Ready to Rumble
Billiard superstar (and new boxing devotee) Jeanette Lee is back from surgery and ready to climb into the Classic Tour's ring. And she's taking a swing at how the WPBA handled the arrival of the IPT.
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| An exercise regimen that includes boxing training has Lee back on her feet. |
Jeanette Lee hasn't had an easy year. In May 2005, she announced that she would undergo yet another surgical procedure to repair damage to her back due to the effects of scoliosis. It was her ninth major surgery since childhood. The procedure on Aug. 11 was a success, and "The Black Widow" began the months-long recovery process at home with her husband, George Breedlove, and their adopted 1-year-old daughter, Cheyenne.
While she was away from competition, a lot changed in the world of pro pool. Infomercial maven Kevin Trudeau founded the International Pool Tour, promising million-dollar payouts for a hand-picked field of 150 players. The deadline for applications was Sept. 30. Lee did not apply. Lee's agent, Tom George, unsuccessfully lobbied Trudeau to include her on the tour, and she was eliminated early in an IPT qualifier on Jan. 14. (See story, page 48.)
Lee and George believe she would have been chosen for the IPT, had she applied. Why didn't she? Lee contends that the Women's Professional Billiard Association has traditionally rejected her requests to compete in open tour events against male pros, and that the IPT is clearly in competition with the Classic Tour.
"Part of me feels like I messed up; I should have at least checked," George said. "Having said that, not in our wildest dreams did we expect a different answer, based on what they have told us before."
Lee believes there's more at stake than just the potential payday she lost by missing the IPT boat.
Independent promoters wishing to invite WPBA players to compete in televised professional events typically are required to pay a sanctioning fee, and to meet other requirements such as accepting a certain percentage of top-ranked players. Trudeau made it clear that he would not agree to any conditions in accepting players for the IPT, and WPBA officials didn't object. Lee believes that decision has weakened the association by allowing promoters in the future to cite the IPT as a precedent. The decision also potentially dilutes the WPBA's product, possibly sending its sponsors to the IPT.
Don't feel too bad for Lee, however. She's still is in great demand for special appearances and exhibitions, often drawing thousands of dollars per event. Her packed schedule kept her on the road in early 2006. BD spoke with her on Jan. 27 as she was traveling via limousine from Atlantic City, N.J., to Washington, D.C.
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