I am addressing this because I can longer sit idly by and watch Grady get torn to shreds. It is clear that his repitition is what has irked many of you, but for one minute, put yourself in his shoes. Here is a man who has devoted his entire life to not only playing pool, but advancing it as well. Yes it was his choice to play for a living, but the promotion comes from his PURE love of the game.
There is no question in my mind that the overwhelming feelings of disappointment are well deserved. Similarly, the only avenue of addressing those feelings is through us all on these boards. It is a terrible shame on all of us, as he said, for it to come to this.
2 years ago, at the inception of the revitalization of the world straight pool championships, Grady called me in my home room. I had only met him once before, and found it strange that he would call around to track me down. He asked me during that call if he could get an invite. I promised I would try, and I did. I tried multiple times, and was refused each and every time. For my efforts, I endured insults and backhanded snipes from he and other members of the board.
This year was no different, as I do believe that Grady should have been invited. There is so much misinformation on these boards that it amazes me. Everyone chimes in, "why wasnt so and so (insert past champions name) invited. I dont see their name..." trust me, they all were invited, but the ones who didnt play, declined. So again, this year, I insisted Grady be invited. My inquiry was met with harsher words this year, and so I dropped it. Lo and behold, I was attacked again on these boards.
Now, I dont believe that Grady has a right to know these things. Just like he had no right to know what I pm'd jay helfert about. But since its out there already.. Jay pm'd me about the proposed 1 pocket world championship. He asked among other things, if I would invite grady. My response was that it was way to early to decide, but the fact remained, I was torn. On the one hand, I believe he truly belongs in such an event. On the other hand, I have endured many unwarrented slams and insults from him. I can never lose respect for the legendary player that he is, but as a person, thts a different story.
For the rest of the kool aid crowd, it was interesting to see so many of you jump to the conclusion that I would not be inviting him, after I disclosed that I was in no way responsible for the invitations to the 14.1 event. Yes, I "hand" delivered some invites, but the decision wasnt mine. Incidentally, whenI first brought up the 1 pocket WC, i intentionally included that if this was to come to pass, I would be more hands on, thus more ivolved in the ENTIRE process.
What I find most disturbing though, is that these threads cause nothing but division amongst us. Initially it was amusing, but it has deteriorated into something that I feel will carry on between posters in many different threads for a very long time.
I will finish by saying that, even after all that has been said (ie, "insinctually I don't like him"), I will continue to have an open mind and turn the other cheek. I hope all of you will cease immediately from posting anything negative about Grady, now and in the future. And all of you that love and revere him, shower him with the respect he clearly deserves.
Regards,
rg
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