This is Barry Behrman's rebuttal to the recent interview with the UPA (United Pool Players Association) regarding the U.S. Open and the change in the prize fund. The interview with the UPA can be found here and Barry's speech to the players at the US Open can be found here.

I would like to address this to all the U.S. Open fans, players,  UPA, Charlie Williams and the general public.    Negative statements have been made by Charlie Williams and the UPA (United Pool players Association) in regard to the 2001 U. S. Open 9-Ball Championships and myself, Barry Behrman.  I would like to respond to the allegations that have been brought forth.   THE TOURNAMENT: The U. S. Open started on Monday, September 10, 2001.  As we all know the events of Tuesday, September 11, 2001 have been devastating to our country. On that date a difficult decision had to be made by me to continue with or to cancel the event.  There were many factors pro and con that had to be considered.  I decided to continue with the tournament (and I still stand behind that decision) for the practicality of the players and fans alike.  If the tournament had been cancelled it would have caused tremendous financial grief for all concerned, especially for the foreign players.  After my decision I became more acutely aware of many financial matters that would play out during the course of the week.  Toward the end of the week my concerns were justified as the tournament revenues were grossly coming up short.  It was time to make another critical decision.   THE PRIZE FUND:        The original prize fund based on 214 players was as follows:   1st = $40,000 2nd = $20,000 3rd = $10,000 4th = $7,000 5th-6th = $5,000 7th-8th = $4,000 9th-12th = $3,000 13th-16th = $2,500 17th-24th = $2,150 25th-32nd = $1,800 33rd-48th = $1,200 49th-64th = $700   Total prize fund = $179,000   I made a very thought out and painful decision to alter the prize fund by 20% across the board to help ease the tournament’s financial loss of over $60,000.  I wrote a speech (that will be posted along with this response) that conveyed my approach and thoughts on the prize fund reduction.  We began announcing Friday morning that a players meeting of the last 64 (prize money winners) would be held in the practice room at 6PM Friday night between matches so all could attend.  The announcement of the meeting was made many times throughout the day and a sign was posted on the Tournament Office door to ensure player participation.    I invited two of the most respected players to read the speech in front of me in private, one on one, one after the other.  The two players were American player Earl Strickland and German player Ralf Souquet.  I needed the opinions of both, a domestic and a foreign player.  After reading my thoughts on paper they both completely understood and were fine with the decision I had made.  I felt reasonably justified, though it pained me so, to approach the rest of the playing field.  I spent about 45 minutes with the players that attended the meeting Friday night.  I read my speech for all to hear.  I then asked for their comments.  My conscience became a little more at ease as players agreed with what I had to say.  As I recall, there were no negative comments from the players who took the time to be present.  Mr. Strickland and Mr. Souquet both spoke to the players and conveyed their support in the decision to reduce the prize fund by 20%.  The players themselves decided to leave the prize amounts for 25th-64th to be left alone and be paid in full.  They decided to only reduce 1st-24th to make up the difference.  As I recall, I distinctly remember such noted  players as Tommy Kennedy, Jeremy Jones and Johnny Archer discussing the prize fund breakdown which at that time they had 1st paying only $28,000 and 2nd paying $14,000.  After deciding on the final prize fund breakdown I added another $3,000 to round out 1st and 2nd place.   The revised prize fund based on 214 players was as follows:   1st = $30,000 2nd = $15,000 3rd = $7,000 4th = $5,000 5th-6th = $3,800 7th-8th = $2,800 9th-12th = $2,400 13th-16th = $2,100 17th-24th = $1,900 25th-32nd = $1,800 (Original amount) 33rd-48th = $1,200 (Original amount) 49th-64th = $700 (Original amount)   Total prize fund = $148,200   FINANCIAL AND OTHERWISE: The expected 20% decrease in the prize fund ended up being just over 17% from 1st through 24th place, with 25th-64th remaining as originally posted.  The decrease in the prize fund came to $30,800.  The tournament itself lost over $60,000. After all this I still managed to add over $40,000 to the prize fund.  After successfully adding $72,000 at last years 25th Anniversary U. S. Open, it was expected I could do the same for the 2001 U. S. Open.  This year’s gate sales were off by just over $40,000.  Other revenue sources such as advance VIP ticket sales, vendors, and Sponsor support were reduced by just over $20,000.    All the advance VIP ticket sales WILL BE refunded for those who could not attend. Charlie Williams adamantly argued that I should not refund those fans and give the money to the players.  As you can surmise, there have been many different approaches to this matter.    These reductions were directly related to the events of the September 11 attacks on our country.  There were a large number of people who, at the last minute, could simply not attend.  Flights were grounded, our military was called, and the nation took time to help with the tragedy.  These events could never have been foreseen.   CONCLUSION:    After losing over $50,000 at the 2001 Masters 9-Ball Championships last April, I simply couldn’t afford to lose over $110,000 in just six months time.  After the prize fund reduction my losses for the two tournaments have still been over $80,000.  I have been promoting Pocket Billiards and hosting professional tournaments for almost 30 years and have always paid the due prize funds.  I have always stood by the players and have always appreciated how the players have treated me.  It pains me to admit that these circumstances have caused me tremendous stress, mentally, physically and financially.    Unfortunately, I am now considering not hosting any events for 2002.  This will be another difficult decision for me to make in light of the negative and badgering harassment from Charlie Williams and Max Eberle that is related to personal matters not involving the event. The decision might be made sooner if the harassment continues from them.  I find it difficult to believe that these young and inexperienced individuals are representing the UPA.  My final decision shall, of course, be based on the amount of support I receive from the fans and the players alike.   All opinions are valued and I expect to hear quite a few.  Your comments can be sent to:  Q-Master Billiards, 5612-A Princess Anne Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23462.  Our e-mail address is:  qmasterbilliards@hotmail.com.   Looking forward to hearing from you,   Barry Behrman

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