I'm not interested in a train wreck, either a literal one or one one the pool table. A meltdown isn't something I'd like to see. I don't like seeing Earl throwing his cue (or other gear) around. I expect that most of the folks that have been supporting Earl agree with this sentiment.

But seeing a little personality, and some emotion IS something I like. Earl is many things, but no one can say he isn't passionate about his sport.

Yes, in a perfect world Earl could display the emotion and passion and not step over the line of decorum. Sadly, we don't live in a perfect world.

I appreciate seeing Earl play. I hope he finds a level of peace that allows him to be better appreciated by fans and players alike, and still be exciting.
 
I've got to assume that you really aren't that naive, and are just taking another opportunity to bash Earl. So, since you have done so much more for pool than Earl has, why aren't YOU on t.v., and where are YOUR'E sponsors??

I think that's harsh for nothing and you defend Earl only because he's been World Champion and US Open champion on many, many occasions. If Earl would be just 'another no-name player who thinks have a chance at a slice of the cake', you'd call him a clown and a rude player. Because he's been the world champion he is excused? No way, not in a hundred years!!

I don't know if you've seen the Earl vs Shane match but during that first night, he was totally out of line. Screaming at the audience to shut up. I have never any of Earl's opponents complain to the crowd and messing up with them....and its the same crowd for both players. When they miss, they sit down and wait for their next turn, why does Earl need to act like a fool? I'm not gonna believe that the crowd is acting up ONLY when Earl is shooting.

Every players play under the same atmosphere and conditions and he needs to stop being a baby.

That being said, I don't know you so of course....no offense towards you :)
 
Poker has Phil Helmuth and he is a pain in the arse, thinks he's God's gift to poker, makes fun of anyone that beats him in a hand, has an inflated ego, talks smack during the game, etc....And I believe his wife is a physchiatrist !! How funny is that.

Yet, poker is absolutely thriving. Phil has more sponsors then you can shake a stick at. Sells millions of books, has poker schools around the country, invited to any and every tourney world wide. WOW...Jeepers, kick this guy out for heavens sake, if poker makes any more money they won't have enough trucks to haul away the loot !!

Would I want to play in a poker game against Phil...Yep.....just to suck out on him with my J-2 off suit !

Sad world isn't it.. i've almost lost hope for it.
 
I think that's harsh for nothing and you defend Earl only because he's been World Champion and US Open champion on many, many occasions. If Earl would be just 'another no-name player who thinks have a chance at a slice of the cake', you'd call him a clown and a rude player. Because he's been the world champion he is excused? No way, not in a hundred years!!

What about Pinegar? Most people either love him or hate him just like Earl and he's not a top name pro. Even Scooter has a lot of people who like to watch him gamble/play and just as many who can't stand him. Most pool halls in the US have a butthole people either show up to play or gamble against. Many people want pool to be played by gentleman in suits but even more want some personality.

The only European player I have paid,or would pay to see is Mika. He can be a butthole at times so I wanted to watch Shane kick his butt and luckily he did. If Mika would have won, I'd have paid for the next match to see someone else take him down. That's entertainment for me, cheering for the players I like to watch or rooting against the players I don't like.

If TAR only shows the gentleman players I don't think they have much of a future. They had over 2000 viewers on the free stream Sunday because people tuned in to see Earl winning or hoping Shane would come back on the ***hole.
 
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