My Thoughts on Earl and TAR 22

JCIN said:
We put this match together based on the reaction to the 10 foot table match. That was one of our top sellers ever but I swore after that match I would never put myself through that again and so did Shane. But time passing has a way of smoothing the edges and it seemed like an interesting idea for these two to get together again and Shane was down for it.

I thought "If it does similar numbers it could be worth it." Well it didnt and it really wasn't. We spent a lot of money on this match. Thanks to the die hard TAR supporters we didnt go in the tank but when I see people I know have bought everything we have done saying "Not this time" because of one reason I pay attention.

I thought the TAR Studio atmosphere would mitigate some of Earl's antics and compared to what happened in Ohio it did. Day two and three of TAR 22 were still not something I want to be remembered for. Earl is awesome right up until he isn't then it just goes from entertaining and a bit wacky to just plain hateful and mean. I really thought this match would not have that mean edge to it. He was getting a guaranteed payday and all expenses paid with a chance to make a nice score for the weekend if he won. I know he respects Shane. I honestly thought he would do all the wacky shit he always does but without the really nasty tone he displayed in Ohio and the final two days of this match. I was wrong about pretty much everything.

What I feel worst about is the people who paid a serious amount of money to be in the TAR Studio for this match. I apologize to them. Several traveled great distances at substantial cost to be there to see this match. They were not treated with the respect they deserved and that is, in the end, my fault. After the match was over one person walked up to Earl and tried to shake his hand. Earl turned his back on him. The man turned his head and saw I was watching..showing a lot of class he just kind of smiled, shrugged his shoulders and walked out the door. I felt like the biggest asshole in the world because this guy paid to come watch supposedly professional players I put together and this was the last experience he had walking out of our place that we built to represent us. It's unacceptable.

Earl is a tremendous talent and absolutely hilarious. Everyone in that studio this weekend wanted to see him do well. I even think Shane wants him to play great just so he can test himself against one of his idols from childhood. It really hurts me that such a talented and entertaining person can become so hateful and disrespectful towards people who wish him nothing but the best. I admit I probably rationalized some of Earl's past behavior because I wanted to see a great match and I wanted to produce a successful event. I gave Earl the benefit of the doubt because I know what he is capable of on the pool table and his drawing power. I did what I think many in the past have done to put pool where it is today: I did the easy thing instead of the hard thing.

People will say "Why didnt you stop the antics or say something?" To that I can only respond that several people ,who know Earl better than me, did say something to him. It had no effect. The reason I didn't say anything to Earl during the match is because if I did he would of probably quit in the middle or I would of gotten mad and threw him out. Maybe thats a cop out, I don't feel good about not standing up for the people in the studio and for Shane who I know was seething inside but wouldn't let it show to Earl. It's something I will think about for a long time. Integrity means a lot to me. Backing up what you believe in with action is important. I believe people should be treated with respect. Customers who pay your salary deserve respect. That didn't happen this weekend and I apologize to everyone who paid their money to watch a match and got a sideshow instead.

It won't ever happen again.
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Nice post my friend. I've had the good fortune to work closely with Justin and the TAR group on several of their productions, and let me say that they are a class act. Justin is a big man in more ways than one.

I think after this latest episode he finally realizes what I have known for a long time. Earl is indeed a sick man and not someone who can be trusted to act in a professional manner. It just ain't gonna happen! Now you know why I opted to not be a part of this match. It could not benefit TAR for me to be present. I would be a marked man and a favored target for Earl and I knew it.

Justin, all I can say to you is that it's never easy when you get out there on the skinny branches (especially you!). You are taking risks in what you've chosen to accomplish in the billiard world. My hats off to you for taking the road less traveled, and at the same time blazing a new path for professional pool in the mainstream. It's efforts like yours and Big Time Billiards in the Philippines that may ultimately make a difference in how pool is perceived as a televised sport.

Pool has some unique qualities that should be exploited. YES, it's a gambling game! YES, women can play on equal terms with men! YES, it should be a high school interscholastic sport (BCA are you listening?). Whether I will live to see the day when the extremely difficult sport of pool reaches major league status I don't know. I am encouraged by what I see happening in Asia today, with major television coverage and increasingly large purses.

Thanks to men like Justin of TAR, pool has a chance to grow in popularity for the live viewing audience. What he's doing is not so much different than what Bugsy Promotions is doing right now in Manila. They are like minded productions, although TAR has a far more limited budget. With the growth of the internet, there is a tremendous upside to these TAR shows. I can foresee the day when his audience will be many times what it is now. It takes perseverance, dedication, patience and continued support. One small misstep is no reason to be discouraged. One monkey don't stop no show!
 
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JCIN you are one classy guy. Bumps in the road will happen, but you handle it like a champ. Keep up the good work.
 
Thanks for putting the match together Justin. I thought Earl would be calmed by the intimate atmosphere as well. Sorry it didn't work out. You're still the best thing in pool right now. Don't sweat all the shit slinging; we still support you. You learned something more about Earl and now you know what is possible with him.

I honestly think Earl would be the same way if it was him and Shane playing by themselves in a basement somewhere. Earl really uses the anger and attitude as a channel to bring out his game. I dont believe he is bipolar (not going into the technical reasons), but I do think he has a mental illness. Most of the people I have dealt with who take psych meds are basically zombie shells of their former self. The medication makes them "better", but it also often times takes away the essence of the person. It is very sad and I'm guessing if Earl has ever been prescribed meds that's why he doesn't take them.

Thanks again for the sweat and blood you put into TAR. If you can fade the Earl antics, there was still moments of the best pool anyone has ever seen. Glad guys like you are out there trying to make something happen.

Your integrity and reputation are beyond repute.
 
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It is great that you put on these productions and you should certainly only do what you feel is right.

We all knew Earl would behave this way. In fact, I would have been shocked if he didn't insult people and behave like the jerk that he is when he is playing. Most of us don't know him personally, so we have no way of really knowing whether he is mentally ill. Besides, mental illness is a very subjective thing on which many psychiatrists can't even agree (in terms of proper diagnoses).

It is such a shame with Earl because just in terms of sheer talent, I enjoy watching him play more than anybody else. He has a tremendous stroke and get through a rack incredibly fast. It is a pleasure to watch. Too bad he becomes so negative and has the tendency to quit on himself in high pressure situations
 
big man i appreciate you falling on the sword, but, i don't think you need to. i, and i'm sure many others, paid for exactly what you gave us. earl does what earl does. and everyone knows that. personally i ignore that asshat behavior and watch the game. i saw what i wanted. earl can do things on a table i have a hard time believing he did. that's why i gave up the cash. when he's gone i want to be able to say i saw some of what he was able to do.
as far as shane, i also got what i wanted. one of the best players in the world fading a world of shit and busting another world class player. the guy oozes class and talent and i will never get tired of that voice saying, "he can't beat me". i love that guy.
as far as your product goes, you did what you always do. you put on the best show you can. the stream was great, no issues. nice and clear. and it was a great match up until earl knew it was over. and when it comes to you saying something to earl, i think you did the right thing not saying something. i believe your temper to be similar to mine (going on what you've said) and i don't think it would have went well and possibly blown up on you. so keeping your mouth closed just makes you look better (especially to those in the room who didn't have to see your bad side).
when you put on a match with players i want to see i will always purchase, this did nothing to change that, only reinforce it. good job brother.
 
I really think Shane showed a lot of heart to win the set. At 63-63, or around that. Shane ended up making a 9ball by mistake, then when he spotted it, he was hooked. He fouled and Earl ran out. I think that was the beginning of the end. Shane got REAL serious after that and ran away with it. It seems Earl kinda threw in the towel.
 
Fast Lenny said:
I just posted above hoping you would chime in as you know him very well, it is a shame that he is one of the greatest players who ever lived and cannot get any treatment, no insurance for pool players. Would Earl even be willing to get help or does he think that he is okay?
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Good question....

We'll see after the dust settles.
 
cleary said:
I really think Shane showed a lot of heart to win the set. At 63-63, or around that. Shane ended up making a 9ball by mistake, then when he spotted it, he was hooked. He fouled and Earl ran out. I think that was the beginning of the end. Shane got REAL serious after that and ran away with it. It seems Earl kinda threw in the towel.
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Very true. I thought when Earl started his run and won 6 in a row to make it 64-63 that it was the beginning of the end for Shane. Earl was using his aggression and focusing it on the table, running out like God.

Shane really dug deep and showed what he was made of. If he would have showed some weakness, I think Earl could have capitalized on it. When Shane started running out, it dug the final knife in Earl and he melted. Earl did throw in the towel and started in with the give up stroke, but Shane also helped to take it away from him.
 
nb92 said:
wow... did not mean to cause a stroke...

I was not insinuating anything, I was asking a question "if the reward was greater was the risk worth it..." answer no... you guys would last about two seconds in the meetings I go to...

and as a customer of TAR who purchased all three days let me say I REALLY ENJOYED EVERY SECOND of the match... would HAPPILY purchase the DVD and by the way if the "out of stock items are EVER in stock... I would be happy to pay double for everyone (seriously I have an offer on az right now for $50 for $25 matches) best of luck to you in 2012... don't be soooooo sensitive
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I don't' have strokes from what people say, if I'm going to have one, it would be from what I eat.:D It read back to me that you were insinuating something. You can honestly read that back to yourself and think it just comes off as a generic question? Just curious is all:wink:

"So now that the numbers stink, the concern is image of the game and respect of the audience.

Would this be the same post if the numbers were off the charts?

I am glad you enjoyed the show and I can tell now, that you aren't the same type of guy I figured you to be, going off your post.:)

Oh and BTW.. it's not I'm being sensitive.. I like to read and I like to write and I guess I'm a guy that can't write one liners or little paragraphs. But sometimes something being said can make a person want to say something on their mind. So sometimes a reply to a post can be more wide ranging then the original question/statement. This phenomena is more prevalent with me then the average bear.:)

best of luck to you too.. and may your cue be with you.
 
SpiderWebComm said:
Getting involved with him is like having sex with a gorilla----- you're done when HE'S done.
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Ok, well no matter what, this has got to be SOMEONE's new sig line.... it's awesome.

Justin,

Don't sweat it. Earl is Earl and he burns bridges. Too bad he blew this one up.

You did great anyway, everyone got to see the Mighty Earl play some great outs, play some crap pool, act like a child, and get his ass handed to him by the ever-humble Shane Van Boeing.

You did what you could. The book is now closed on the match Shane and Earl made where they agreed to one set on the 10ft and one set on the 9ft. Shane has the better record between them and that's that.

I don't regret buying the stream at all except for the little bit of guilt at knowing I was going to see Earl act like a nut and wondering what flavor it would be.

You did fine. The experience was had and you will grow from it. I just wish that more pros from around the world would get in the box and do something with TAR.

I am sure you are working on it.
 
Fast Lenny said:
I think people just take the easy way out and say Earl is an a$$hole and a di(*, but in reality the men has an illness. It is possible its bi polar or maybe even schizophrenia, I have seen both, one was an ex girlfriend and the other was my aunt. They both could be totally fine and the smallest things could trigger some scary stuff like everyone is against me and out to get me, mean and angry behavior, even violence. If you showed someone a video of Earl who is a specialist in this field like a psychiatrist I am sure they will say its one of the two if not something else.

I know some people just do not understand mental illness as they have not been around it but its totally beyond that persons control especially if they are not on meds but even then there mixture has to be right. We joke around and laugh at it, call him names because we think he is normal but the man is really sick and the sick part he thinks he is normal and the rest of us are crazy.

I think the game and life troubles have caused him to get worst, maybe people who know him better can chime in like Rick of Rixx Images or his ex wife Lisa to tell us more but then again is it any of our business? We do not have to watch the train wreck if we do not want to but we want to see his great play, you cannot go have fun sledding when you were a kid without going out into the cold. Earl is who he is, I lost money on the match, I knew who I was betting on so those who are pissed about that, just get real, you were not going to send him a damn jelly anyway. He is a great front runner and when he is behind he gets nasty, negative and gives up. I applaud SVB for his heart and being a class act, we are lucky as is TAR to have a guy like that in pool.
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Great Post Lenny, I don't take Earl's antics personally because of my understanding of his mental issues. I think a while ago he seemed like he might have been on prozac or some kind of meds that gave him sort of an everything is ok zombie like personality and he didn't play very well. I happen to be a big Earl fan and I also love Shane. Like you said the when he's the front runner and things go his way it doesn't show up, but when it does it's a horrible thing to witness. I think Justin recognizes Earl's mental disorder but just can't deal with it when it effects his guests at TAR events and his paying customers. As far as the match, I thought there was some great pool and it was pretty exciting until Earl started making so many uncharacteristic mistakes. I will put Earl in prayer mode and hope for the best. Once again TAR and Justin, you put on a great show and the production and commentary was awesome. Hopefully one day you can have a celebrity match-up with me vs joe rogan:-).
 
Lets all stop talking about Earl and start talking about what a class act Shane is, we should all be proud to have someone like him represent American pool.
 
JCIN said:
But when he turns to a nice guy who flew in from another country to watch this match and says "You are a fvcking idiot." that cuts it with me. I wasn't aware of some the things he was saying to the people in the studio until after the match was over. These people and the ones who purchase our streams are whats keeping pro pool alive in this country. They are the ones who go to the tournaments, buy Accu-Stats dvd's, support local and national events with their time and money. There are damn few of them out there and they deserve at the very least the common courtesy of a basic level of respect from the people who they are providing an income to.
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Out of curiosity Justin (not that it matters because that is definitely over the top), but did the gentleman say something to set him off?

Was this the first time any of the people in the studio had seen Earl? It's pretty common knowledge how he can act and even though it doesn't make it right you can't think the people who flew in to watch didn't know it was a possibility unless they were just clueless thinking they were going to watch a gentleman's pool match for 3 days? Maybe put a disclosure on the flyer (even though it sucks) just to cover yourself IF you do another one with him playing. If you try to put the leash on Earl's antics he probably won't play so it might be the only option.

It seems like it is a pretty simple solution. If people aren't paying or helping toward the funding of TAR to put him in the box than don't put him in the box. If people REALLY want to see him in the box they might need to shell out more $ because it sounds like enough people won't watch it if he is playing from now on.
 
nb92 said:
"We put this match together based on the reaction to the 10 foot table match...." first sentence of the post. So now that the numbers stink the concern is image of the game and respect of the audience.

Would this be the same post if the numbers were off the charts?
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That is a pretty sh**ty question. I would not even bother with an answer if I was Justin.

Justin,

I am repeating everyone here, but it is true. I run a business, so I completely understand you bearing the responsibility here, but the apologies are not necessary. You handled the situation as good as anybody could have. I think you are exactly right about not saying something to Earl. It would have made matters worse. And what you do for pool in general far outweighs any of these types of mishaps.

Earl is a sick individual, and I can allow for a little sympathy for him at times. The problem is that I cannot excuse him simply because he is sick. I think he probably knows he is sick. But he needs to take the responsibility and admit that he has a problem and seek help. Earl loves to blame. If it is always someone or something else causing him problems, then he never has to change, but the rest of the world does. It is the epitome of "cop-out". Earl needs to accept that HE needs to change. If he would do this, I think he would be a force to be reckoned with. But I have a very hard time having the smallest amount of respect for him. I know his self-waged battles are very real, and I am sure they stem from some bad experiences, but everyone needs to accept responsibility for themselves at some time in order to be a successful individual. I doubt Earl will ever figure that out. He would rather maintain that it is everyone else. Denial ain't just a river in Egypt!

Keep up the great work Justin. You are doing a hell of a job with not a lot to work with. Best of luck with TAR 23.

Braden
 
Justin you have nothing to apologize for.I was tempted all week-end to log on and pay for this stream but kept going back on my word I would never pay for a stream that involved Earl again,after the display last time.
There is no doubt in my mind that the classiest player we have in pool today is Shane.To keep his cool when playing such a trainwreck shows how much class he really has.
In a way I'm glad this happened,Because we don't have to watch him on TAR anymore.There alot more entertaining players we should focus on.
I'm tired of Earl,so I just hope he fades away,gets some help and we can concetrate on all the REAL superstars we have in this great sport.
Keep up the good work Justin.You will always have my support.
 
I think these Earl / Shane matches are great precisely because of who they are and the differences between them......and despite whatever feelings anybody has about them you cannot deny the allure of seeing these two heavyweight icons of the game do battle. The memories will be with us for a lifetime....and for that I'm thankful to Justin and everybody else involved for making this happen.
 
I don't want you to think I'm a total schmuck BUT I bought this weeks stream just to donate to a good cause. I haven't had time to watch it, but that don't bother me. Justin, you're making a diffrence and while you're at it you're being a great gentle/business man. Keep up the good work! Greetings from Sweden!
 
Thank you Justin & TAR!

Thank you to the sponsors, staff, camera guys, calired, commentators, etc. It's a great product you bring us, thank you.

And thank you for at least stating Earl will no longer be in a TAR sponsored event.

I hear some talking about Earl's illness, and I believe it's true to an extent. But it's just so uncomfortable to watch him "acting" the a$$ (not calling him an a$$, just stating he acts like one, which is 100% true).

It's just hard to figure out what is pure sharking and what is caused by his illness. Funny how his illness seems to show up once Shane starts taking control or the advantage starts going to Shane in the match, then goes away once Earl is back in it. Earl did so many visually things to distract Shane it's hard to believe it was simply the "illness" taking over. Earl has a history of sharking, so who’s to say what is caused by what?

I love Earl's talent and what he has accomplished in the pool world, but I am done with his demeanor at the table and will not pay to watch him anymore. Earl asked for everything under the sun to neutralize Shane's break, and Shane agreed to all of it, including the last second change from using the magic rack as previously agreed (which would have eliminated earl's complaining about SVB taking too much time racking :) ) and racking the 9 on the spot. All Shane did was say OK, let's play. Whatever, I'm glad Shane won, but it was hard to watch is my point - illness or not.

Not a fan of Earl's anymore, whatever the reason for his behavior. I am a pool fan and I don't have to take into consideration is medical condition to choose not to watch him anymore. I do hope he gets help if he wants it.

Dave
 
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J-man,

You gave the people what you thought they wanted to see, that is what you are in business to do. You tried to "harness the tiger" as much as realistically possible but in the end Earl is who Earl is. His actions reflect poorly on himself, you feeling guilty is understandable but not warranted.

I appreciate what Earl the player can do and I enjoy watching him do it, I don't appreciate how he interacts with people. I understand the man is battling an illness, the level of which is unknown to me or most others in this conversation. I wish he could understand the reality of the situation but his perception is obviously skewed and without treatment it looks to possibly be getting worse.

I have been around Earl at many tournaments over the years and this behavior is not a new occurence, he has been this way for as long as I can remember. I have been guilty of finding amusement in his actions in the past and IMO therein lies the rub. Maybe he has witnessed people getting enjoyment from his rants many times before and this has somehow validated it to him that it is acceptable or at the very least expected. On the other hand, he may be totally helpless in the regard that he cannot control the outbursts and if that is the case it is sad.

The advent of internet streaming and forums has really made it much easier for people that have never seen him in person to form opinions of the man, and to voice them facelessly behind a keyboard. I imagine this can't be beneficial for someone of Earl's mentality, having to be reminded of what a "bad person" he is and how he is "bad for pool". I can see where this could lead to a further sense of paranoia for someone who already has these types of issues and lead to the outlook that everyone wants him to fail.

Enough of my rambling..... All I really intended to say was that I understand why you would never associate yourself with him again in a business venture. He is far too unstable and there is no way to win when trying to deal with him. I hate that this is how it has to be because he is a pure genius when playing this game and it is a shame that his talents will be overshadowed by his affliction.

Looking forward to TAR 23.......
 
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