Why all the hate for team USA?

[spanky79]

If Earl had Tourette Syndrome and barked like a dog between shots, would you still feel the same way? I guess what I am saying is he has an illness that can only be controled with regular dosage of medication, and if he is not on meds, he does suffer.

I do think Earl handles himself very well, compared to my niece. With her, let me just say that I'm glad she is on meds and doesn't have possession of a gun.

Jam you are reading into this WAY to much. I know all about mental illness and understand the situation. My point is , NOT EVERYONE DOES, and they see Earl as a bad sport and choose not to route for him. I think Earl is playing better then anyone on this team.
I also find myself routing for the Euros because they are all nice guys and they work had and play like a TEAM.
Shane has probably played the worst of anyone, but, he is a nice guy and he is not getting roasted by the fans because of it. If that is right or wrong, who knows?

 

[cueaddicts]

From what I've seen so far, Team Europe is just the better TEAM, plain and simple....whereas Team USA appears to be a collection of individuals. Europe's coach brings something intangible to the table that I've not seen from USA in recent years. Whatever he's doing, it's the right thing!

 

[jburkm002]

So your saying Earl has no control over his actions. Like when he approached Mika after he made the nine ball to tell him he missed it. Like constantly saying how his opponents are getting all the lucky rolls and their shots are all east. I stand corrected. I just thought he was an ass but now I know it's not his fault. So because he is bipolar he will act the same exact way when he or team USA is winning. Kinda like Tourette Syndrome. They have no control and it's not situational when they act out.

 

[JAM]

So your saying Earl has no control over his actions. Like when he approached Mika after he made the nine ball to tell him he missed it. Like constantly saying how his opponents are getting all the lucky rolls and their shots are all east. I stand corrected. I just thought he was an ass but now I know it's not his fault. So because he is bipolar he will act the same exact way when he or team USA is winning. Kinda like Tourette Syndrome. They have no control and it's not situational when they act out.

Yeah, that is *EXACTLY* what I am saying.

 

[punter]

I have a lot of respect for every player in this Mosconi Cup. No doubt Europe is performing better in this coin flip format.:wink:

 

[Straightpool_99]

I think the one thing we all forget is this really isn't pool. You take away the one thing that Americans definitely do better than Euro's (the break), and you get a couple bad roles race to 6, and it's done!

The ball have rolled a little better for team Europe, but that doesn't excuse the poor effort from team USA. In my opinion the only two players that even looked intense were Earl and Hatch yesterday. Shane didn't, but he doesn't ever seem too unless he's pissed. I think I'm done watching the Mosconi untill it's closer to real pool. No BS break rules, and more than 1 break and run in a day.

I'm also beginning to wonder if the lady racking knows what she's doing. This many dry breaks can't just be because of the way it's racked. Last night I racked the same way she is. 9 on the spot with my delta rack. Broke 20 times making sure all the balls were frozen, and 20 times just throwing them in. My results were ball made on the break, 11 out of 20 racking them well, and 4 out of 20 just throwing them in. I'm not accusing her of screwing up on purpose, but I noticed ALOT more checking of the rack before breaking yesterday...

This is going to sound more negative than it is intended, so I hope you keep that in mind. Every year in the Mosconi cup people are crying about the break, this has got to stop. The break in nineball, if racked by sardo-racks, magic racks or tapped in tables is so predictable that the game has become a joke. The breaking format with hand racked balls, 9 on the spot, breaking from the box was specifically implemented because of all the complaining of previous years. I think it does the job of keeping layouts from becoming predictable quite well. You could say it takes a bit of skill out of the game, but I remember several years now where the US fans have been complaining that the old break format gave Europe an advantage. The current format is exactly what these people wanted and now people are complaining again?! I don't get it:shrug:

I am not really emotionally invested in the outcome of this contest, I enjoy is as a bit of light entertainment, and it is a prime example of how to make pool entertaining even for casual fans. It shows that there is some hope of making pool watchable for the general public, even if us hardcore fans will have to compromise a bit on our ideals. Relax and enjoy the show is my advice. And if you can't enjoy the pool there is always Michaela...

 

[Pathetic Shark]

From what I've seen so far, Team Europe is just the better TEAM, plain and simple....whereas Team USA appears to be a collection of individuals. Europe's coach brings something intangible to the table that I've not seen from USA in recent years. Whatever he's doing, it's the right thing!

You are strongly advised to recruit this guy if he becomes available, even if there is a miracle comeback this year. You are also advised to write-off the next three MCs entirely, and concentrate on developing a team for 2016 instead. You must be prepared to jettison ANYONE, even SVB, and allow new players time to find their feet without too much expectation or criticism if they fail.

It's a monumental job, this.

Root and branch reform is needed in America. And if not now, when?

 

[punter]

This is going to sound more negative than it is intended, so I hope you keep that in mind. Every year in the Mosconi cup people are crying about the break, this has got to stop. The break in nineball, if racked by sardo-racks, magic racks or tapped in tables is so predictable that the game has become a joke. The breaking format with hand racked balls, 9 on the spot, breaking from the box was specifically implemented because of all the complaining of previous years. I think it does the job of keeping layouts from becoming predictable quite well. You could say it takes a bit of skill out of the game, but I remember several years now where the US fans have been complaining that the old break format gave Europe an advantage. The current format is exactly what these people wanted and now people are complaining again?! I don't get it:shrug:

I am not really emotionally invested in the outcome of this contest, I enjoy is as a bit of light entertainment, and it is a prime example of how to make pool entertaining even for casual fans. It shows that there is some hope of making pool watchable for the general public, even if us hardcore fans will have to compromise a bit on our ideals. Relax and enjoy the show is my advice. And if you can't enjoy the pool there is always Michaela...

I agree, it's very entertaining, all of these guys are great talents and deserve to be there....as does Michaela!!

 

[Nostroke]

I have a lot of respect for every player in this Mosconi Cup. No doubt Europe is performing better in this coin flip format.:wink:

One race to 6 may be close to a coin flip but 20+ of them is a true test of who is better.

 

[jburkm002]

It's a brand new day. Earl in the first two matches. Playing strong so far the first two days.

 

[Straightpool_99]

It's a brand new day. Earl in the first two matches. Playing strong so far the first two days.

Earl gets so much flak, but he is by far the better player on the US team. Shane and Rodney are not playing their best game for whatever reason. They should both be better on paper, but it appears they forgot to bring the paper with them.

 

[jhanso18]

This is going to sound more negative than it is intended, so I hope you keep that in mind. Every year in the Mosconi cup people are crying about the break, this has got to stop. The break in nineball, if racked by sardo-racks, magic racks or tapped in tables is so predictable that the game has become a joke. The breaking format with hand racked balls, 9 on the spot, breaking from the box was specifically implemented because of all the complaining of previous years. I think it does the job of keeping layouts from becoming predictable quite well. You could say it takes a bit of skill out of the game, but I remember several years now where the US fans have been complaining that the old break format gave Europe an advantage. The current format is exactly what these people wanted and now people are complaining again?! I don't get it:shrug:

I am not really emotionally invested in the outcome of this contest, I enjoy is as a bit of light entertainment, and it is a prime example of how to make pool entertaining even for casual fans. It shows that there is some hope of making pool watchable for the general public, even if us hardcore fans will have to compromise a bit on our ideals. Relax and enjoy the show is my advice. And if you can't enjoy the pool there is always Michaela...

FTR, I didn't take it negative at all.

I don't enjoy watching this to be honest. I would rather see the format changed all together. Play 10 ball, if 9 ball is too easy. I don't like seeing a carnival game, and having it portrayed as pool at the highest level.

I've been complaining about the MC for years. It's OK if nothing else is on, but at this point, I just don't care to watch it. Even if USA was up 7-0, It doesn't hold my interest. This format is junk. If it weren't for USA vs. Europe aspect, it would hold little to no interest for almost anyone. I like seeing USA vs. Euro, just wish it was a real pool format.

The MC is NOT pool at the highest level.

 

[Straightpool_99]

[.................

 

[Island Drive]

You did not read the paragraph from which that quote was excised, then. There is an obvious difference between betting on yourself and others privately and being sponsored by an online casino. Many european top players, do not gamble much on pool matches. The point I was trying to make was one about recruitment. It is easier to bring kids into a poolhall with a "sport" atmosphere as opposed to a gambling atmosphere. It also becomes easier for a parent to send a youngster to a poolhall without having to worry about them mixing with drug dealers, hustlers etc. The difference between Europe and the US in that regard is not black and white and is somewhat area dependent, but there is a difference. I've only been in the US a few times, but it seems to me that the few poolhalls I visited were not places I would send my kids to.

Also, regarding your points on sponsorship: Most companies do not only sponsor people out of the goodness of their hearts, allthough that is a part of it. They look at what they can get out of it as well, in the form of exposure, preferably the positive kind. With no functioning tour, and no tv-exposure most companies probably feel that they should sponsor other athletes. There is a lot of prejudice towards pool as a game for no good, cheating, gambling bums, and it is partly deserved, that's the sad part. There are lots of deserving young athletes in other sports that do not get sponsored, but behave themselves with perfect decorum and perform well in sports where they may actually be seen by the general public. From a corporate point of view, who would you rather support: A young track runner or a 40+ year old pool player with a somewhat shady reputation? Pools sponsorship has traditionally come from "unhealthy" sponsors like cigarettes and alcohol. Now the only sponsors are usually casinos and the like. Do you ever ask yourself why that is? Pool has gotten so many black eyes that it resembles a pro boxer the day after the fight. Remember Earls sponsorship by Cuetec and how it ended? That kind of thing does not get forgotten easily. These are some of the many reasons why it's an uphill battle to get sponsors for pool players.

If you are really good at something and nobody wants to sponsor you, it's time to re- evaluate your strategy. Ask not what the sponsor can do for you, but what you can do for your sponsor.

SVB may be the only American to reach a High level and keep at in for years through support from his family. I can't think of many if any pros that have let their kids choose pool as their endeavor. That speaks Loudly in my backyard.

 

[jaetee]

You did not read the paragraph from which that quote was excised, then. There is an obvious difference between betting on yourself and others privately and being sponsored by an online casino. Many european top players, do not gamble much on pool matches. The point I was trying to make was one about recruitment. It is easier to bring kids into a poolhall with a "sport" atmosphere as opposed to a gambling atmosphere. It also becomes easier for a parent to send a youngster to a poolhall without having to worry about them mixing with drug dealers, hustlers etc. The difference between Europe and the US in that regard is not black and white and is somewhat area dependent, but there is a difference. I've only been in the US a few times, but it seems to me that the few poolhalls I visited were not places I would send my kids to.

Also, regarding your points on sponsorship: Most companies do not only sponsor people out of the goodness of their hearts, allthough that is a part of it. They look at what they can get out of it as well, in the form of exposure, preferably the positive kind. With no functioning tour, and no tv-exposure most companies probably feel that they should sponsor other athletes. There is a lot of prejudice towards pool as a game for no good, cheating, gambling bums, and it is partly deserved, that's the sad part. There are lots of deserving young athletes in other sports that do not get sponsored, but behave themselves with perfect decorum and perform well in sports where they may actually be seen by the general public. From a corporate point of view, who would you rather support: A young track runner or a 40+ year old pool player with a somewhat shady reputation? Pools sponsorship has traditionally come from "unhealthy" sponsors like cigarettes and alcohol. Now the only sponsors are usually casinos and the like. Do you ever ask yourself why that is? Pool has gotten so many black eyes that it resembles a pro boxer the day after the fight. Remember Earls sponsorship by Cuetec and how it ended? That kind of thing does not get forgotten easily. These are some of the many reasons why it's an uphill battle to get sponsors for pool players.

If you are really good at something and nobody wants to sponsor you, it's time to re- evaluate your strategy. Ask not what the sponsor can do for you, but what you can do for your sponsor.

Very well said... I'm German-American, and a university graduate (international business and marketing co-major) who spent almost 20 years of my life in Germany. I've played in many pool halls and on pool leagues on both continents and I think your assessment of the differences in pool hall atmosphere/culture and the marketing aspects surrounding sponsorship and brand exposure are spot-on.

I'd send my kid to 90% of the German pool halls I've been to.... but only to 10% of the many that I've frequented in the United States.

Let's face it... pool in the USA is not what you'd call a "classy" pastime. In Europe, people who are into pool admire tournament champions, but here in the USA the general pool playing population wants to be the next Fast-Eddie or Minnesota Fats.... 'Cuz that's what we see in the movies and think is cool... And while I personally enjoy movies like "The Hustler" "The Color Of Money" and "Poolhall Junkies" I don't believe they help the reputation of billiards to the non-player at all. If anything, it has an opposite effect.

What American Pool needs is more Willie Mosconi-type champions with inner self confidence and a cool demeanor, not ego-maniacs who can't control their emotions. Even during that era, people were more enamored with Minnesota Fats than Willie Mosconi, even though Mosconi was 10x the player.

The team winning this tournament seems to be the crew who are acting the most like it's namesake.

 

[Mitchxout]

SVB may be the only American to reach a High level and keep at in for years through support from his family. I can't think of many if any pros that have let their kids choose pool as their endeavor. That speaks Loudly in my backyard.

Parents usually want better for their kids. Pool is a hard life, at least here.

 

[JAM]

Now that Team USA has lost, every single facet of American professional pool, to include the commentators, are being ripped apart on this forum. It's hard to read.

Commenatating is a tough job. I thought all four of them were great. Each commentator brought a different style to the booth, and I thought they each complemented each other.

Team Europe put on a great show of professional pool, and it was beautiful to watch.

Team USA suffered unison, and their team comaraderie just wasn't the same as Team Europe's, which I think is what hurt them the most.

Two players partied the night away before Day One on Team USA, and though this event is a reason to celebrate, they should have taken the task at hand more seriously, I guess.

Shane was cute when he hugged Earl after they won the first match for USA. I love Shane.

Earl is bringing a lot of subject matters on the forum. What else is new? Who generates more space on this forum than Earl?

Johnny gave it his all. He brought his family to Vegas to this prestigious event, so they could share the experience with him. I think he had his hands full managing the team as captain with Buddy and being a member of Team USA.

Dennis brought the spirit to the team, and I enjoyed seeing him make those 9-balls on the break. The last match with Rodney, the two of them tried to loosen up a bit and enjoy the ride.

Nobody feels worse right now than those members of Team USA. Give them a break. This forum is filled with so much hatred for American pros right now. I can't wait for the Mosconi Cup fever to pass by. The climate here right now is turbulent.

I pray none of those Team USA members or their families read this forum. :frown:

 

[Redneck Jim]

Not So Much "Hate"

More like Disappointment.

With so much talent, I was hoping for better results.

 

[corvette1340]

Now that Team USA has lost, every single facet of American professional pool, to include the commentators, are being ripped apart on this forum. It's hard to read.

Commenatating is a tough job. I thought all four of them were great. Each commentator brought a different style to the booth, and I thought they each complemented each other.

Team Europe put on a great show of professional pool, and it was beautiful to watch.

Team USA suffered unison, and their team comaraderie just wasn't the same as Team Europe's, which I think is what hurt them the most.

Two players partied the night away before Day One on Team USA, and though this event is a reason to celebrate, they should have taken the task at hand more seriously, I guess.

Shane was cute when he hugged Earl after they won the first match for USA. I love Shane.

Earl is bringing a lot of subject matters on the forum. What else is new? Who generates more space on this forum than Earl?

Johnny gave it his all. He brought his family to Vegas to this prestigious event, so they could share the experience with him. I think he had his hands full managing the team as captain with Buddy and being a member of Team USA.

Dennis brought the spirit to the team, and I enjoyed seeing him make those 9-balls on the break. The last match with Rodney, the two of them tried to loosen up a bit and enjoy the ride.

Nobody feels worse right now than those members of Team USA. Give them a break. This forum is filled with so much hatred for American pros right now. I can't wait for the Mosconi Cup fever to pass by. The climate here right now is turbulent.

I pray none of those Team USA members or their families read this forum. :frown:

Have you ever looked at other sports forums? Have you read what gets said about every Tiger Woods article or any other sports stars twitter accounts?

Take what negative opinions are expressed on this POOL forum and times that by 1000 and you'll get an idea what its like for other professionals.

The fact of the matter is that if you choose a sports profession and are in the spotlight where people watch and pay to be entertained then you are subject to the praises and the negative opinions expressed. If you don't want the negative then find a way to win, pure and simple. If you don't want negative opinions about how you act toward your opponents then conduct yourself with class, pure and simple.

This is THE worlds largest pool forum and as such will have the most opinions about the pool world. If the pros can't stand the heat after losing like this then either quit and find another profession where they aren't subject to fans' opinions or find a way to win.

 

[JAM]

Have you ever looked at other sports forums? Have you read what gets said about every Tiger Woods article or any other sports stars twitter accounts?

Take what negative opinions are expressed on this POOL forum and times that by 1000 and you'll get an idea what its like for other professionals.

The fact of the matter is that if you choose a sports profession and are in the spotlight where people watch and pay to be entertained then you are subject to the praises and the negative opinions expressed. If you don't want the negative then find a way to win, pure and simple. If you don't want negative opinions about how you act toward your opponents then conduct yourself with class, pure and simple.

This is THE worlds largest pool forum and as such will have the most opinions about the pool world. If the pros can't stand the heat after losing like this then either quit and find another profession where they aren't subject to fans' opinions or find a way to win.

I understand the disappointment with Team USA this year and with American professional pool in general, but on this forum, people are slamming Buddy Hall, all the commentators, anything and everything they can muster.

Sure, we all have opinions and should express our thoughts, as I just did. It may not be the type of post that pleases you, but I wanted to state how I felt, just like all the others, Tommy.