Neil said:
Not all all. I've only met him a few times. But there is such a thing as respect. I don't get a kick out of pointing out someones flaws when they knowlingly have a mental disorder that causes it and are doing what they can to remedy it. I guess you call it a character trait of mine.
Neil,
I'm also with you on this. Big difference between good natured woofing and kidding around vs trying to play "blast the pro" for rep points.
I was also a little surprised with Jason's "another Earl azzkisser WE have here" comments.
First, because prior to that, I enjoyed many of Jason's contributions here. And second, the "we" part seems like a vain attempt to gather some back-up so as to thwart any "heat" directed towards him. That comment just seemed uncalled for. Then, a few posts later, Jason showed lots of CLASS by explaining himself, and I respect him a lot for that. And Jason, this post of mine is NOT directed to you or anyone in particular. If it was, I'm not shy about addressing someone directly. This is just MY OPINION ONLY on how people should treat others.
One last time. The pro players are every bit as human as the rest of us. No better, but certainly no worse either. Taking every chance to humiliate them, or castigate them, or try to paint them in a less than favorable light reflects more on that poster than to the targeted pro player.
Whether it was Earl or Grady or Keith or Sigel or Freddy or Billy or any of the other pros, it makes no difference. The more this stuff continues, the less pros we'll eventually have contributing here. And to be sure, they should not just have a free pass or be immune to criticism. But, when is enough enough?
One more thing....I love joking around and kidding around. Making good natured fun of the pros, like those in the "Why did the chicken cross the road?" thread are harmless and funny. They're not something that would wound of be hurtful. Believe it or not, there IS a big difference in a person's "INTENT" in what they post. And that is always reflective of someones character or lack thereof.
The video was a neat snapshot of what sometimes goes on in matches. I don't think either Johnny or Earl should get the electric chair for running their mouths. That they DID is what made that video unique. But, believe it or not, that happens all the time, all over the world. It's not something that occurs only in Earl's matches. And it happens in every sport, not just pool. I've yet to see video of Earl in a fistfight like you see on Sports Center with baseball teams or hockey, or football. Is there even ONE poster here who has not ever said or done something they wish they could take back? Is there any one of us here who has a trait that we're not proud of and wish we could overcome?
How about if all of our bad moments were YouTubed for everybody to armchair quarter-back? Is everybody here proud of everything they've ever said to their wife or kids, family or friends?
I never liked the "kick 'em while their down" mentality.