Brian,
Have you ever read any of his many posts here & at Onepocket.org where he shares stories of the great players and events of the past? Have you ever attended any of his tournaments that he's promoted (and PAID out every $ promised), have you ever listened to him do commentary on matches, have you ever watched him play in his prme and have you ever spoken with him or met him in person? If you have done any of those things, you would have not asked your question.
There's a reason why he's so staunchly defended here by die hard fans of his.
Besides being a multi-timed World Champion, he's been a friend of pooldom who's devoted his life to our great sport. I agree with him 100%.
That being said, Charlie has had more issues wth players than Grady ever has. I give CW major kudos for supporting 14.1 as he does, but there's no debating he plays favorites and could IMPROVE his events by inviting the likes of Grady and other bonafide old school legends. If not for the good will that gesture would invoke, then he should do it for the crowd appeal.
Who knows how many more years Grady will have with us? What major harm is done by allowing someone who has accomplished so much and who STILL has a great passion for the game to play in his event. If Bary Berhman can give exemptions every year to the whole host of past winners, why can't CW give out some exemptions to proven champions who have many times over paid their dues?[/QUOTE]
Because he doesn't want to? Or maybe he doesn't like the fact that Grady has berated him on these forums for the past few years. Hell, maybe he just doesn't like Grady. I see your point, but surely you recognize that Charlie is the one running things and its his decision. If everyone told him that they weren't playing until he invited Grady then he'd probably invite Grady but the players are gonna go where the tourneys and money are regardless of who is running it and whether or not they like their morals, standards, or principles.
I'm not saying it is right or wrong. I'm just saying that it embodies the American way. If I own my own business then I'm gonna run it exactly how I want to run it.