Do you think Sean Rash did more harm than good?

[Phonetek]

Given his out burst the other day I'm getting the feeling that all he accomplished is making more people want urethane. Not only that but turning a good ball in the purple Hammer into an iconic legendary ball. Sales for it are going to skyrocket.

I predict you're going to see a LOT more purple hammers on the ball returns than ever. On both sport and THS. Probably a lot of fights too!

What are your thoughts? Discussion...

[djp1080]

Regarding specific bowlers I didn't much care for Chris Barnes many years ago. He appeared to be a stuffed shirt. In the later years of his career he doesn't come off that way to me anymore. His style hasn't changed and he's as competitive as ever. Watching him on his YouTube channel with Stuart Williams is usually a pretty good show. They work with each other quite well.
As for Sean Rash never much cared for him earlier or now. Also, I've heard several fellows who've seen him or have bowled against him at Parkside and none of them had anything good to say about him. He has poor demeanor on his good days and he thinks very highly of himself as it shows. His recent activities on TV don't help him one bit. Will it help urethane balls? I kind of doubt it as the rules for hardness of the coverstocks on balls will be changing soon and one of the first to go will be the purple Hammer IMHO.

[Phonetek]

Good point, I didn't think about a rule change.

[RobLV1]

Years ago, Sean Rash routinely acted like an A**. He still does! Personally, I think he should have been suspended for the entire season, and stripped of the title that he won when he went off before the newly threw his shot in the 10th frame. I don't think his actions will have any effect on how many urethane balls are thrown. If the PBA allows two-handers, they are certainly not going to ban urethane. Besides, they are too busy worrying about wrist braces that no-one uses in national competition (other than a few women, who the PBA are clearly trying to keep from competing).

[Ryster]

Years ago, Sean Rash routinely acted like an A**. He still does! Personally, I think he should have been suspended for the entire season, and stripped of the title that he won when he went off before the newly threw his shot in the 10th frame. I don't think his actions will have any effect on how many urethane balls are thrown. If the PBA allows two-handers, they are certainly not going to ban urethane. Besides, they are too busy worrying about wrist braces that no-one uses in national competition (other than a few women, who the PBA are clearly trying to keep from competing).


His behavior was unacceptable, especially using the F word and S word. If he has an issue with urethane he should call/meet with Tom Clark personally and air his grievances. Clark would either take it seriously and do an internal review of the issue, or simply [and most likely] tell Rash to suck it up and get back on the lanes. Clark and Rash have a 17 year relationship, so it isn't like there should be any apprehension about talking about the issue. As recently as two weeks ago, Rash threw urethane in a regional competition so it isn't like he isn't also using urethane. To use it, and then rant about it on a live telecast is crazy.

There was also some supposed behind-the-scenes drama going as well. For example, balls couldn't be tested for hardness compliance because the meter was broken. This has lead to people speculating that played in to Rash's growing frustration. There is also speculation going on that the Purple Hammers get softer the more they are used. Further leading to concerns that the balls could fall below the minimum allowed hardness. Also heard that while Tommy Jones threw the Black Widow Ghost on the telecast, he used a Purple Hammer during qualifying. Just little things like that the have added up in Rash's mind as issues.

Tomorrow is the seeding round for Saturday's Championship telecast. It would be kind of funny if everyone threw urethane.

[boatman37]

I don't have an issue with it in general but think it could have been handled a little different. Sports need bad guys and need those that aren't afraid to speak up. I'm a big Nascar fan and that has always driven the sport. For a few years Nascar kind of muted trhe drivers by fining them for every little thing they said and the fans didn't like it. I just think you need different personalities and some rivalry in any sport to draw fans. But I see Hammer is making the most of it. A few new adds out saying 'still USBC legal' and i forget what the other one said but it was even better. They are probably thanking Sean right now cause they will probably sell a bunch more after that.

[Ryster]

I don't have an issue with it in general but think it could have been handled a little different. Sports need bad guys and need those that aren't afraid to speak up. I'm a big Nascar fan and that has always driven the sport. For a few years Nascar kind of muted trhe drivers by fining them for every little thing they said and the fans didn't like it. I just think you need different personalities and some rivalry in any sport to draw fans. But I see Hammer is making the most of it. A few new adds out saying 'still USBC legal' and i forget what the other one said but it was even better. They are probably thanking Sean right now cause they will probably sell a bunch more after that.

There is a difference between being a bad guy vs. a whiny little baby. Rash is acting like a whiny little baby simply because people are using a type of legal equipment that he doesn't personally like. Mouthing off on live TV, in front of fans and sponsors and tournament hosts, is going to get you in trouble regardless of what sport you participate in. The "higher profile" you are as a player, the worse off you will end up and the more damage control you will need to do to [hopefully] recover.

[Timmyb]

Met Rash a few years back in Milwaukee. This was back when he was making a bit of a resurgence, and his behavior was pretty good. That being said, I've never heard anything good about the guy. During the West telecast, Peterson was on him, and with good reason. But, this is also the same guy that I believe last year went on his own rant on TV that he felt urethane had no business existing.

Good, bad or indifferent, it's not going away, especially not for the pros. If that's what wins them tourneys (or not, proven by Jesper and Jacob over the past 2 years), then that's what they're going to use. The average house shmuck (like me), bowling on a THS, leave that crap at home

[boatman37]

There is a difference between being a bad guy vs. a whiny little baby. Rash is acting like a whiny little baby simply because people are using a type of legal equipment that he doesn't personally like. Mouthing off on live TV, in front of fans and sponsors and tournament hosts, is going to get you in trouble regardless of what sport you participate in. The "higher profile" you are as a player, the worse off you will end up and the more damage control you will need to do to [hopefully] recover.

That's why I said I think he could have handled it better. Probably should have phrased it differently...lol...kind of like he should have. What I meant was I'm ok with him being fiery but to question the integrity of the game publicly was out of line. That's where you get into trouble (ask Kyle Busch-Nascar).
But really, most people watch sports because of the personalities. I love all forms of motorsports but only watch ones that I'm familiar with and interested in the drivers. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for good sportsmanship but controversy brings in new fans that might not have ever considered watching it before.

[RobLV1]

One thing that's for sure and that is that Belmonte will be using urethane on the short pattern. Once can only hope that he bowls Rash and cleans his clock. (I never thought that I would ever root for Belmonte!)

[djp1080]

I think I'll root for Belmonte, too!!

[boatman37]

One thing that's for sure and that is that Belmonte will be using urethane on the short pattern. Once can only hope that he bowls Rash and cleans his clock. (I never thought that I would ever root for Belmonte!)

Don't think I can root for Belmo. Maybe Arturo or Tommy. Not familiar with Arturo but heard his story and he seems like a good guy so like to see him do good.

[Phonetek]

Don't think I can root for Belmo. Maybe Arturo or Tommy. Not familiar with Arturo but heard his story and he seems like a good guy so like to see him do good.

I was pretty far detached from bowling at the time but I would imagine people felt similar when PDW was doing his "Who do you think you are? I am!" Basically rooting for anyone else. This guy is pretty much continuing where Pete left off.

Unfortunately conflict attracts attention and viewers. I don't think that many people were huge pro Tennis fans but people tuned in to watch McEnroe scream and tell the cheering crowd to SHUT UP! Among other things.

Heck, look at how world famous Chef Gordon Ramsay has become because he called people F'ing Donkeys. If he told them that their burnt scallops were a nice try and gave them a pat on the back his show wouldn't have made it long enough to be renewed.

Not exactly professional behavior from any of them but it does tend to breed it's popularity. Sadly I don't that's the plan Rash had in mind, he was just being a big wuss. It certainly had brought some attention to it like it or not. It even gave us something to talk about.

[Ryster]

I was pretty far detached from bowling at the time but I would imagine people felt similar when PDW was doing his "Who do you think you are? I am!" Basically rooting for anyone else. This guy is pretty much continuing where Pete left off.

Unfortunately conflict attracts attention and viewers. I don't think that many people were huge pro Tennis fans but people tuned in to watch McEnroe scream and tell the cheering crowd to SHUT UP! Among other things.

Heck, look at how world famous Chef Gordon Ramsay has become because he called people F'ing Donkeys. If he told them that their burnt scallops were a nice try and gave them a pat on the back his show wouldn't have made it long enough to be renewed.

Not exactly professional behavior from any of them but it does tend to breed it's popularity. Sadly I don't that's the plan Rash had in mind, he was just being a big wuss. It certainly had brought some attention to it like it or not. It even gave us something to talk about.

If Rash had thrown his final ball in the 10th, and then turned around and said to Russo "It's all you! Let's see you put that purple ball to use! Let's GO!!" then that would have been just fine and he wouldn't have been in trouble. That would have been gamesmanship.

The issue was when he specifically called out the integrity of the PBA [his employer] and then said he didn't give a s---. In the prior frame, Rash's microphone clearly picked up him saying that Russo could throw anywhere he f----ing wanted and carry. That's two conduct violations on live TV right there.

If any of us here stood up in the middle of our workplace, shouted the place had no integrity and then said we didn't give a s----, that would be our last day at the office.

It's one thing to be feisty and have some gamesmanship towards your opponent, it is a whole other level to question the integrity of your employer while you are at work.

[boomer]

From what I heard from my PBA pro-shop guy, that purple hammer is a specific pour of the ball and comes out legal but soon after it's drilled and used much, it softens to where it's no longer legal but since PBA and USBC are not doing spot checks, and even if they were their portable instrumentation isn't accurate enough (which I have my doubts about having used durometers in the past, but . . . ) those balls are called legal and then deemed to continue to be legal even though it's an open secret that they are definitely not.

Was he appropriate? No. There are classy ways to call it out.
Should he have talked to whomever? From what I've heard - already done and deaf ear turned. His complaint (and it's not an uncommon one) is well known.
Should he have gamed it up? Why not? LOL - sarcasm and as Ryster said - heck yes. That would have been classy and gamesy.
Was his punishment appropriate? Well, he's a big draw so to drop him out would be to threaten that draw and might not be a good business call. The league knows how much they need a bad boy (i.e. PDW) - I have never liked PDW but BOY did he draw fans. So - fine him, do a bit of punishment, and walk the line.

Now, PBA/USBC/whomever . . . you've given the stick. Now fix the problem.

If my pro-shop guy is correct (and I haven't known him that long so I don't have a big read on him, but this does fit with what I've observed over the years of ABC/USBC/WIBC/PBA/etc.) and they're not checking equipment . . . CHECK the equipment, especially the stuff that's an open secret of being MARGINALLY legal at absolute best. If you have a rule that's not enforced, then it's not a rule. So enforce it. If your instrumentation isn't good enough - FIX IT. I used to have a small dial durometer (0 scale) that I used to check closed-cell foam. You check multiple places and average - in the case of the Purple Hammer - you check the ball track in multiple areas and average (because who cares about the durometer of your PAP - never touches the lane) - period. Just friggin do it.

[Ryster]

Just heard that the PBA recently passed a requirement that urethane balls will have to have their hardness checked at events, but only for the finals. No hardness checks for the qualifying rounds. What is the point of that? Makes no sense.

[J Anderson]

I met Sean Rash a few years back and he seemed like a pretty nice guy. Of course I met him at a Brunswick mini camp so in way he was being paid to be nice to us. I had thought that since then he has been acting in a more adult manner the past few years. Having finally gotten around to watching Sunday’s show I see I may have been wrong.

[boatman37]

I had heard the same thing about the Hammer softening after some use. No idea if it is accurate or much of an advantage but had heard it before

[Aslan]

I met Sean Rash a few years back and he seemed like a pretty nice guy. Of course I met him at a Brunswick mini camp so in way he was being paid to be nice to us. I had thought that since then he has been acting in a more adult manner the past few years. Having finally gotten around to watching Sunday’s show I see I may have been wrong.

I'll second this. I bowled with him at a Pro Am in Cali and he was really nice. My daughter thought he was gorgeous.

"That being said"...even though I've rooted for him over Belmonte in previous incidents...it's clear when you meet Sean that he thinks he's God's gift and gets very upset when it's shown not to be the case. Thats not uncommon with athletes that have a great deal of talent and never learned to lose gracefully...but Sean...even when he's on his best behavior...rubs you as a spoiled teenager.

He's one of my favorite younger bowlers only because I love the way he throws the ball. I think it's a perfect medium between a Marshall Kent and a Chris Barnes.

Do I agree with his rant? Well, I still complain about Motiv cheating...so I usually am a stickler for equipment integrity. But, in this case...they had to push on with the tournament...the equipment wasn't working to test the balls...they made the call. It's just the way it is. Maybe in the future, bowlers should be able to opt out and get their entry fees back if something like that happens...but Sean doesn't pay his entry fees anyway...so big whoop.

Was his punishment too harsh? Honestly, I barely caught what he got punished for. I had to watch it twice. Seemed like Sean just being Sean. It DOES bother me when some bowlers get the book thrown at them and other bowlers with the initials PDW can, have, and will do FAR worse on a regular basis and are considered "untouchable". Would Weber have gotten the same punishment? Would Belmo have? Would Troup have? The PBA tends to go a little lighter on their "marquee names"....until your name isn't as marquee anymore.

[ALazySavage]

I'll be the first to admit, I do not like Sean Rash - had a few juniors meet him in person and he was pretty rude to them. That being said, after listening to the Beef and Barnzy show and some of the other knowledge/commentary from some other people I know I'm more on his side than I thought I would be. There are a few things:


First, this was and has been a known issue for a while. So much so that the PBA stated that they were going to test all balls in these finals (and that bowlers needed to bring any equipment they used in qualifiers for testing). From what is out there all three bowlers had equipment that apparently failed these tests but due to the calibration concern was not thrown out - the 3/3 comment was that Jones, Fach, and Russo all had equipment that failed.
Second, it is a mind game - Stu Williams calls out Duke for requesting tape change breaks and then changes tape in equipment he isn't even using, PBW goes on rants about fans that don't even exist (Fagan's comments), Belmonte intentionally putting his towel on PBW's equipment to **** him off - the lists goes on and on. Rash is doing the same thing, his delivery just sucks compared to it.
Lastly, yes it would be nice if all equipment was tested before the qualifiers - but with how much equipment goes through those locations 64 entries * 12 balls = 768 with more in the car, some drilled the morning/day of it is a huge ask to get done that morning.


It is easy to hate on Rash, and even after agreeing with this stance on this I still rooted against him this weekend. He is blunt and it rubs a lot of people the wrong way, but if you don't think he has already had multiple conversations about this issue (he is on the players committee) you are delusional. I don't have a problem with urethane, two handed bowling, any of these changes if they are within the rules - but when the enforcing body is saying they are going to do something and then show a level of incompetence in which they can't get equipment to work to enforce it what should the bowler do (it wasn't as though this location was randomly selected with no notice)? There are more comments on these boards about how we need standardized conditions, equipment is making the game too easy, close your eyes and strike - yet someone comes out and on the best platform they have and says something about it and we all jump on them and say they should be suspended for a year, lose a title. His delivery sucked, but honestly if it wasn't that aggressive we wouldn't be talking about it. Also, we bowl - we have all heard the things he said - and if anyone here can tell me they haven't complained about someone you are bowling against having the world for area you are lying, the difference is we are complaining about it for 2 points in a mom and pop league, he is complaining about it as it affects his living.

[Aslan]

What "annoys" me about the PBA...is,

...they don't know what they want to be...so they can't ever BE what they want to be.

What I mean by that is...sometimes they pretend they wanna be the PGA and for everyone to adhere to the standards of golf and be quiet and nice and professional and if anyone says anything or does anything that is remotely even a little bit 'loud'...well, that player deserves a de-merit and has to wear a scarlet letter and etc, etc... Then the next week, the PGA wants the league to be more like the WWE where the whole thing is a big 'show' and it's all about 'ratings' and 'excitement' and their running TV shots of PDW with his "Who do you think you are, I am!" nonsensical yell that leaves most viewers trying to figure out what the heck "who do you think you are...I am"...actually means.

[boomer]

Completely agree!