Str8Shots (Marc and Kimberly Griffiths) ran the Colorado State 8-Ball Championships on May 16-18 in Pueblo, of which I took 2nd place with a prize of $980 that they have failed to pay me.
Towards the end of the tournament, Marc stated that the 1st-4th place prize money had been stolen, but that they would pay everyone in full within 30 days. I have given Str8Shots everything requested of me: PayPal address, bank account info, and a W-9.
Various people from Str8Shots have given me a number of stories regarding why they have not paid:
I understand that Kimberly has been having health issues and I sincerely hope she fully recovers. Unfortunately, this does not explain the lack of communication and a few other items:
I have talked with the players and as of a couple weeks ago, 1st and 3rd place have been paid out, but not 2nd or 4th. One of the players said that Str8Shots told him that they have paid everyone.
It is very unfortunate that the prize money was stolen, but it was Str8Shot’s responsibility to keep it secure. For this tournament: I took a day off work, drove 4.5 hours up to Colorado, spent my entire weekend grinding out matches, and also spent money on gas, hotel, and entry fee.
Marc or Kimberly, if you are reading this please contact me!
Towards the end of the tournament, Marc stated that the 1st-4th place prize money had been stolen, but that they would pay everyone in full within 30 days. I have given Str8Shots everything requested of me: PayPal address, bank account info, and a W-9.
Various people from Str8Shots have given me a number of stories regarding why they have not paid:
- They claimed they had already paid me.
- They paid the wrong person and had to get the money back.
- Kimberly’s notes were hard to read.
- They only check their email every two weeks.
I understand that Kimberly has been having health issues and I sincerely hope she fully recovers. Unfortunately, this does not explain the lack of communication and a few other items:
- Dozens of phone calls to different numbers and voicemails have gone unanswered.
- It takes days if not weeks delay to get an email response, if they respond at all.
- Str8Shots banned me and my girlfriend from their Facebook group and defriended both of us.
- The tournament was deleted from their website.
- Over two weeks ago a person from Str8Shots said they were going to process me immediately through payroll, which has not happened.
- I have even sent them a certified letter through the mail with no response.
I have talked with the players and as of a couple weeks ago, 1st and 3rd place have been paid out, but not 2nd or 4th. One of the players said that Str8Shots told him that they have paid everyone.
It is very unfortunate that the prize money was stolen, but it was Str8Shot’s responsibility to keep it secure. For this tournament: I took a day off work, drove 4.5 hours up to Colorado, spent my entire weekend grinding out matches, and also spent money on gas, hotel, and entry fee.
Marc or Kimberly, if you are reading this please contact me!