Patriotism? Or Money-motivated?

Please read everything I have written again. I never said that they were not patriotic. Bottom line to me is - it is wrong for them to plead their case using their patriotism as the main motivation. Again - would these players be trying SOOOOO hard if they weren't getting a huge payday? I would simply prefer honesty, and I think everyone else should too.

I'm not a simpleton. I may be cynical and you may not like my views, but that does not make me an idiot. So don't treat me like one. Don't come at me playing the patriot card when I know you simply are vying for the big check. I truly believe these players wouldn't be fighting so hard if they were only playing for travel expenses and the glory of the Mosconi Cup.

As for the charity bit, it was simply a suggestion for people to think about. But I know I would certainly appreciate someone who showed me that money wasn't their sole motivation instead of telling me that "they really want to represent their country."
 
Normally, I post a reply in order to make my position be known and then leave the subject alone, but in this case I just have to clarify a few things.

In order to make this less offensive to any one person, I am making this statement:

Charlie Bryant is campaigning for the Mosconi Cup Idol vote for several reasons.

1. He is a man with a family to support, and with Christmas around the corner, yes, the money would help tremendously. (Happy?)
2. As a proud American, Mosconi Cup and the opportunity to represent your country IS a huge honor.
3. Being that Matchroom Sports has made the final spot an election by the public, to be selected by your peers adds to the honor. (There is not a pool player alive who would not like to know that the pool playing public is on their side)
3. Finally, when Charlie chose pool as his career choice and made the jump of blind faith to go pro, he set goals for himself. To win a major title, to consistantly sit in the top 12 on the ranking list and finally...TO BE AN AMERICAN TEAM MEMBER AT THE MOSCONI CUP COMPETITION. If only everyone set and stuck to their goals, this would be a much better world to live in.

I am not going to appologize for a sinlge word I stated in my previous messages on AZ, FB or in my emails. I did not state any untruth and I stand beside Charlie 100% when he tells me that the main motivation for his desire to be a part of this team is his wish to acheive his long ago set career goals. I have never been more proud of him than I am at this time and whether he wins the spot or not, he will always be a champion and true American to me!


In conclusion, I appologize if any of you were bombarded by emails or fb messages from Charlie as it was myself and not him that spent 4 straight days sending them all out. If they were unwelcome, please send me a reply message and I will put you on a list of people that we do not contact in these situations.
 
Please read everything I have written again. I never said that they were not patriotic. Bottom line to me is - it is wrong for them to plead their case using their patriotism as the main motivation. Again - would these players be trying SOOOOO hard if they weren't getting a huge payday? I would simply prefer honesty, and I think everyone else should too.

I'm not a simpleton. I may be cynical and you may not like my views, but that does not make me an idiot. So don't treat me like one. Don't come at me playing the patriot card when I know you simply are vying for the big check. I truly believe these players wouldn't be fighting so hard if they were only playing for travel expenses and the glory of the Mosconi Cup.

As for the charity bit, it was simply a suggestion for people to think about. But I know I would certainly appreciate someone who showed me that money wasn't their sole motivation instead of telling me that "they really want to represent their country."


If you are referring to me, I did not say you were an idiot. I do not resort to name calling if at all possible.

I am just irritated at people's assumptions that they know the motivations of any person. These guys are professionals and this is their career. It is a givin that they are doing it for the money...how else would they support themselves. Charity is great but with the diminished pots in the industry these days, any player supporting themselves or a family is not in a position to give away money.

They claim patriotism in their campaigning because anyone who understands the definition of 'professional poolplayer' knows already that it is for the money. What they are trying to do is explain what other reasons you should vote for them. Take it easy on them and vote or don't. This subject is petty and should be concluded.
 
As I said before the money is just a perk! Being a part of team USA and the Mosconi Cup is an opportunity of a lifetime! It's a chance to be a part of something special, to come together as a team with 4 other guys you normally want to beat to all accomplish one goal and that's WIN.For everyone family fans friends etc...and most of all our country! I am honored just to be on the list!!!! And Charlie Bryant is one of the nicest stand up guys I have ever met. Sincerely, Dennis Hatch
 
All these Mosconi Cup nominees are lobbying for our votes and citing their patriotism as a reason that we should vote them for them. Everyone talks about what an honor it would be to represent the US, and how that is the reason they want to be voted on the team.

But no one is talking about the significant payday that comes with being a Mosconi Cup participant – and I suspect that MONEY is the real reason they are all trying so hard for our votes. From the 2008 Mosconi Cup website, “EVERY player that competes in the 2008 PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup will receive a $10,000 appearance fee but there is a huge incentive to be on the winning side. The five members of the victorious team will double their money to each take home $20,000.”

I don’t begrudge anyone their payday. We all got to make our papers somehow. But I have received emails and FB messages asking for my vote. And then of course, there are all the threads on this forum where each player is trying to first come across as humble and patriotic, and then just laying out their accomplishments in a sad game of one-upsmanship.

But personally, I would be more willing to vote for someone who is honest about their motivation. And if any player out whose true motivation is patriotism and not money, then I challenge you to pledge at least ½ of your appearance fee to charity. (I think the BEF would appreciate a nice $5K check from a pro player. And you would definitely have my vote.) And I’m just talking about the appearance fee. If the US wins, then the bonus is theirs to keep[/QUOTe

Heck in that case the first one to send me $500 gets my vote and my wifes vote... LMAO
 
I'll weigh in here. I have donated literally years to run a pool league free gratis, and also give free lessons, every week. to encourage new participants in this fine sport. Some people don't have the time, talent, energy or $ to do that, and I do not think any less of them for conditions beyond their own control. Pool is a low paid sport, and we all know it.

On THIS issue, the players, pros every one <I think>, DESERVE the cash for their time and preparation for this event. I will not begrudge them getting paid, any more than I begrudge a cue maker, case maker, or room owner making an honest living.

Lying, cheating, or being a nit is different, but I've not seen any of these guys that fit this category.

I say, unless they have burned the flag, or otherwise shown they are not true Americans, then let's have some great players and get this cup home!
 
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