Put Earl Strickland on Team USA in 2017 Mosconi Cup

[one stroke]

I do not think this is true. I recall when Earl lost the Cuetec sponsorship, the lady in charge retired. The company was sold to -- I want to say -- a Japanese entity. Everything changed at that point with Cuetec. Diana Hoppe told me this, and she is in the position of knowing firsthand some of the details better than me. So this is hearsay on my end, but I believe Diana.

Cuetec Fires Strickland - 02-23-2007, 02:37 PM
My latest subscription to Billiards Digest arrived today, and I read in it that Cuetec has fired Earl Strickland. Cuetc president, Jones Chang, said, "Earl has endorsed Cuetec from 1990 until 2007...He made great contributions to the game and to Cuetec. But when he loses, he loses himself. And that affects the Cuetec image. His behavior is detrimental to our promotion. We have stood by him in the past, but now it is time to end our relationship."

"Imperial [International, who recently acquired J-S, the Cuetec distributor] never liked me," Strickland said. "They were ready to boot me the first time I sneezed. I thik they pressured Cuetec into firing me. But Jones had it with me anyway."

...Strickland insisted that the production cue contributed to his poor play in recent years, which in turn contributed to his ornery behavior.

"I can't get any better with that cue anyway," Strickland insisted. "If they [Cuetec] made a better cue, I'd still be winning. But I was handicapped with that cue. I was at a 2-ball disadvantage against a guy like Mike Immonen playing with a good wood cue...And they never treated me right."



As for who would suffer more from the break-up, Strickland responded pointedly. "I made Cuetec," he said. "They didn't make me."

It's been like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

What do you think happens now? Any other sponsors gonna grab up Strickland? Or is the rest of the industry gonna stay away from him?

George in VA

 

[JAM]

Cuetec Fires Strickland - 02-23-2007, 02:37 PM
My latest subscription to Billiards Digest arrived today, and I read in it that Cuetec has fired Earl Strickland. Cuetc president, Jones Chang, said, "Earl has endorsed Cuetec from 1990 until 2007...He made great contributions to the game and to Cuetec. But when he loses, he loses himself. And that affects the Cuetec image. His behavior is detrimental to our promotion. We have stood by him in the past, but now it is time to end our relationship."

"Imperial [International, who recently acquired J-S, the Cuetec distributor] never liked me," Strickland said. "They were ready to boot me the first time I sneezed. I thik they pressured Cuetec into firing me. But Jones had it with me anyway."

...Strickland insisted that the production cue contributed to his poor play in recent years, which in turn contributed to his ornery behavior.

"I can't get any better with that cue anyway," Strickland insisted. "If they [Cuetec] made a better cue, I'd still be winning. But I was handicapped with that cue. I was at a 2-ball disadvantage against a guy like Mike Immonen playing with a good wood cue...And they never treated me right."



As for who would suffer more from the break-up, Strickland responded pointedly. "I made Cuetec," he said. "They didn't make me."

It's been like watching a train wreck in slow motion.

What do you think happens now? Any other sponsors gonna grab up Strickland? Or is the rest of the industry gonna stay away from him?

George in VA

This is what I heard. I tend to believe that it is because the lady retired and Imperial, as you shared, bought Cuetec, that things changed with Cuetec and Earl.

We're talking here about an exhibition, the Mosconi Cup. We are not talking about Earl getting sponsorship.

It is my opinion that Earl Strickland should be on Team USA. Everyone, of course, is entitled to their opinion. I wish the pros would chime in on this thread instead of railbirds like me, unidentified trolls, which I know you, George, are not, and/or stakehorse(s) speaking on behalf of pros.

I think Earl can let his cue do the talking, and I hope to see in Vegas, come December 2017.

The hatred expressed on this thread towards Earl is not pleasant to read. I know many, many, many pool peeps do not feel this way. Here in AzBilliards Land, though, it seems as though it's fun to barbecue and flame anything that is the flavor of the week. Last week, it was Mike Zuglan. This week, thanks to my threads about Earl, it is Earl Strickland. What's on the menu for next week in AzBilliards Land? I can hardly wait for the lightning round.

 

[M.G.]

I do not think this is true. I recall when Earl lost the Cuetec sponsorship, the lady in charge retired. The company was sold to -- I want to say -- a Japanese entity. Everything changed at that point with Cuetec. Diana Hoppe told me this, and she is in the position of knowing firsthand some of the details better than me. So this is hearsay on my end, but I believe Diana.

We can open a new thread on this one, but please more details on the sale and changes afterwards.
I personally like Cuetecs. And is that why there suddenly also are 11.5mm shafts?

As for the topic, Strickland can be on the Mosconi cup if he earns his points by playing the relevant tournaments.
Isn't it that simple?

As for my personal opinion (that really doesn't count) - he does not belong there.
He no longer has the restraint that is needed to compete in this kind of sport about concentration and attention. He is not a role model to watchers.
I'm not doubting his skill or his cue.

Cheers,
M

 

[JAM]

We can open a new thread on this one, but please more details on the sale and changes afterwards.
I personally like Cuetecs. And is that why there suddenly also are 11.5mm shafts?

As for the topic, Strickland can be on the Mosconi cup if he earns his points by playing the relevant tournaments.
Isn't it that simple?

As for my personal opinion (that really doesn't count) - he does not belong there.
He no longer has the restraint that is needed to compete in this kind of sport about concentration and attention. He is not a role model to watchers.
I'm not doubting his skill or his cue.

Cheers,
M

Again, if you read the thread, again, you may discover that 4 of the 5 members for Team USA get in on points. There is one wildcard pick. My suggestion, again, based on the one wildcard pick, again, is to have Earl Strickland be the wild card pick.

 

[one stroke]

This is what I heard. I tend to believe that it is because the lady retired and Imperial, as you shared, bought Cuetec, that things changed with Cuetec and Earl.

We're talking here about an exhibition, the Mosconi Cup. We are not talking about Earl getting sponsorship.

It is my opinion that Earl Strickland should be on Team USA. Everyone, of course, is entitled to their opinion. I wish the pros would chime in on this thread instead of railbirds like me, unidentified trolls, which I know you, George, are not, and/or stakehorse(s) speaking on behalf of pros.

I think Earl can let his cue do the talking, and I hope to see in Vegas, come December 2017.

The hatred expressed on this thread towards Earl is not pleasant to read. I know many, many, many pool peeps do not feel this way. Here in AzBilliards Land, though, it seems as though it's fun to barbecue and flame anything that is the flavor of the week. Last week, it was Mike Zuglan. This week, thanks to my threads about Earl, it is Earl Strickland. What's on the menu for next week in AzBilliards Land? I can hardly wait for the lightning round.

Your wanting him on the team is for personal reasons ,, I simply want the best team as do many others ,,IMHO a better team is one that does not have Earl on it it's nothing personal ,

1

 

[JAM]

Your wanting him on the team is for personal reasons ,, I simply want the best team as do many others ,,IMHO a better team is one that does not have Earl on it it's nothing personal ,

1

I appreciate your sentiments, though I want him on the team because I think he is a good pool player and can play in high-competition events. I think he is one of the best to represent Team USA at the Mosconi Cup. It's not personal; it's business too. :smile:

 

[Sweatin']

The hatred expressed on this thread towards Earl is not pleasant to read. I know many, many, many pool peeps do not feel this way. Here in AzBilliards Land, though, it seems as though it's fun to barbecue and flame anything that is the flavor of the week. Last week, it was Mike Zuglan. This week, thanks to my threads about Earl, it is Earl Strickland. What's on the menu for next week in AzBilliards Land? I can hardly wait for the lightning round.

His obvious talent aside, you obviously have to understand that Earl is a polarizing figure and has an established history as such. In fact, one could make a case that his personality is a large part of his draw. Same reason people slow down to view accidents on the road.

That said, I'm not sure why it would realistically surprise anyone to find that some like him and some don't. Many think his personality is justified by his talent and many don't.

I'm personally on the fence.

 

[Poolplaya9]

There are probably 5 attributes that must be taken into consideration when choosing a player for the team. Their order of importance and how much weight each should carry is largely preference and opinion and can be debated, but that they should all carry some significant weight and consideration probably can't be.

1. Ability to represent the US and the sport with dignity, or at least not show your a$$
2. Skills
3. A team player who can positively impact the rest of the team, or at least not cause a negative impact on others on the team
4. Likelihood for falling apart under the pressure of this type of event and stage
5. Ability to be coached

Let's break it down:
1. In terms of representation of the US and sport, Earl is a horrible choice, possibly even the very worst choice out of the top 100 players in the US. The chances that Earl will behave in a way that is an embarrassment to the nation and the sport are not just significant, but likely.

2. From a skills perspective, I don't think Earl would be considered a current top 5 US player by almost any measure. I don't think that most people who are educated about the pool scene would rate him top 5. At best there might be a few who put him more or less tied for 5th with several other players. Earl is also not in the top 5 according to FargoRate, nor does it appear that it is likely that he will end up being in the top 5 in the Mosconi Cup points standings. It just doesn’t appear that Earl would be one of the five best choices based on current skill level.

3. From a team player standpoint, Earl is also a horrible choice, possibly even the very worst choice out of the top 100 players in the US. The chances that Earl will have a negative impact on other members of the team is not just significant, but likely.

4. In terms of the likelihood for falling apart, losing focus, giving up, etc under the type of pressure of this event with the types of crowds that are involved is not just significant, but likely. Earl is way, way down the list of the top 100 US players in regards to how well he is likely to do in this respect.

5. In terms of being open to coaching or suggestions or even encouragement or anything else, Earl is also a horrible choice, quite possibly among the very worst out of the top 100 players in the US.

All things considered I just can’t see any good logical arguments for Earl being one of the five best choices for the team under any criteria, much less when all the criteria are considered. I can certainly see wanting to see him on the team for the sake of nostalgia, or because he is one of your favorite players, but not because he is one of the five best choices.

 

[JAM]

I hope Matchroom Sport and Johann chooses to put Earl Strickland on 2017 Team USA at the Mosconi Cup so some of the members on this thread can eat crow when he barbecues the Europeans. :grin:

 

[Straightpool_99]

I hope Matchroom Sport and Johann chooses to put Earl Strickland on 2017 Team USA at the Mosconi Cup so some of the members on this thread can eat crow when he barbecues the Europeans. :grin:

I hope they don't!

Last time Earl played, 2013 was a huge embarassment, and Matchroom can't afford another one. If that sort of crap happens again, there won't be any more Mosconi cups.

The European (potential) team looks very weak this year, and the US may actually have a chance. If it gets close, they may guarantee the future of the event. If it's a slaughter or if the US team makes asses of themselves like in the 2013, it's going to be the last nail in the coffin. Please don't make the "passion vs. robots" argument. The behavior in that cup was just painful to watch and Earl, while he did play better, was part of it.

If Matchroom decides that the MC makes bad tv, the contest may then be between Europe and Asia instead, or maybe Matchroom will just drop the concept entirely.

 

[JAM]

I hope they don't!

Last time Earl played, 2013 was a huge embarassment, and Matchroom can't afford another one. If that sort of crap happens again, there won't be any more Mosconi cups.

Earl was *not* the embarrassment in 2013. There were quite a few happenings that Team USA should own up to, but it had nothing to do with Earl or the way he played.

 

[one stroke]

I appreciate your sentiments, though I want him on the team because I think he is a good pool player and can play in high-competition events. I think he is one of the best to represent Team USA at the Mosconi Cup. It's not personal; it's business too. :smile:

I think you need to get out on the rail trail again,, he's not a top player today


1

 

[JAM]

I think you need to get out on the rail trail again,, he's not a top player today


1

I think he's hitting 'em stronger than ever right now. We shall see what happens at the Open. :grin-square:

If he climbs up the charts, there's no stopping him to be on Team USA.

 

[Poolplaya9]

Earl was *not* the embarrassment in 2013. There were quite a few happenings that Team USA should own up to, but it had nothing to do with Earl or the way he played.

Earl's level of play may or may not end up being an embarrassment if he played (but there is no reason to need to find out since he is not currently a top 5 US player skills wise and there are five better choices), but his behavior will almost certainly be an embarrassment because his behavior is always an embarrassment (and his behavior should not be acceptable to anyone and indeed it is not acceptable to the majority).

 

[HUKIT]

I picture Earl at home rocking and back forth in the fetal position saying over and over "he missed that ball, he missed that ball!". Regarding Mika's 7 ball.

 

[Baby Huey]

I've played Earl about ten times and lost big all but one time and when I won, he couldn't even shake my hand. Now up to that point, I was a big fan because when he's winning he is most gracious. But I just can't imagine Earl being a positive influence on the team. What could he possibly provide to the "TEAM?" Let's not live in the past and just move on. The choices for behavior Earl has demonstrated leave a bitter taste in many a mouth.

 

[It's George]

Earl's level of play may or may not end up being an embarrassment if he played (but there is no reason to need to find out since he is not currently a top 5 US player skills wise and there are five better choices), but his behavior will almost certainly be an embarrassment because his behavior is always an embarrassment (and his behavior should not be acceptable to anyone and indeed it is not acceptable to the majority).

Then you should back the top 5 and let them take turns playing Earl. His behavior is not appropriate on many occasions but his high gear is hard to deal with!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CNMC]

Totally agree, excellent post!
CNMC.

 

[KRJ]

but his behavior will almost certainly be an embarrassment because his behavior is always an embarrassment (and his behavior should not be acceptable to anyone and indeed it is not acceptable to the majority).

See, you are wrong. His behavior is NOT always an embarrassment, but if you come to the internet enough, folks start to believe it. Oh, how do I know. Because I was in Earl's corner when he played Johnny Archer at the Bad Blood Event in Nebraska about 6 years ago.

2-days of pool, 8b, 10b and straight pool. Earl never acted up once, he played great, and it was the most fun pool filled weekend ever for me. Yeah, did I distract and refocus him on several occasions. You betcha.

Did he sign every autograph and speak with every fan that wanted access to him. You betcha. I was with him before, during and after his matches. Even drove him back to his hotel. On the ride back he even called one of my buddies to say hi and give him "crap" for not coming with me to Lincoln. Haven't seen that friend in a while, but he was ecstatic getting that call. He posts here once and while. Maybe he chimes in.

The fans loved him. The folks who were obviously rooting against him, and clearly showed they didn't like him, we're the first to grab an autograph afterwards... weird how that works

So, lets not keep repeating things we "hear" on the internet.


"Everything is in place now for the first Legends and Champions "Bad Blood" Challenge in association with Airart1" announced Mark (T-Wheels) Cantrill. The first 'Bad Blood Challenge will be between Johnny (The Scorpion) Archer and Earl (The Pearl) Strickland.

The Challenge will be played over two days on April 2nd and 3rd and will start an 12.noon each day at Drifters Pool Room in Lincoln, Nebraska. The purse for this match is $10,000 winner takes all. The match will be refereed by one of the worlds best Referees/Tournament Directors, Bill Stock of Cuesports International.

 

[Kris_b1104]

See, you are wrong. His behavior is NOT always an embarrassment, but if you come to the internet enough, folks start to believe it. Oh, how do I know. Because I was in Earl's corner when he played Johnny Archer at the Bad Blood Event in Nebraska about 6 years ago.

2-days of pool, 8b, 10b and straight pool. Earl never acted up once, he played great, and it was the most fun pool filled weekend ever for me. Yeah, did I distract and refocus him on several occasions. You betcha.

Did he sign every autograph and speak with every fan that wanted access to him. You betcha. I was with him before, during and after his matches. Even drove him back to his hotel. On the ride back he even called one of my buddies to say hi and give him "crap" for not coming with me to Lincoln. Haven't seen that friend in a while, but he was ecstatic getting that call. He posts here once and while. Maybe he chimes in.

The fans loved him. The folks who were obviously rooting against him, and clearly showed they didn't like him, we're the first to grab an autograph afterwards... weird how that works

So, lets not keep repeating things we "hear" on the internet.


"Everything is in place now for the first Legends and Champions "Bad Blood" Challenge in association with Airart1" announced Mark (T-Wheels) Cantrill. The first 'Bad Blood Challenge will be between Johnny (The Scorpion) Archer and Earl (The Pearl) Strickland.

The Challenge will be played over two days on April 2nd and 3rd and will start an 12.noon each day at Drifters Pool Room in Lincoln, Nebraska. The purse for this match is $10,000 winner takes all. The match will be refereed by one of the worlds best Referees/Tournament Directors, Bill Stock of Cuesports International.

You can't compare his behavior from 15 years ago to NOW.