Clearly, we interpret things differently, and that's fine.
Was the ban coming no matter what? You'd know better than me.
Yet I don't see how one can argue that top players didn't come together to try to put pressure on the WPA. That was the whole point of the joint statement they all sent around, whether at Matchroom's behest or not.
Their threat not to attend WPA events was
obviously meant to try to dissuade the WPA even if it had no chance to succeed.
Otherwise, why bother to send out any statement at all and announce a boycott? Why hold a meeting at the Euro Open to talk about it? Did they really do it for no reason at all? Please.
Yes, I know the players are not a union. Nor do I suggest they have a union mentality. But again, they certainly tried to act in unison - something we all know they have NEVER done before. Many players said so, in various forms, on social media.
Which is why so many players go so mad when Filler backed out. That's not me talking. That's the players themselves. Gorst, Woodward, Chua and Biado among others put out statements or expressed displeasure on social media. Panozzo reported an icy chill between the two camps of players at the International Open.
Clearly, the WNT-allied players got angry for a reason.
Gorst, for example, wrote: "It’s disappointing that
despite the unified stance of some of the strongest players in the game, including myself, certain individuals have chosen to participate in upcoming WPA tournaments."
Chua was indirect in his criticism, saving most for the WPA, but he emphasized: "With the force of our fellow athletes, united and standing together in solidarity, we will not participate in any event sanctioned by the WPA for the remainder of 2024 unless these bans are lifted. I AM TAKING A STAND IN SOLIDARITY WITH MY FELLOW PLAYERS."
Do I think Filler's actions compromised the interests of the WNT? Of course they did! That's why MR ended up dropping him from Reyes and Mosconi. Would have been better for MR to have him there.
The flip side is Filler had to do what he thought was in his own best interest. I have zero problem with that. Neither do you. We also both think he could have handled the situation better, but it's water under the bridge now.
***
In any case, what is done is done. No amount of back and forth between anyone on this board will change that. So it will be the last I have to say about it.
I am simply hoping and waiting for a resolution. I am past the blame stage and just want to see the best play the best.