This is all I have to say.

[Grady]

Correction

No player ever had to qualify for one of my tournaments.
I have always despised invitationals.
Two more "senior moments" entered my memory this morning. I thought you might enjoy these but bear in mind these wouldn't have been possible if these had been invitationals.
San Jose Dick, mighty warrior from yesteryear defeated either Shannon or Cliff at the DCC (available on Accu-stats I think).
Shortly before he passed away just recently, my and pool's longtime friend TF Whittington beat Corey Duell a race to 10, 10 Ball, on tough Diamond equipment.
Have a nice day.

 

[JB Cases]

I see all of this as a potential learning experience for younger players who really want to have all the opportunities they can to make money in pool.

Lesson: Don't burn your bridges.

For Grady I'm sure the chance to win money had nothing to do with anything and possibly Sarah Rousey doesn't care about that sort of thing either but to all the guys who do wan't to make a living in pool perhaps they learned a valuable lesson from all of this.

Translation: When they are screwing you with a red poker then smile and say "more please".

It's really funny that a guy who stood up AGAINST the promoter and started the UPA as a way to protect the players can't take the criticism of a player when that player doesn't agree with how things are run.

I'd be the BIGGER man and invite Grady. Invite him, schmooz him, let him commentate, thank him for coming, ask him to donate some time to teach straight pool at the local boys and girls club. Wouldn't it be BETTER to have someone like Grady on board and working with/for you than against you?

Wouldn't it be better to FIX the problem rather than continue to be stubborn and have bad blood that POLARIZES the pool world who know about it?

Grady Matthews cam to our booth in Charlotte and did some hanging out with us for free as a way to return a favor by getting him a ticket. We were thrilled and grateful for the time although it wasn't expected. He is a wonderful teacher with a great stockpile of knowledge about the game.

Anyone who doesn't want this guy at their event and who isn't smart enough to use his talents and love of pool is truly a complete fool.

All burnt bridges can be and should be rebuilt.

 

[Predator5K4]

Agree or disagree with Grady - many of you are missing the point. Someone with multiple world championships (at any game) shouldn't worry about an invite ever. Whether or not he can win, the crowd loves to watch older legends get into the pit with younger competition. We got to see a little of it in the IPT - and we loved it.

The argument of "a younger player should get that spot who has a chance to win" is ridiculous - just create more spots. I think if you're a former world champion at any game - you have a chance to win. You might be a huge underdog, but you have a prayer. If you were looking to bet on Watson a week ago, what do you think you could have pulled-in as far as odds go?!?

Our sport doesn't do a good job in paying homage to our great players. When the Masters lets Nicklaus, Player, and Palmer tee off in the first grouping----- does ANYONE HERE ON AZB THINK THOSE OLD F's HAVE A PRAYER TO WIN!??!??? ANYONE? It's not the point. It's respect for the game and respect for the legends. How big do you think the galleries are around those guys who have no shot to win? I went to the Masters one year and let me tell you---- you can't get close to them and everyone watched them hack up the course and stood in awe with love and admiration.

Would'ves and Could'ves don't really matter--- it's WHAT IS that counts. It's sad to see Grady get on here and post how he should be able to play. If pool was more organized like golf, he probably would be able to play. Let's face it, the pool industry is a cannabalistic, siloed, insular and backward/sideways-looking sector. If pool were innovative, the organizing bodies would pull off IPT-like events that allowed any HOFer automatic/free entry, legend $$$ players CHEAP entry and seed all of them against the normal modern players. Imagine how marketable the videos would be?

Instead, pool is on the verge with tournaments going away, pool halls disappearing and few younger players getting involved. We need guys like Grady, McCready, Varner, Hopkins, Hall, and all the other geriatric players who I'd rather watch than any younger guy. Tournaments are BORING without them - plain and simple. Whoever manages the world 14.1 is eating their young by being dicks and not allowing former world champions, legends, HOFers, and the likes to play.

Keep b1tching Grady---- eventually some business neophyte at the world 14.1 office and get a bright idea to incorporate what I just posted. When it does happen, it's likely because you b1tched and opened up their blind eyes.

P.S.

Gee, if I recall, the last time I went to the Derby I watched Grady take Efren to the hill at some bank pool. Imagine that?

That's what I was going to say.

 

[Magik Wandzzzzz]

Dieckman Sayzzzzzzzzzz

As long as anyone can walk, talk and still hold a cue they should be in, especially some one of Grady's stature who has done so much for the game.
Currently playing ability [or lack there off, is not the issue]. And even if Grady were 80 years old 99.9% of you young punks out there would not stand a chance.
Keep on yipping Grady, some one has to !!!!

The Dieck-Idiot

 

[markgw]

invitationals

No player ever had to qualify for one of my tournaments.
I have always despised invitationals.
Two more "senior moments" entered my memory this morning. I thought you might enjoy these but bear in mind these wouldn't have been possible if these had been invitationals.
San Jose Dick, mighty warrior from yesteryear defeated either Shannon or Cliff at the DCC (available on Accu-stats I think).
Shortly before he passed away just recently, my and pool's longtime friend TF Whittington beat Corey Duell a race to 10, 10 Ball, on tough Diamond equipment.
Have a nice day.

You make a great point Grady. So I guess if you win an invitational you just beat a select few players the promoter liked, not every available great player.........Open Events Rule!