The Essential "Let's Bash Earl" Thread (COMPILATION)

[Coop1701]

Well said Rick...

I still don't understand why this topic, keeps coming up. He's talented and no matter what you might think, good for the sport. I like to see emotion from the players and he's got enough for about 10 other people.

3 Cheers for Earl.

 

[DoomCue]

OK, tell me WHY there is a full house everytime he plays? If he's so hated, and looked down upon? Must be a reason, don't ya' think??

Perhaps because some people appreciate good pool? Nobody is saying earl isn't a great player. Being a great player does NOT equate being good for pool, though, which is the point you've missed entirely. Players watch earl because he's good. Non-players could care less because he's a dick.

Ask any of the big boyz (promoters)....he's the biggest draw on the PLANET, bar none. They'd LOVE it if there were 10 Earls......

Who the hell wants to watch some robot run racks, Expressionless, emotionless, dull, BORING ass 9 ball?? Not me.....

Reality TV, nowadays that's where it's at. Capturing 80% of the nightly viewers.

And how many train-wreck "reality" shows are here today, gone tomorrow? For every "Survivor", there are 20 shows like "Chaotic." Where do you think earl fits in?

Earl adds an element to pool, nobody else has.

No doubt. An element that helped destroy the CPBT, an element which turns even his die-hard fans sour, and an element which blinds his die-harder fans to the fact that men's pool is languishing in large part due to earl. You're right, earl adds an element to pool nobody else has.

Like him or not, he's the Greatest 9 Ball player of all time. Sit back and enjoy watching him while you can. There may never be another to match Earl's accomplishments, and awards.


Rick S.

So earl's actions should be excused because he's good at the game? I ask again, if earl pulled the same crap at your workplace, would you put up with it?

-djb

 

[Pete]

Perhaps because some people appreciate good pool? Nobody is saying earl isn't a great player. Being a great player does NOT equate being good for pool, though, which is the point you've missed entirely. Players watch earl because he's good. Non-players could care less because he's a dick.

And how many train-wreck "reality" shows are here today, gone tomorrow? For every "Survivor", there are 20 shows like "Chaotic." Where do you think earl fits in?

No doubt. An element that helped destroy the CPBT, an element which turns even his die-hard fans sour, and an element which blinds his die-harder fans to the fact that men's pool is languishing in large part due to earl. You're right, earl adds an element to pool nobody else has.

So earl's actions should be excused because he's good at the game? I ask again, if earl pulled the same crap at your workplace, would you put up with it?

-djb

Perhaps because some people appreciate good pool? Nobody is saying earl isn't a great player. Being a great player does NOT equate being good for pool, though, which is the point you've missed entirely. Players watch earl because he's good. Non-players could care less because he's a dick.


Wow, that's a real ersonal assault on the guy (he's a dick). Are you sure you have such a strong diliking for the man, and if so, why?

I mean, OK, Earl's not your fav, but he's a dick. I don;t know man, that's real harsh, but your welcome to your opinion.

Pete

 

[justin.powell]

I won't bash Earl at all. Nothing against the fillipino players, but I would take Earl, over anyone, anytime, period. He's still the top in my book.

 

[2wld4u]

Earl can beat anyone, at any time. He is human, and has a temper... I think he has earned that right, and how many people sided with Earl when he was screwed out of all that money in texas? ran 10 racks.. Earl is one of the greats of our time, no one can take that away from him.. Im not for or against Earl, I do respect his accomplishments... I think Earl does need to get back to what got him where he is... He's not playing, for some reason... and thats just it, a "tune up" could put him on top easily...


2wld4u

I have always come to the defense of Earl when I've come upon these bash Earl threads. I still think that he's one of the greatest players to have ever held a cue, and is probably the idol of many players today, and players of the future. I've always said that Earl was to pool what John M. (can't spell the name) was to tennis.
However, here's an interesting point to ponder. My wife and I watched the match with Souquet and she made the comment: "Who is that guy? Is he one of the pro players, or is he just one of those good amateurs that is having a good run? He kinda acts like those guys you played in the bar the last time we visited the states." My wife knows nothing about pool, doesn't know the players, and has never even touched a cue, and THAT is how Earl comes across to non-players who simply see him as he is without the knowledge of his history as a pro. Some say it really doesn't matter what the non-player thinks, but isn't it those non-players that the pro pool industry needs in order to make the sport bigger and more profitable so that the players can make a living? People that don't play baseball still watch baseball? The same with other sports too. However, not many non-players buy tickets to the local tour stop. Pool will never attract non playing spectators as long as the the scene at one of the greatest tournaments in the world looks no different than what you can see in a midwestern redneck bar on any given Saturday night. My wife, as well as most who don't know billiards, couldn't tell the difference.
I still idolize Earl, and he's probably my favorite player. However, my wife's comments made me think.
dave

 

[cajunbarboxplyr]

Earl "The Girl" Strickland,




Oh gosh can you shot the eyes right out them balls but man do you always wake up with a stick up your ass. Are you seeking revenge for a one nighter in a bar where you got whooped. Did Marissa not kiss you you after you brought her to the airport? Or are you just not getting any........"think hard people" . What is your dealio man. We all ask this of you cause frankily you are jsut a big weiner at this moment in time. Self-Control is good. Self-Control is great for the mind.........I know this has to be affecting your mental game so I will jsut say you are a good ball pocketer right now. All them lil dieing kids of them 3rd world country would love to be where you at right now. Be nice for once and suck things up like a man and face what you screwed up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sincerely and Forever Never a fan of your Nostalgia,

A Cajun Bar Box Pro

 

[Rick S.]

Perhaps because some people appreciate good pool? Nobody is saying earl isn't a great player. Being a great player does NOT equate being good for pool, though, which is the point you've missed entirely. Players watch earl because he's good. Non-players could care less because he's a dick.

If he's not good for pool....why do everyone come to see him? People come looking for ACTION...period. One form or another Earl supplies it. He's a walking-talking people ATTRACTION. He's like a magnet, pulling people in.

And how many train-wreck "reality" shows are here today, gone tomorrow? For every "Survivor", there are 20 shows like "Chaotic." Where do you think earl fits in?

Earl fits in the Star Wars category. The original was the best, with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th----20th not too far behind. Just like Earl, just another episode in 9 Ball history.

No doubt. An element that helped destroy the CPBT, an element which turns even his die-hard fans sour, and an element which blinds his die-harder fans to the fact that men's pool is languishing in large part due to earl. You're right, earl adds an element to pool nobody else has.

So earl's actions should be excused because he's good at the game? I ask again, if earl pulled the same crap at your workplace, would you put up with it?

Workplace? What the hell does the workplace have to do with it? If my bus. was pool, damn right! I'd put up with it. He'd be the #1 person on my list to hire. There is no bigger name than 'Earl' in 9 ball.

As far as that goes...His sponsors don't seem to have a problem with it? He's still picking up the checks as far as I know.

He's a pool player, not a freakin' U.S. Ambassador. That is what most people don't seem to understand. He does his job, and does it damn GOOD. That Sir, is playing POOL.[/QUOTE]


Rick S.

 

[DoomCue]

Workplace? What the hell does the workplace have to do with it? If my bus. was pool, damn right! I'd put up with it.

Uh, every pro player in the same tournament with earl is in the same workplace. If you were in Ralf Souquet's shoes, would you put up with it? If you were in Michaela Tabb's, would you put up with it? If you were in Kunihiko Takahashi's, would you put up with it? If earl came to your workplace and pointed a cue in your face like he did to Okamura at the 2000 US Open, would you put up with it?

Earl fits in the Star Wars category. The original was the best, with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th----20th not too far behind. Just like Earl, just another episode in 9 Ball history.

WTF?

He's a pool player, not a freakin' U.S. Ambassador. That is what most people don't seem to understand. He does his job, and does it damn GOOD. That Sir, is playing POOL.

I didn't know you had to be a US Ambassador to be a decent person....

There is no bigger name than 'Earl' in 9 ball.

And whose fault is that?

-djb

 

[2wld4u]

So what your all saying, basicaly is Earl need's to retire... Right? That way all the no bodies that earl has shut out might have a chance? That they would be better for the sport? if thats the case dont you think Efern might want to invest in some teeth? for all you people who dislike Earl there are proboly a thousand fans, have you surveyed the entire Pool Playing population? how do you know, other than your own opinion what is good for our sport...


Thats what I should say, ... In reality Earl has dug his own hole, he'll have to have to find a way out of it... if he had me for an agent he could save face alot of times, to evade situations like this... People thats the problem, he proboly cant afford an agent, a good one anyways, Pool players arent Ritch, not to the amout of publisty they aquire... you want better behaved players, work on the money...


P.s.. No offense to anyone, Im one of Eferns bigest fans... I wont let that hinder the truth however...


2wld4u

And how many train-wreck "reality" shows are here today, gone tomorrow? For every "Survivor", there are 20 shows like "Chaotic." Where do you think earl fits in?



No doubt. An element that helped destroy the CPBT, an element which turns even his die-hard fans sour, and an element which blinds his die-harder fans to the fact that men's pool is languishing in large part due to earl. You're right, earl adds an element to pool nobody else has.

So earl's actions should be excused because he's good at the game? I ask again, if earl pulled the same crap at your workplace, would you put up with it?




Rick S.

 

[NaClBandit]

If he's not good for pool....why do everyone come to see him? People come looking for ACTION...period. One form or another Earl supplies it. He's a walking-talking people ATTRACTION. He's like a magnet, pulling people in.

He's a pool player, not a freakin' U.S. Ambassador. That is what most people don't seem to understand. He does his job, and does it damn GOOD. That Sir, is playing POOL.

Rick S.[/QUOTE]


Why do people flock around car accidents (or watch Pro Wrestling)? It's our nature! We love to see things that shock us, and what Earl lacks in charisma he makes up in pure shock value.

You say that he isn't an ambassador, but I must disagree.

Firstly he is an ambassador to the game of pool, as is every professional player - especially those successful enough to reach the masses. And whether he likes it or not, he is a role model. People (children and adults alike) look up to Earl for his immense talent and unparalleled accomplishments. Considering this, there is no excusing his behavior; he is exhibiting disrespect, poor sportsmanship, selfishness, dishonesty (I'm referring here to the foul in the Skins Championships that I feel was dishonest, as do others in this forum)...and he has proved time and time again that he is a quitter. None of these are enviable qualities.

Secondly he is an ambassador the the United States as a member of the Mosconi Cup team. What if an Olympic athlete were to act as he does on the world stage? Would it not be a disgrace to himself and his country? If we get our wish of making pool an Olympic sport, we should seriously consider who we choose to represent us.

Yes, without question, Earl is one of the most gifted individuals to ever hold a cue. I personally enjoy watching him play pool very much, but it is his despicable behavior that I have grown tired of.

JMHO.

 

[Rick S.]

Uh, every pro player in the same tournament with earl is in the same workplace. If you were in Ralf Souquet's shoes, would you put up with it? If you were in Michaela Tabb's, would you put up with it? If you were in Kunihiko Takahashi's, would you put up with it? If earl came to your workplace and pointed a cue in your face like he did to Okamura at the 2000 US Open, would you put up with it?



I didn't know you had to be a US Ambassador to be a decent person....

And whose fault is that?

-djb

I think Michaela puts up with a couple times a year. As a matter of fact, I have talked w/her about Earl. She knows what she's up against, and to tell you the truth...I think she kinda likes him!

As far as the Okamura thing, I didn't see it. I can't comment on that one.


Earl is EARL. He's not changing whether you like it or not. You can whine, and cry all you like on this board about him. I don't give a damn. What does piss me off is you being the big man and talking shit about him and he can't defend himself.

He's in your neck of the woods, why don't you pull him aside one day and tell him how he's f'n up the pool world and YOUR life. Tell him in person how you really feel, and see how well that goes over.....IF you got the ballz??


Rick S.

 

[DoomCue]

I think Michaela puts up with a couple times a year. As a matter of fact, I have talked w/her about Earl. She knows what she's up against, and to tell you the truth...I think she kinda likes him!

As far as the Okamura thing, I didn't see it. I can't comment on that one.

Nice sidestep there. I asked if YOU would put up with it, not does Michaela put up with it. Pertaining Okamura, does your response mean it didn't happen, or that you won't admit that you wouldn't put up with it if it happened to you?

Earl is EARL. He's not changing whether you like it or not. You can whine, and cry all you like on this board about him. I don't give a damn. What does piss me off is you being the big man and talking shit about him and he can't defend himself.

He's in your neck of the woods, why don't you pull him aside one day and tell him how he's f'n up the pool world and YOUR life. Tell him in person how you really feel, and see how well that goes over.....IF you got the ballz??


Rick S.

Actually, I have talked to earl. I found him to be a sincere, honest, funny person, AWAY FROM THE TABLE. As we all know, though, as soon as the competitive juices start flowing, his Hyde persona kicks in. If that was supposed to change my opinion of him, it didn't work. Got any more suggestions?

BTW, he doesn't live in NC anymore, he's moved to Florida.

I see earl on the tournament trail occasionally, and I know he reads these forums. Not only do I post with my real name displayed, but I also post a picture of myself, so apparently I've got more "ballz" than you do. If he's got beef with me, we can settle it - we won't need your help.

I wonder why you're getting all in a huff. I don't recall ever writing that earl's actions were "f'n up" MY life. Apparently, my posts are "f'n up" YOUR life, so if it bothers you so much that I have a different opinion than you do, you probably should avoid reading this thread, or put me on your ignore list. You might stave off an impending heart attack.

-djb

 

[jjinfla]

I guess I'm in the minority here but I love Earl!

I thought blondes were supposed to be dumb.

I'll bet that everytime Earl had a match there was standing room only. He sure does attract the crowds. If more players would attract crowds like Earl does then pool would be in a whole lot better situation.

When pros are playing they should look around and see who is watching them. If there is no one there then they sure are not important to the world of pool. What good is it if you play great and there is no one there to see it?
If you can't attract the crowds and bring money to the sport then what good are you? And you sure shouldn't be critical of the one person (in the states) who is great for the game.

The UPA in their infinite wisdom kicked Earl out of their organization and they have been wallowing in nothingness ever since.

At 44 coming in 4th in the US Open with a whole lot of great players is really a hell of an accomplishment.

I suggest Earl go and have an interview with Inside Pool and come up with a story where in his early years he was hustling all the little bars beating anyone he could out of their paycheck even when he knew the guy needed the money to buy food for his kids. And how he was heavy into drugs until he finally woke up and found Jesus.

Hell, if he embellishes enough all of you ******** will love him and he will get voted into the hall of fame.