Playing with a Disability? (Earl-Shane)

[Rick S.]

After hearing all the disability talk, and talking w/friends I really began to wonder which disability would be worse to have? (wouldn't wish either on my worst enemy)

Which one would affect someone's performance more? A mental disability, or a physical disability?

Mental disabilities can't be seen from the outside.

People just don't seem to understand if they can't see something obvious (missing arms-legs, wearing hearing aids) that someone had a handicap.

Why is it Earl is called crazy, stupid, dumb, and most other names in the book? While he has a disability that affects his thoughts, and actions? Is it OK to make fun of people with this disability??

SYMPTOMS.........

"The primary symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Overpowering negative emotions, such as extreme anger, anxiety, and frustration. It is usually repetitive, not a one-time act."

Now, does that sound like Earl to you?? Your damn right it does.

Do you people actually think Earl wants to behave like he does? Hell no, he don't. He's seen numerous specialists and tried numerous medications, and spent thousands, and thousands of dollars all to no avail.

None of the meds allow him to show us the stroke that made him the greatest living 9 ball player on the planet. The meds rob him of that. (and US too)

Imagine if the tables were turned, and Earl was the one w/the hearing impairment? How many more titiles-world championships do you think he would have by now? There is absolutely no telling....

He wouldn't be having to scrap to get by these days, I have a feeling.


Earl has given us some of the most electrifying moments in pool history, and countless hours of entertainment over the years.


YOU be the judge.

Give Earl a break.....he deserves it.

 

[Buster8001]

After hearing all the disability talk, and talking w/friends I really began to wonder which disability would be worse to have? (wouldn't wish either on my worst enemy)

Which one would affect someone's performance more? A mental disability, or a physical disability?

Mental disabilities can't be seen from the outside.

People just don't seem to understand if they can't see something obvious (missing arms-legs, wearing hearing aids) that someone had a handicap.

Why is it Earl is called crazy, stupid, dumb, and most other names in the book? While he has a disability that affects his thoughts, and actions? Is it OK to make fun of people with this disability??

SYMPTOMS.........

"The primary symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Overpowering negative emotions, such as extreme anger, anxiety, and frustration. It is usually repetitive, not a one-time act."

Now, does that sound like Earl to you?? Your damn right it does.

Do you people actually think Earl wants to behave like he does? Hell no, he don't. He's seen numerous specialists and tried numerous medications, and spent thousands, and thousands of dollars all to no avail.

None of the meds allow him to show us the stroke that made him the greatest living 9 ball player on the planet. The meds rob him of that. (and US too)

Imagine if the tables were turned, and Earl was the one w/the hearing impairment? How many more titiles-world championships do you think he would have by now? There is absolutely no telling....

He wouldn't be having to scrap to get by these days, I have a feeling.


Earl has given us some of the most electrifying moments in pool history, and countless hours of entertainment over the years.


YOU be the judge.

Give Earl a break.....he deserves it.

Well said!

Josh <---Has a son with Autism

 

[ccshrimper]

I agree, it seems it's ok for the fans to call Earl every name in the book in the ppv chat but if you tried to do that about any other pro they would have banned you. I heard one guy continually call Earl a pos. Another said "I wonder how much coke Earl will buy with his winnings". Stuff like this went on all 3 days of the event. Maybe some of Earl's paranoia is justified. BUT, I think Earl tried to put on a show and make people laugh. Some of the stuff was definitely intentional so it's fair game to call it crazy. As long as the people weren't saying it to be hurtful I don't have a problem with it.

On the mental disability over physical, I kinda disagree. I think Earl's mental condition is why he became so great. Maybe the paranoia gives him the drive to practice 4 hours every day at almost 50 years of age. If he could still have the drive without the mental condition, then yes he probably would have won many more events.

 

[bfdlad]

I tell you how funny people are the way they talk one min about someone and then another.

Earl and I were set to do a show in Alabama. I went into the pool room in the afternoon to say hi to the owner and let him know that I had arrived and that Earl would be getting in soon. The owner was out but would be back in the next 30 mins so I sat at the bar and waited. I over hear a few feet down the bar someone ask a friend "You coming to the exhibition tonight? Earl Strickland is going to be here" To which his friends response was "Hell NO!, why would I want to come and watch that guy he makes me sick" I don't say anything as everyone has a right to their opinion. a couple mins later Earl has arrived in town and figured he would come to the pool room as he knew I was going to be there. So he walks in and the guy who Earl made sick was the first to greet him with a smile and call him Mr Strickland, asked for a autograph and wanted a picture with him.

So its really kinda funny and I am willing to bet most of the people on here who bad mouth him would act differently if he was stood in front of them. Just my little opinion.

 

[Rick S.]

So its really kinda funny and I am willing to bet most of the people on here who bad mouth him would act differently if he was stood in front of them. Just my little opinion.

You're right.

don't forget the people who make fun of his tape, wraps, weights, and other stuff. 90% of them would wrap themselves up like a mummy to shoot HALF his speed.

 

[KoolKat9Lives]

Rick, I'm not so sure it's common knowledge that Earl is bi-polar. And furthermore, I don't think that many people understand how impacting the disorder is.

Good post.

 

[JAM]

I tell you how funny people are the way they talk one min about someone and then another.

Earl and I were set to do a show in Alabama. I went into the pool room in the afternoon to say hi to the owner and let him know that I had arrived and that Earl would be getting in soon. The owner was out but would be back in the next 30 mins so I sat at the bar and waited. I over hear a few feet down the bar someone ask a friend "You coming to the exhibition tonight? Earl Strickland is going to be here" To which his friends response was "Hell NO!, why would I want to come and watch that guy he makes me sick" I don't say anything as everyone has a right to their opinion. a couple mins later Earl has arrived in town and figured he would come to the pool room as he knew I was going to be there. So he walks in and the guy who Earl made sick was the first to greet him with a smile and call him Mr Strickland, asked for a autograph and wanted a picture with him.

So its really kinda funny and I am willing to bet most of the people on here who bad mouth him would act differently if he was stood in front of them. Just my little opinion.

This is so true. I've witnessed the exact same thing happen. The keyboard cowboys/cowgirls rip the players apart on the pool-related forums, and then they're the first one in line to get their autograph when they see them in person.

 

[lstevedus]

I was at your clinic and exibition with Earl and Johnny in Columbus

I tell you how funny people are the way they talk one min about someone and then another.

Earl and I were set to do a show in Alabama. I went into the pool room in the afternoon to say hi to the owner and let him know that I had arrived and that Earl would be getting in soon. The owner was out but would be back in the next 30 mins so I sat at the bar and waited. I over hear a few feet down the bar someone ask a friend "You coming to the exhibition tonight? Earl Strickland is going to be here" To which his friends response was "Hell NO!, why would I want to come and watch that guy he makes me sick" I don't say anything as everyone has a right to their opinion. a couple mins later Earl has arrived in town and figured he would come to the pool room as he knew I was going to be there. So he walks in and the guy who Earl made sick was the first to greet him with a smile and call him Mr Strickland, asked for a autograph and wanted a picture with him.

So its really kinda funny and I am willing to bet most of the people on here who bad mouth him would act differently if he was stood in front of them. Just my little opinion.

Unfortunately most of my class time was spent with Earl. At the time I was a fan of Earl and not of JA so much. I even got my wife to go with me to the exibition the night before. My wife is the director of a memory care unit and totally not into pool. Her impression of Earl at the trick shot exibition was not good to say the least. After our time with Earl and JA was finished the next day, I tried to compliment Earl on the fact that I thought it was nice to meet him, and he went off on some rant about how I was lucky to meet him being such a great player and all which was a total turn off.

What I got for my $$$ was that Johnny Archer is one of the nicest people I have ever met and was nice enough to stand next to me, and put his arm around my shoulder when we had our group picture taken. I really would like to have a copy of that photo and have asked for one before and never got it. I think whether Earl is good for pool remains to be seen. All that I can say is that I wouldn't bet against him.

 

[PC_John]

It is not at all unusual for very talented people to be high strung and have issues.

I like to watch Earl shoot pool, that's what I am interested in.

I do not know any of the pros, have never met one, but I do like to watch Earl and Efren. They are my favorites.

 

[lstevedus]

These people are not worth your time Jam

This is so true. I've witnessed the exact same thing happen. The keyboard cowboys/cowgirls rip the players apart on the pool-related forums, and then they're the first one in line to get their autograph when they see them in person.

I ignore them. They are on my list of people that don't get it and never will. You and Keith are good people. You guys took the time to answer a question I had not long ago, that's something I won't forget. These types don't seem to hang around long and that's a good thing.

 

[EZMoney]

Well said

True that Rick. I hope he can get his demons to behave. It would be such a thrill to watch Earl play a match and never have to confront the first challenge to his mental health shortcomings.

 

[rayjay]

Mental disabilities are devastating. People lose families, friends, careers, self esteem and hope. It is incredibly difficult to get up every day and deal with all the symptoms of the illness and maintain recovery, and all who do so have my sincere admiration. It is important to remember, though, that the person is not responsible for his illness, but he is responsible for his behavior and recovery.

 

[KRJ]

Hmmm

You're right.

don't forget the people who make fun of his tape, wraps, weights, and other stuff. 90% of them would wrap themselves up like a mummy to shoot HALF his speed.

I'd wear high heels, ladies panties, and a toilet seat for a hat if I could shoot half of Earl's speed !!

Gonna go get me some ankle weights tonight for my left arm..... who wants to play a set with me for $1K now ?? lol

 

[Rick S.]

I'd wear high heels, ladies panties, and a toilet seat for a hat if I could shoot half of Earl's speed !!

Gonna go get me some ankle weights tonight for my left arm..... who wants to play a set with me for $1K now ?? lol

Tooo funny!! :thumbup:

 

[DRW]

After hearing all the disability talk, and talking w/friends I really began to wonder which disability would be worse to have? (wouldn't wish either on my worst enemy)

Which one would affect someone's performance more? A mental disability, or a physical disability?

Mental disabilities can't be seen from the outside.

People just don't seem to understand if they can't see something obvious (missing arms-legs, wearing hearing aids) that someone had a handicap.

Why is it Earl is called crazy, stupid, dumb, and most other names in the book? While he has a disability that affects his thoughts, and actions? Is it OK to make fun of people with this disability??

SYMPTOMS.........

"The primary symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Overpowering negative emotions, such as extreme anger, anxiety, and frustration. It is usually repetitive, not a one-time act."

Now, does that sound like Earl to you?? Your damn right it does.

Do you people actually think Earl wants to behave like he does? Hell no, he don't. He's seen numerous specialists and tried numerous medications, and spent thousands, and thousands of dollars all to no avail.

None of the meds allow him to show us the stroke that made him the greatest living 9 ball player on the planet. The meds rob him of that. (and US too)

Imagine if the tables were turned, and Earl was the one w/the hearing impairment? How many more titiles-world championships do you think he would have by now? There is absolutely no telling....

He wouldn't be having to scrap to get by these days, I have a feeling.


Earl has given us some of the most electrifying moments in pool history, and countless hours of entertainment over the years.


YOU be the judge.

Give Earl a break.....he deserves it.

Good job! I'm sure he appreciates you as a friend.

 

[Neil]

.................

 

[Scott Lee]

Rick S....Just wanted to clarify something. Both being deaf, and being bipolar are both PHYSICAL disabilities. Bipolar is a chemical imbalance in the brain. How it affects people, and to what degree, vary from patient to patient. A mental disorder would be something along the lines of schizophrenia, or anger management.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

After hearing all the disability talk, and talking w/friends I really began to wonder which disability would be worse to have? (wouldn't wish either on my worst enemy)

Which one would affect someone's performance more? A mental disability, or a physical disability?

Mental disabilities can't be seen from the outside.

People just don't seem to understand if they can't see something obvious (missing arms-legs, wearing hearing aids) that someone had a handicap.

Why is it Earl is called crazy, stupid, dumb, and most other names in the book? While he has a disability that affects his thoughts, and actions? Is it OK to make fun of people with this disability??

SYMPTOMS.........

"The primary symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Overpowering negative emotions, such as extreme anger, anxiety, and frustration. It is usually repetitive, not a one-time act."

Now, does that sound like Earl to you?? Your damn right it does.

Do you people actually think Earl wants to behave like he does? Hell no, he don't. He's seen numerous specialists and tried numerous medications, and spent thousands, and thousands of dollars all to no avail.

None of the meds allow him to show us the stroke that made him the greatest living 9 ball player on the planet. The meds rob him of that. (and US too)

Imagine if the tables were turned, and Earl was the one w/the hearing impairment? How many more titiles-world championships do you think he would have by now? There is absolutely no telling....

He wouldn't be having to scrap to get by these days, I have a feeling.


Earl has given us some of the most electrifying moments in pool history, and countless hours of entertainment over the years.


YOU be the judge.

Give Earl a break.....he deserves it.

 

[Terry Ardeno]

Very, very well stated

After hearing all the disability talk, and talking w/friends I really began to wonder which disability would be worse to have? (wouldn't wish either on my worst enemy)

Which one would affect someone's performance more? A mental disability, or a physical disability?

Mental disabilities can't be seen from the outside.

People just don't seem to understand if they can't see something obvious (missing arms-legs, wearing hearing aids) that someone had a handicap.

Why is it Earl is called crazy, stupid, dumb, and most other names in the book? While he has a disability that affects his thoughts, and actions? Is it OK to make fun of people with this disability??

SYMPTOMS.........

"The primary symptoms of the disorder are dramatic and unpredictable mood swings. Overpowering negative emotions, such as extreme anger, anxiety, and frustration. It is usually repetitive, not a one-time act."

Now, does that sound like Earl to you?? Your damn right it does.

Do you people actually think Earl wants to behave like he does? Hell no, he don't. He's seen numerous specialists and tried numerous medications, and spent thousands, and thousands of dollars all to no avail.

None of the meds allow him to show us the stroke that made him the greatest living 9 ball player on the planet. The meds rob him of that. (and US too)

Imagine if the tables were turned, and Earl was the one w/the hearing impairment? How many more titiles-world championships do you think he would have by now? There is absolutely no telling....

He wouldn't be having to scrap to get by these days, I have a feeling.


Earl has given us some of the most electrifying moments in pool history, and countless hours of entertainment over the years.


YOU be the judge.

Give Earl a break.....he deserves it.

Even though you, me & SpiderWebComm may be Earl's longest running big time fans, I have to say in all honesty that THAT is a great post!

 

[Scott Lee]

Rick S....Hell yes! Where do I sign up! Now if I have to figure out the anger management thing, then I'll pass.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

You're right.

don't forget the people who make fun of his tape, wraps, weights, and other stuff. 90% of them would wrap themselves up like a mummy to shoot HALF his speed.

 

[dr9ball]

Rick S....Just wanted to clarify something. Both being deaf, and being bipolar are both PHYSICAL disabilities. Bipolar is a chemical imbalance in the brain. How it affects people, and to what degree, vary from patient to patient. A mental disorder would be something along the lines of schizophrenia, or anger management.

Scott Lee
www.poolknowledge.com

Well some sources are now also classifying mental illnesses as having a physiological component along with biological and social components. It may not be currently viewed as black and white they way it used to be.

http://www.schizophrenia.com/hypo.php

"experts now say that schizophrenia (and all other mental illness) is caused by a combination of biological, psychological and social factors, and this understanding of mental illness is called the bio-psycho-social model"