My Thoughts on Earl and TAR 22

[JAM]

The irony of this whole mess is that this morning's forum activity has been at a high volume as far as mornings go on AzBilliards Discussion Forum.

When it comes to Earl Strickland, whether you love him or hate him, he generates pool interest from around the world. This is his best trait. Now if he could only learn how to use it to his advantage!

Earl needs a good woman, and I don't mean a one-night stand, a loose woman, or an on-again/off-again romance. He's a wild stallion that could benefit from having somebody steer him in the right direction, somebody who actually does care about him as a person. I pray he will find this in life, with or without pool.

 

[Mr. Bond]

Justin - dont beat yourself up over it.
i mean really, are you that surprised that it happened?

this is a conversation that i was originally going to have with you in private, but there are a few points that i think everyone could benefit from so i'll just post it here...

some people are camera shy - some are attention hogs and like to show their ass - some just get the 'deer in the headlights' syndrome and freeze up...this has been the bane of "live" television production from day one.
(and this is why there is a delay and a bleep button during most live broadcasts)

you'll also notice that more and more during live sporting events, the producers purposely avoid "dwelling" on individual players disruptive antics, as not to encourage them. (or start a riot lol)

so on the one hand, while dennis-rodman-like emotional outbursts are to be expected, from a production standpoint dont forget that you are in control of the viewer's experience

from a promoters standpoint, well, to be totally frank, controversy sells.
thats all i'm going to say about that.

from an "event host's" standpoint, earl can piss and moan all he wants, but players should not be allowed to interact directly with spectators during a match, and vice versa. penalize or forfeit any player that violates and eject any spectator that violates.


keep up the good work gentlemen

 

[abbassi]

Thanks for the production Justin.
I think you have to cut Earl loose. No challange or long money matches.
He should only play local tournaments. Love how he plays, but he is done.

 

[rayjay]

Yep, learning curve, lessons never come easy. The key is to learn and implement the change. Earl is Earl, always was, always will be, and I always expect him to be Earl and I'm never disappointed. Thanks for what you do, JCIN.

 

[Celtic]

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 think you greatly underestimate the draw of the 10-foot table. In the chat you said (and I paraphrase) "Way more people watched the 10-foot match, I just don't understand...". I have always been a firm believer that most of the fans of this sport want to see the professional players play on the bigger tables and in general tougher equipment. The tables pockets would have helped, but the fact it was a 9-foot just flat out hurts the interest.

I think that is something that would really become apparent if ever someone decided to try running professional tournaments on 10-foot tables, they would finally start to see a few more people taking notice, fans would actually want to watch that, and more fans would be drawn into the sport over time and thus more sponsers would follow because sponsers go where the people are, where the fans are, where the return on their investment is. Mark G can sit on a stream and beg for sponsership till the cows come home but that is not going to do a lick of good, what Mark G needs to do is find out how to get the fans more interested in WATCHING pro pool and then he will have something to actually entice sponsers with, an audience.

He sits there and goes "well I don't think we can run tournaments on 10-foots" he claims that 10-ball is the game that attracts the spectators, what spectators? He is not sure if 8-ball on large tables and using his own league system as a "qualifying school" will change the dynamics of pool? I wonder seriously what he has to lose in trying to put on pro 8-ball events on tight 9-foots and when they are available, the 10-foots. I have been a fan of this game for 20 years and I have seen where we have gotten on rotational pool, nowhere. 10-ball has been around for a while now and where is the game going with it? Thats right, nowhere.

I hear alot of chat that sounds all logical and like it is grounded in common sense, until you actually open your eyes and see how far the words are from reality. Rotational pool IS NOT GOING TO WORK FOR THIS SPORT. The more time we spend trying to push it and force feed it to people the more of my life is wasted watching this honest to god insanity of trying to do the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Give 8-ball the same chance that rotational pool has had, give it an honest to god chance, not the IPT which I could not watch live, I caught very little of on tape months after the event, and which virtually noone at the time even knew existed outside of a very small pool fanatic world.

The whole "well I don't think the 10-foots are good for tournaments but they will be great for challenge matches" seriously boggles my freaking mind. I love TAR and I will for sure be watching any 10-foot challenge match but I am gonna be blunt here, that is NOT GOING TO DO ANYTHING FOR POOL on the grand scale, it is not going to draw more fans to this sport, a tight nit community of people already addicted to the game will buy those challenge matches and they willl be great to watch and the sport will be in the EXACT same place 10 years from now that it is today and I will be bloody 45 years old writing this EXACT same post yet again.

The people who actually have some control in this sport and the means to actually try out new things, test 8-ball on 10-foots with 4 1/4 inch pockets with pro level players when the tables are finally released and see how the game plays. Run a tournament on those tables in 8-ball when the BCAPL championship is going on and gauge the fan reactions, give the person who wins the masters and the open that year a free entry into the next years pro 8-ball event. Start testing things and potentially working towards a true tour with a players card that is required to play on pro events (which Mark mentioned in the commentary is the correct thing). Use the league system as a entry into the pro's and watch not only the professional game start to improve but watch the APA crap themselves as the BCAPL becomes the official league system/qualifying school to the professional ranks with ALL of the professional players that those APA players know playing in a tour that the BCAPL leads to. A tremendous number of players will be leached from the APA if that takes place because who the heck does NOT want to play in the same league that leads to the official recognized professional tour of that sport?

 

[purpdrag]

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.

A great post and I feel your pain. I don't blame you at all and I know how hard and risky it can be to intervene in a case like that. I hope you will feel better that I am fairly familiar with the goods and bads of Earl and I would have gone for the rematch if I were in your shoes. I probably would have talked to him beforehand about a minimum code of ethics (maybe as part of the contract) and if that conversation didn't go well then scrub the idea before investing any money in it.

I also don't blame you for not doing it again. It won't be the first bridge Earl has burned. Probably not the last.

I'm still a fan of Earl. I like the way he plays and I love the way he will tell it like it is in his interviews. The interview before the match with Shane on the 10 footer is a great example of what I like about Earl. He's talking about the test of endurance and separating the men from the women and children etc. etc. Great, honest stuff, and not the only really good interview he's done.

I do understand though there have been many times I wouldn't want to be around him as his opponent, the tournament director, referee, or even as a fan. I know I'm not alone here as the topic of Earl has been beat to death here on the forums, but that is my 2 cents on Earl.

By the way, Minnesota Fats could be totally obnoxious and disruptive at times too. I never saw him play when he was young so I don't know if he was always like that. Someone here once posted a link to a Minnesota Fats/Willie Mosconi match that was hosted/announced by Howard Cosell. Fats was out of control talking BS to the audience instead of playing pool and Howard stepped out of the booth and went down and put his arm around Fats and told he had to quiet down and play pool, which he did. Howard Cosell was one of a kind though, and probably one of a very few people that could get Fats to listen. I'm sure part of that was his reputation and celebrity status. Howard did handle it great though.

 

[Scott Lee]

Dave...Please stop labeling bipolar people as "crazy". Whether Earl is bipolar or not is irrelevant. Your "slam" labels millions of people in the wrong way. First of all, you need to educate yourself about bipolar illness. Let me help...there are two kinds of bipolar personalities...those that are 'level' with a minimum dose of some kind of medication like lithium; and those that bounce off the walls, and have extreme fits of depression or being manic. In those cases, sometimes even taking meds does not mediate the condition, and if those patients fail to take their meds, extreme behavior often follows. How do I know this? I have educated myself...because my beloved wife is bipolar, albeit the type that is level with a small daily dose of medication (thank goodness). I know you well enough to know that you don't intentionally seek to slam others, particularly a very large group of people. That said, for you to use the term bipolar to indicate being crazy is irresponsible, at best.

EDIT: I posted this 'knee-jerk' response to your post without reading the other several pages in the thread. I haven't read the wikipedia description of bipolar, and don't need to. I have studied it from medical professionals. Not all bipolar people are "crazy"...although some are.

Not trying to hijack this thread. Justin et al did another great job, albeit under the influence of Earl rants and raves. Best of luck to them in all future endeavors.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

It's like having that one bipolar family member and it's your turn to host Thanksgiving dinner. You always hope they'll be normal and fine but it never is --- they always end up being the Turkey and people leave before the pie is served. You can't fix crazy.


Dave

 

[JumpinJoe]

no apology needed. people pay to see earls craziness.
we had our season finale pool tourney friday thru sunday and do you know how many people were watching this at the event on the big screen? we had 124 players and plenty of sweaters. and they all loved the tar event and earls antics. they loved the post match interview the best, there must have been 50 people sweating and laughing at earl when he spoke. when shane was speaking there may have been half that many watching. they pay too see earl no matter what he does. good job tar.

earl is the john mcenroe of pool
earl is the phil hellmuth of pool
earl is the reason people watch stuff like this. hes entertaining

 

[gdog]

Justin, sorry if this was mentioned, but did you have to take the looney bird back to the airport? That would be a tense ride.

 

[mm4pool]

Calling someone a name is not slander. I'm not defending Earl's actions --- please don't take it that way. I'm working this from the other side of the equation---- trying to get everyone to see that Earl is mentally ill and to be more understanding.

I have a bipolar person in my family, so I'm more sensitive to the reality of the situation. The same way a tourettes person can't help ticks and outbursts, Earl can't control his behavior (without medication, as he apparently doesn't take). That's a fact, people.

So, while people are marching up the hill with pitch forks and torches, you should probably take a time-out and google bipolar illness and read the wikipedia entry on the topic. It might shed some light on what you're witnessing and make you a hair more sensitive.

I think people look at Earl as if he's a dick -- and although he acts like one, it's not his fault --- and that's the truth of the matter.

That said, it's up to TAR whether or not to be around it in the future.

i too have first hand experience with people who are bi-polar, a sister and an ex wife. my sister is a very even keeled person through meds and counseling and would never do the kind of things we see from earl. the ex on the other hand can switch in a moment from sweet and loving to the meanest b*tch on earth. my point? between the two my sister took the first step which was to admit the problem while the ex didnt. until people stop coddling and making excuses for earl and even encouraging this type of behavior then i do not see a change.

you ask that we cut him some slack because of his "illness" then convince him to man up and accept his illness and seek help. until then he is nothing but a giant jack*ss in my book, talent or not.

Mike

 

[Mr. J]

Earl is A Frustrated Man...

Some are saying Earl is sick...

I say Earl is "Sick and Tired" of so many things...

All to do with the game, and certain players and certain people, and possibly things outside the game...

Earl has developed his Earl Standards...
He has so many particulars about the Rack, and Racking..
The Balls, the table, the cloth, the rules, the lighting, the cues being allowed to be used, all the specifications of all these parts of the game and many more...

How hard should a player hit the Break shot??? Where to be allowed to break from??? What kind of tips should be allowed...etc , etc, etc.....

I think Earl is a very Frustrated Man and this has been building for quite some time now.

He has his Earl standards and they are NOT BEING MET by others, in so many ways...

Earl is such a perfectionists and all knowing from all his experiences with all the sectors of the pool world.....gambling, tournament play, travel, money, etc ...etc...etc...

Perhaps he needs to learn how to handle these Frustrations a little better???

I would like to see Justin have Earl in a very soon Podcast.....

Ask the man,

"Earl, please let us know what is on your mind."
What are you thinking in regards to this and that....
The table, the rack, balls, lights, breaking, the cues, prize money, and all things pool and the pool world...

Please get him to let us know what he is looking for, and all the hows and whys that are in his head....

I just believe the man has been Frustrated for so long and he is really now at the end of the rope, the ongoing snapping has really continued and he is having even more trouble containing himself when things are not according to Earl Standards....

I want to know what is in and on Earls mind, and I think many of you would like to know what he has to say about all your questions...

Lets give the Man a chance to Talk to us and Make some things very Clear that he wants all to know...

Mr. J.

 

[boradriver]

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.

JCIN I have to admit I was waiting and hoping to see that 4x TAR shirt block out part of the view of the stream as you got in Earl's grill to tell him to sit down and STFU. But I know it was not the right time or place to do it and it would have only gotten ugly if you had. You showed great self control because I know you wanted to say something to him.

Earl is one of the greatest talents ever in the game. I have alot of respect for his game and what he has done. I bought the stream expecting Earl to be Earl but what I feel I got was much worse. He was disrespectful to Shane, the game, the viewers both online and the ones in the studio, to TAR and everyone there helping TAR and that poor defensless Diamond table. Oh yeah that Gulyassy cue took a beating and held up like a champ.

I have travelled to many TAR events and purchased many streams. I was in DCC for the first TAR action room and the Shane and Alex match, Vegas for Hatch vs Appleton, Tampa for Mills vs SVB, NYC for SVB vs Mika and I'm sure I'm missing a few. Those are just the ones I was there for sweating on the sidelines. I don't know how many streams I have purchased. I own a closet full of TAR swag, and even a OB break cue I bought from you which is my favorite break cue to this day. We even shared a hotel room at The Expo in Valley Forge and some great stories during that event.

SO what I'm getting at is I have supported TAR as I much as I can when I can and will continue to for years to come, but I will not spend another nickel on any match with Earl. Earl being Earl we all expect but this was so much worse and I don't every want to to see that again.

 

[Keith McCready]

For all those down on Earl, I don't want to get into long ordeal, but I know another side of Earl.

To be honest, in my opinion, he hates pool, hates the game he has to play to survive, hates the people around it. Very few people he likes. He would have much rather been a professional golfer or a professional tennis player. He had to get STUCK in pool, and I believe that is why he carries on the way he does.

I've played him a million times when he was in his prime. I was there to see it all and know how he plays firsthand. He used to hit everybody with packages at all times. It's hard for any player to admit they don't play as good as they used to, and Earl, as you probably know, would never do that. Earl could be struggling with that.

On the other hand, playing Earl under these kind of surroundings, having to play Shane Van Boening with all the railbirds carrying on, it's not much fun to him. And it comes out in his anger, but he is by far probably the best 9-ball player that I ever played. He still has a couple, few gears today, but nothing, nothing like he used to, and I believe some type of demons have set in for a while now.

When he was running packages all the time, he never saw nobody, never heard nobody, didn't care who was sitting on the rail. He was focused on one thing and one thing only: keeping that opponent as far away from the table as possible.

I wish Earl well, and these naysayers on these websites got nothing else better to do but to pick on somebody that is obviously very sick and very distraught. And it's like I said before, he don't like nobody in the pool world, and he never will. Everybody is a statue to him.

Earthquake out.

 

[DrOnePocket]

For all those down on Earl, I don't want to get into long ordeal, but I know another side of Earl.

To be honest, in my opinion, he hates pool, hates the game he has to play to survive, hates the people around it. Very few people he likes. He would have much rather been a professional golfer or a professional tennis player. He had to get STUCK in pool, and I believe that is why he carries on the way he does.

I've played him a million times when he was in his prime. I was there to see it all and know how he plays firsthand. He used to hit everybody with packages at all times. It's hard for any player to admit they don't play as good as they used to, and Earl, as you probably know, would never do that. Earl could be struggling with that.

On the other hand, playing Earl under these kind of surroundings, having to play Shane Van Boening with all the railbirds carrying on, it's not much fun to him. And it comes out in his anger, but he is by far probably the best 9-ball player that I ever played. He still has a couple, few gears today, but nothing, nothing like he used to, and I believe some type of demons have set in for a while now.

When he was running packages all the time, he never saw nobody, never heard nobody, didn't care who was sitting on the rail. He was focused on one thing and one thing only: keeping that opponent as far away from the table as possible.

I wish Earl well, and these naysayers on these websites got nothing else better to do but to pick on somebody that is obviously very sick and very distraught. And it's like I said before, he don't like nobody in the pool world, and he never will. Everybody is a statue to him.

Earthquake out.

Wow! Some of what you say makes perfect sense. Making up excuses for him being a ***** is getting old though. No offense to you but I don't care how long you have known him, or how good he was, he is still the most immature asshole in pool and there is no excuse for it period.

 

[kvinbrwr]

For all those down on Earl, I don't want to get into long ordeal, but I know another side of Earl.

To be honest, in my opinion, he hates pool, hates the game he has to play to survive, hates the people around it. Very few people he likes. He would have much rather been a professional golfer or a professional tennis player. He had to get STUCK in pool, and I believe that is why he carries on the way he does.

I've played him a million times when he was in his prime. I was there to see it all and know how he plays firsthand. He used to hit everybody with packages at all times. It's hard for any player to admit they don't play as good as they used to, and Earl, as you probably know, would never do that. Earl could be struggling with that.

On the other hand, playing Earl under these kind of surroundings, having to play Shane Van Boening with all the railbirds carrying on, it's not much fun to him. And it comes out in his anger, but he is by far probably the best 9-ball player that I ever played. He still has a couple, few gears today, but nothing, nothing like he used to, and I believe some type of demons have set in for a while now.

When he was running packages all the time, he never saw nobody, never heard nobody, didn't care who was sitting on the rail. He was focused on one thing and one thing only: keeping that opponent as far away from the table as possible.

I wish Earl well, and these naysayers on these websites got nothing else better to do but to pick on somebody that is obviously very sick and very distraught. And it's like I said before, he don't like nobody in the pool world, and he never will. Everybody is a statue to him.

Earthquake out.

Wow. Speaking of packages, I think you dropped a few on folks too. Good to see you here.

Thanks for posting

Kevin

 

[Joelh]

TAR 22 was worth every penny

Justin,

Since I started playing pool, I've purchased most of the TAR matches and I think you produce a tremendous product. TAR 22 was no exception. The value was worth every penny of my $35 and I would have paid more.

I did not pay for a sanity, personality or demeanor contest; I paid for the play on the table. The play was great for the table conditions. I don't know the stats after day 3, but after Day 2 Earl was shooting an 85% accu-stat rating and Shane was shooting an 81%. Much more could not be expected.

It is way too early to say that Earl is the reason the purchases were down. My business sucks right now, as well as most of the people I know.

Also, this match did not have the novelty of the ten foot table match, so the amount of viewers was never going to be as high as that match.

Before you commit fully to not allowing Earl to be a participant again, as a loyal customer I'd like to add my two cents.

Earl playing on the ten-footer was the greatest pool I've ever seen played.

Shane and Earl's play on your tough table was great as well, and that's all that I care about. Watching both of them spear nine foot stop shots, watching Earl pocket an 8 1/2 foot, 90% cut on the rail, watching Shane's silky-smooth run outs and watching Earl win 6 in a row in about three minutes at the table is what I paid for and it was worth every penny.

This is your product and of course it's up to you to decide if you want to put up with the mental fatigue Earl causes you, but it is a business and, if I'm not mistaken, there is a demand for Earl. You may need to find the right price-point where working with Earl becomes tolerable.

I for one, as long as I can afford it, will always pay to watch Earl play.

There is no other player that I would rather watch play.

Thanks,
Joel

 

[jimmy-leggs]

For all those down on Earl, I don't want to get into long ordeal, but I know another side of Earl.

To be honest, in my opinion, he hates pool, hates the game he has to play to survive, hates the people around it. Very few people he likes. He would have much rather been a professional golfer or a professional tennis player. He had to get STUCK in pool, and I believe that is why he carries on the way he does.

I've played him a million times when he was in his prime. I was there to see it all and know how he plays firsthand. He used to hit everybody with packages at all times. It's hard for any player to admit they don't play as good as they used to, and Earl, as you probably know, would never do that. Earl could be struggling with that.

On the other hand, playing Earl under these kind of surroundings, having to play Shane Van Boening with all the railbirds carrying on, it's not much fun to him. And it comes out in his anger, but he is by far probably the best 9-ball player that I ever played. He still has a couple, few gears today, but nothing, nothing like he used to, and I believe some type of demons have set in for a while now.

When he was running packages all the time, he never saw nobody, never heard nobody, didn't care who was sitting on the rail. He was focused on one thing and one thing only: keeping that opponent as far away from the table as possible.

I wish Earl well, and these naysayers on these websites got nothing else better to do but to pick on somebody that is obviously very sick and very distraught. And it's like I said before, he don't like nobody in the pool world, and he never will. Everybody is a statue to him.

Earthquake out.

Keith McCready vs Efren Reyes TAR 24(just idea) ,Livestream sales would go through the roof.Keith are you in?Would love to see this.
Thanks for popping in with your thoughts.
P.S. You walked away from the game with dignity,Too bad Earl would'nt do the same.

 

[RBC]

I should mention that I have personally witnessed Earl and all that comes with him on many occasions since I started OB Cues. From this experience, I think this quote from Ayn Rand sums it up best:

"Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it, cannot be conquered by it. Do not count on them, leave them alone."

I truly wish this was not the case, but unfortunately it is. I wish all the best for Earl.


Royce Bunnell
www.obcues.com

 

[decent dennis]

For all those down on Earl, I don't want to get into long ordeal, but I know another side of Earl.

To be honest, in my opinion, he hates pool, hates the game he has to play to survive, hates the people around it. Very few people he likes. He would have much rather been a professional golfer or a professional tennis player. He had to get STUCK in pool, and I believe that is why he carries on the way he does.

I've played him a million times when he was in his prime. I was there to see it all and know how he plays firsthand. He used to hit everybody with packages at all times. It's hard for any player to admit they don't play as good as they used to, and Earl, as you probably know, would never do that. Earl could be struggling with that.

On the other hand, playing Earl under these kind of surroundings, having to play Shane Van Boening with all the railbirds carrying on, it's not much fun to him. And it comes out in his anger, but he is by far probably the best 9-ball player that I ever played. He still has a couple, few gears today, but nothing, nothing like he used to, and I believe some type of demons have set in for a while now.

When he was running packages all the time, he never saw nobody, never heard nobody, didn't care who was sitting on the rail. He was focused on one thing and one thing only: keeping that opponent as far away from the table as possible.

I wish Earl well, and these naysayers on these websites got nothing else better to do but to pick on somebody that is obviously very sick and very distraught. And it's like I said before, he don't like nobody in the pool world, and he never will. Everybody is a statue to him.

Earthquake out.

Too bad he wasn't stuck being a ditch digger or some other tough unglamorous job. Another thing, maybe it wasn't fun to him but i'll bet he'd sign up for another free payday.

 

[tank69]

It's real simple for me...why pay $35 to see someone *****, complain, be hateful and act like an ass when I can go to one of the local pool balls and see it for free? I might be missing out on world champion play, which Earl even makes that a horrific experience due to his demeanor, but to me, it's simply not worth it.

To think TAR, or anyone else for that matter, thinks Earl is going to behave is ignorant...You know how he is, don't play us like you really felt "this would be different"...it never is and seriously, you really think we buy that?

If you want to make a positive approach to pool, don't put Earl back on. Sure, we all miss his antics from time to time, but inevitably, it ends up with everyone trash talking him. It's hypocrisy at its finest, we put him on a pedestal for his play, but banish him for his antics...which is it? Can we not make up our minds as to whether he's right or wrong? You simply can't have it both ways, get some balls and make a stand.


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