Ronnie O'Sullivan: “If I had a son, I wouldn’t let him play snooker” | Eurosport Snooker

[@TS-ex4ql]

That is so rare today, to have someone speak what he actually thinks without even a shadow of concern what others will think. Ronnie has no affiliations or lines to tow, and I really respect him for being authentic

[@ChollieD]

*toe--the editors

[@Snookbone]

toe

[@donquixoteupinhere]

Yeah, Ronnie is a pure ledge. I reckon he’s on the spectrum. His levels of honesty and emotional expressiveness are undoubtedly bewildering to most people (speaking from personal experience haha)

[@Shoorit]

He knows the sport is far better with him then without him and they’d be mad to stop him coming.

[@GarySinghgsin3725]

No one else would say what Ronnie would - he’s a true legend, icon and snooker will be in a sorry state without him!

[@RobBob555]

Sycophant

[@dougieroberts7045]

As usual, Ronnie talks sense, honourable man, take my hat off to him.

[@Ytnzy250]

Don't take it off just tip it 😁

[@danielhucky307]

Just like his dad 🤣🤣

[@RobBob555]

Sycophant

[@dougieroberts7045]

@@RobBob555 Sociopath.

[@Stephenhendrys]

'Take it off the top - the winners don't really need the money'. Ronnie you legend. 👏

[@darkstar223]

Ronnie O’Sullivan is brilliant his words equally true

[@ronaldsnooker6597]

Agreed!

[@RobBob555]

Sycophant

[@darkstar223]

@@RobBob555 lol....when someone is right ...they r right.....Mr Omicron

[@MrGloryglorymanutd18]

He's 100% right,if your ranked in the 120 players on Earth it shouldn't have to cost you more money to play because that's more pressure along with playing on TV when your not used to it.What Ronnie is saying I think is help these guys out and you may see some of them become champions or atleast a decent career playing the game they love.

[@ChollieD]

Agree completely. Actual meritocracy means giving the junior players a real chance to develop, which means paying them a little for their small contribution to the professional sport. Yes, of course the the big money should be reserved for the top places. You can do that and still give these guys a little part-time wage so they have time to practice. You never know who is going to be that guy who breaks through, and paying them nothing makes it much harder for those without wealthy families or other financial support to get in their practice time.

[@Snookbone]

you're

[@ryand141]

Ronnie said the first thing that came to him. Tomorrow, it'll be how he's not being paid enough for a 147.

[@kidmanier]

@@brianmorgan9321 well he’s saying that’s how hard it is for someone new to come about and take the top spots. Nobody has put in the efforts to practice like Ronnie has and people of his time. We live in a new era and not many people take the sport as serious as they once did. He would literally have to lose an arm to drop ranks.

[@kidmanier]

@@brianmorgan9321 and although I agree wjth you in that sense, I do think people in top 100’s should be paid for losing as this is their job. If you have a bad day in work you still get paid so why not this? To put in the 10,000 hours of dedication to leave with nothing? And what if you lost 3 times in a row. It’s not a lot but it is when you’ve got to survive in the real world till the next game.

[@anshbhatia3459]

Ronnie’s thoughts and insights were pretty rational actually .

[@SuperChalkster]

this is why everyone loves him, mr snooker.... says what everyone is scared too. no fear

[@tonynaccarato4751]

The greatest, love listening to his articulation, right on point.

[@AdrianJohn1956]

Ronnie makes a great point...If a losing player has no compensation for his efforts then how can he develop without the worry of costs? It takes two to make a game entertaining.

[@daviddoyle5139]

He makes a good point but he shouldn't have referenced tennis. That is the exact same as snooker regarding players outside the top 100. They make no money and all have to get regular jobs or become tennis coaches when they retire. He should maybe encourage teenage snooker players to get a college education or an apprenticeship in something so they'll have a quick back up plan if the snooker doesn't work out.

[@LeSqueege]

Exactly. Just look at Mark Selby game play. Boring 😂

[@JohnSmith-gv9wx]

This is such a great interview in that Ronnie articulates the points that have to be made. The game needs to help people coming on to the circuit and make the game affordable and financially viable for wider numbers of people.

[@kwoktony6416]

love the honesty of ronnie. and given he is one of the stakeholders being a serial winner, for him to say take the money off the top for 1st round loser to cover the expenses is fantastic.

[@Dan-dd8cf]

His career is nearly finished, and he has made far more money than any other snooker player, doesn't matter what happens with the pay, won't affect him

[@vishy]

Dan lol exactly … he wasn’t saying this when he first starting winning tournaments haha … and I don’t blame him! But now he’s coming to the end of his career at least he’s speaking out now

[@ersinbasaran]

Love it or hate it, this is the one of the most honest interview with a sportsman.

[@khalidhashimi9827]

No doubt about him, he is the hero of snooker he always want for healthy future of snooker 👏👏

[@spanishpeaches2930]

" If I had a son..." Ronnie, you have a son.

[@srciano1]

Did perk my ears up that, he did correct himself after the 5th time of saying it though.

[@wm6739]

Yeah he said at 4:07

[@dannisbet8208]

He’s saying if “He had a son” he’s saying it as a generalisation

[@vishy]

You’re just nitpicking … we all know what he meant

[@jaberhaidari6960]

😂😂😂

[@ros8010]

like him or not but he always gives a honest answer and says what he thinks. Not someone who gives politically correct shit answers just to not get into trouble. When he says he doesnt want his son to play Snooker then I respect that opinion.

[@mariogmajner6549]

He's clueess, he once came out on a Sport's show declaring himself an Arsenal fan then claims he's a Spurs fan lol

[@danedward4255]

@@mariogmajner6549 that sums ronnie up a spurs and arsenal fan proper windupmurchant

[@diederikvanvleuten8341]

Ronnie is the most precious and intelligent ambassador of the game.

[@gurdeepchumber2764]

This guy is the biggest star in Snooker & has made/ continues to help the players & the game for the future.....Most of the things he complains about Worldsnooker will claim he's wrong..So why do they address most of the stuff he complains about & rectify it... Venues being below par,147 not enough reward,players playing too slow & now expenses to be paid at least for losing first round......love him or hate him sometimes he chats crap but most of the time he's correct..

[@johntallanger4036]

Anyone who would hate Ronnie I would not trust. He speaks truth.

[@gurdeepchumber2764]

@@johntallanger4036 totally agree

[@wayne.1]

Very true what Ronnie is saying, some of these players put hours into playing and loads of money as well. Pay them right even if they do lose first round they should get something back.

[@Steven-ze2zk]

"Pay them right even if they do lose first round they should get something back." How much should they get if they lose their first match?

[@dimitrivandesande4058]

@@Steven-ze2zk Like Ronny said, their expences…

[@Steven-ze2zk]

@@dimitrivandesande4058 Here's how it works. If you have 20 tournaments for one year then you must pay £40,000 for entry, travel and expenses. You make all of that money back if you win all of your first round matches. If you want to earn more than your expenses then you must win more than all of your first round matches. So, players who win an average of three matches per tournament may earn six figures of pure disposable cash. Those who often win silverware tend to make several million.

[@thorpeylad9822]

If your putting hours in and getting nothing do you think it's maybe not the job for you? I Could put hours in, should I get paid?

[@23352408akash]

@@Steven-ze2zk "several million" mate you donno what you're talking about, Ronnie or Stephen hendry for that matter having the most illustrious careers in snooker and they have made about 10-12 million, over a period of almost 3 decades. I mean 10-12 million for being one of the greatest players in the sport's history is honestly chump change compared to what some other sports offer. So if that's the case then imagine the bottom part of ranked players what they might make. Like Ronnie said they end up spending money rather than making it. You can say "tough world" and "if you aren't earning then snooker is not the game for you" but without those bottom players there is no snooker remember that.

[@seaniek9175]

Ronnie is definitely never boring. Always has an interesting take on things. Thinks outside the box.

[@TomMayhew]

Spot on, Ronnie.

[@SportsFan0027]

People don’t like him coz he speaks a lot, but if you take the time to listen to him you’ll see he has good intentions in his heart for snooker.

[@YLwortel]

True! Wise, man.

[@nitnesto9195]

love it when ronnie sticks it to the clueless hosts. this girl stutters every time she tries to speak, she's so scared of ronnie's straight shooting lol

[@sergionoti5256]

Wise words and very honest

[@asid575]

He’s such a great man for showing his care

[@酸民殺手]

He is really an honest guy who always gives honest opinion and I buy what he said. It is sad that only the top 20 players of snooker in the world are having good life and good earnings but majority of players are struggling for basic living necessities

[@chaosbishop4941]

I like him! And I really like that it turned into actual people talking instead of bs fakeness. He's got a good point too

[@johnny_pilot]

Absolutely spot on Ron! He deserves credit for speaking his mind with total honesty. It was an eye-opener to me to understand the expenses involved for those players who are struggling to make a living in this sport. Also, once again, top comment by Ronnie in suggesting to effectively take a slice off the winners' money in a competition - as they don't need quite so much - in order to fund the return of players' first-round exit expenses... especially for those players who have not amassed a certain level in winnings in the current and or last season. I hope your words are acted upon Ronnie. Well spoken, sir!

[@GivThmHal]

Ronnie doesn’t allow the snooker association take from him anymore, he takes what he wants from the game and doesn’t respect or give 2 shits about making the game better anymore and I agree with him. Do you know how rude and thoughtless they have been towards him? Listen Ronnie is snooker like it or not his the face of it for the past how many years. So why should he promote snooker if the association doesn’t even listen to what he has to say. I like this ronnnie and his ideas for the up and coming players. I love snooker and I would love for my son to be professional snooker player, but in honest truth it’s not a nice place to be if your not top 10 in the world.

[@olivernugent4614]

As if you wrote ‘listen’

[@tinepotocnik777]

Ronnie puting it down for playas. He d King 👑

[@10thdoctor15]

He's absolutely right, the top players don't need the money, take £30,000 from the finalists and give £500 to each first round loser.

[@10thdoctor15]

@@mariogmajner6549 It's possible to be a fan of more than one team, or change your mind.

[@Steven-ze2zk]

Why are you giving money to losers? If they can't win then your money will never be returned.

[@10thdoctor15]

@@Steven-ze2zk All the losers in the subsequent rounds, including the runner-up get paid, sometimes a lot. They lost.

[@adrianwright8685]

Odd thing to say! Anyone getting to the second rd or better has - obviously - won at least one match. Would you only pay the tournament winner?!

[@10thdoctor15]

@@adrianwright8685 No, but my point is that if you pay half of the players that haven't won, then why not all of them? The second round and onwards losers are good enough to win one or more matches, but the first round losers are still good enough to be professional, having come through Q-School. They should be paid for being professional.

[@swingham4020]

It is great that Ronnie has the kahunas to speak his mind, knowing full well the Snooker Ass wont do a think to him. So many would avoid this question, as their livelihoods depend on it, Ronnie doesnt. Refreshing as always

[@scroggg]

Ronnie is a deep thinking genius, hopefully he will be as entertaining for the next few years...

[@donquixoteupinhere]

He really is. He’s the best snooker player ever in my opinion with the rawest natural talent the sport has seen… and that clearly has to do with a brilliantly spatially aware and analytical mind, in his case.

[@cricuts1]

I wish to see the beautiful game of snooker become a truly global sport. Any major snooker event would have a mix of players from all around the World.

[@adrianwright8685]

But Snooker is not played in large parts of the World: North and South America, Africa, large parts of Europe, much of Asia. There isn't the interest there or they have their own similar table sport.

[@cricuts1]

@@adrianwright8685 You are right but in Pakistan you will find a snooker table at every corner of a street but not a single player in the pro game.

[@Stick_Chronic]

That will take decades even with loads of investment

[@Guvna07]

The powers that be need to listen to Ronnie. He’s a legend of his sport and they should definitely take his advice because he’s trying to help the upcoming generation.

[@madhurjyadutta4383]

Love you ronnie ...your thoughts are pure!

[@darrenhansom4873]

Wow Ronnie I think you were spot on, wasn’t sure where he was going with it at first.

[@ronaldsnooker6597]

So right! it is silly holding Ronnie’s success against him for feeling the way he does about sport. After all RO talent is one in a lifetime at best! Not everyone can become him in a million years.

[@hwu2937]

A Highly respected sportsman.

[@mariogmajner6549]

He's clueess, he once came out on a Sport's show declaring himself an Arsenal fan then claims he's a Spurs fan lol

[@aviadd843]

Wow... that right there is some cold hard truth from the best of the best. I feel shitty for Michael Giorgiou now.

[@Steven-ze2zk]

Should we give him enough money so that he can enter all of the tournaments for a whole year?

[@danedward4255]

Michael did earn money for this was not 1st round this be 2nd

[@johntallanger4036]

his choice

[@johntallanger4036]

@@Steven-ze2zk yes. if he qualifies. that is the point ronnie is making. it keeps a better class of player in the game, builds the sport, and improves the environment and quality of life. if i was on top i'd feel the same way. but only for qualifiers, of course

[@Steven-ze2zk]

@@johntallanger4036 How do you qualify? By winning a qualifying match? OK, that makes sense. At least you can make the claim that you have already won.

[@MJPno.8]

Made me laugh that John Higgins called him a disgrace. I think openly agreeing to throw a match on video is the disgraceful behaviour, short memory and unbelievable how he got away with that, was absolutely blatant!

[@bosmeck]

not many remember that brother... I think Big Ron is on the money when it comes to the first rounds. Can't believe it was overlooked in the first place.

[@loungebiddle7922]

Good point mp. So glad that the comments I see here agree with Ronnie and appreciate the point that he is making regarding where Snooker is at in comparison to other great spectator sports. I didn't watch the John v Ronnie match that followed and I did wonder though whether John Higgins called Ronnie a disgrace as an opportunity to put his opponent and rival off balance. Anyway, my main thought was that if your top ranked experienced players hear what Ronnie is saying, and come out like John and call one of the greatest players of all time a disgrace, then that just says something about John's mentality. He should have supported Ronnie or at least given his opinion without judging Ronnie. John, it is clear that your response just shows that Snooker today is not healthy. You went down in my estimations as a player... way down.

[@djtaylormade1195]

Higgins showed his true colours by saying that. He obviously cares about the money too much and being a top player himself, he wants to protect his own income rather than help out the lower ranked playes who are struggling to get by.

[@olliep8117]

Honorable guy, he uses the power he's got being at the top of his sport and being a draw to go real good with it, actually speaking truth and standing up for the underdogs. Rare quality, huge respect to him. I can't think of any other sportsman that does that, maybe F1 driver Mark Webber back in the day, but that's it.

[@chrishardy6944]

legend. We don't see that side of snooker and it's good that a player like Ronnie can highlight it.

[@Conannnnn]

What a legend. Speaks the way it is.

[@williamstdog9]

Saw the misleading thumbnail text and thought “O God Ronnie’s in a bad mood and saying something stupid again.. “ 😖 And then I watched & listened and EVERY SINGLE THING HE SAID WAS BANG ON THE $$$!!! And how many top players (other than the exceptional Federer or a few other truly incredibly nice superstars) say, “give the lower ranked players more $$ and take it off the top players winnings!” That shows his heart and what a truly awesome PERSON ROS is as well 👏👏👏♥️👍

[@johntallanger4036]

He never says anything stupid. Sometimes just so irritated it comes out funny. If you understand what he's getting at there's almost always an excellent point.

[@peterjd3170]

Good man Ronnie 👍 'Tell it like it is' 🙂

[@zakiramad]

What an absolute legend to be at the top and use his position to truly do good for the sport.

[@WildPhotoShooter]

Zakir Ahmed . Yes, I very much admire Ronnie for speaking out, there is only a handful of players who can but the others choose to avoid it. If the lower ranked players got expenses they would play better simply because they wouldn't have money worries and they would be able to concentrate on their game more . The game of snooker would then improve from a wider base.

[@Sambukerable]

Love the honesty.......

[@xedasxedas]

She did asked him for his opinion. Ronnie made a very fair point.

[@soapyvanshoey3179]

So true ronnie fantastic honesty mate

[@fitamh4054]

Bravo Ronnie for your honesty 👏🏻👏🏻

[@leemcmurray880]

I. Love Ronnie’s honesty

[@ralphtouma5065]

I wish more stars where as honest and straight as Ronnie. Legend!

[@billz2234]

Cheers for the honest opinion 👍

[@Champchamp28]

Top bloke

[@deanishere7237]

Cold hard facts from Ronnie... but it will fall on deaf ears !!!

[@GetUpFalcon]

Got his thoughts in order here!

[@andrewbaker5584]

Well said ronnie!! Speaks so much sense.

[@debendragurung3033]

I totally respect his honesty.

[@shakeelali5189]

Iv watched Ronnie from childhood his special

[@JosefHoffmann-eh3zi]

Do not forget he knows the old times he has more experience than many others thats because he says that

[@TorbjornMain]

Michael is a tough player I was so scared Ronnie was going to lose!

[@ZooScott]

Open up yer own league Ronnie ; would fly away right from the start 147 💥 👀 🎯 .

[@Aloksbil]

Love the interview. He's got such a strong opinion on this. Alan and Rachel just sat there as if they were waiting for him to shut up. Top class interview!

[@waqsy7131]

What a legend!

[@Barberdon2022]

Tbf who can deny what ronnie says here I’ve seen Higgins being critical but how can u be Ronnie is bang on the money here

[@birdseyeview219]

What a flaming good idea Ronnie.Skim some off the top for 1st round losers

[@easttexan2933]

I agree with his comments completely.

[@srinivasm1357]

Well said ronnie.....I totally agree with u.

[@FishnChips136]

He really gives an honest opinion of what's happening in the snooker world that most people don't see or care about. He's absolutely right about giving the early losers their expenses back. It's only fair and might just keep the sport alive after the stars of today are through playing.

[@minimal_Sonntag]

He´s not just the best player on this planet, he is also a very intelligent man. I don´t mind it he´s not on his peak anymore. I will always join to see him play.

[@CommandoG331]

Was the best player *

[@SnookerFan-kl1jj]

@@CommandoG331 So who is the best now then.

[@CommandoG331]

@@SnookerFan-kl1jj Higgins beats Robbie with ease these days, so does Trump. So there's two.

[@WildPhotoShooter]

I'd like to agree with many others, Ronnie is right The words that stuck with me were " At least give them their expenses AND THEN YOU CAN CALL IT A JOB" . Struggling financially in the lower ranks causes anxiety and money worries and that detracts from the players game, in a game where concentration is king money worries are bound to affect their game.

[@craigsmith2030]

Top lad ronnie. And i sense a win this season for u. Playing some good stuff.

[@jasonwijeyeweera]

Brutal truth from Ronnie as usual

[@goodvibez5850]

No truer words 👏

[@markthoughtswithukrainemas2072]

WE LOVE RONNIE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! he speaks his mind

[@jessicarabbit2989]

Ronnie! I love you!!

[@matthewlochrin3858]

Fully agree with Ronnie on this one! Actually makes some really good points. Surely the winner isn't going to notice the difference if their winnings is reduced by 5k or so??

[@stephenlawrence4821]

Ronnie is quite right. It's not about how good the sport is for the top 25. Same goes for life in general btw

[@emmirrashdan804]

Spot on Ronnie❤️

[@arda8393]

Its true unfortunately. We see with the pdc theyre adding 2 Million to the overall prize fund next year and is set to just keep on rising but right now is pretty much in the same boat as the snooker players for the lower ranked players where a second job is literally needed. And the schedules for both sports through out the year can be jam packed so players are essentially having to juggle two jobs. Snooker fans/ players amongst my age group (where i am) is virtually non existant, literally not one public snooker table in the city now the rileys is closed and hasn't (yet) opened since closing from covid complications. People prefer to doddle about with pool its quick easier and simple to understand, where snooker you need dedication and lots of time. Surely snookers home in the UK will be over and moved abroad seeing few UK players making expensive trips away to play in the future

[@nomanmalik5259]

Ronnie is saying 100 percent right

[@universalvideos7873]

Ronnie on 🔥 True legend

[@jumpa654]

Ali carter made a similar point. It's only the top 32 that make good money, but that's top 32 in the world! He said he'll probably discourage his sons to get into snooker. The money in snooker is so poor. It needs to get better and quick. If it doesn't we're looking at a lost generation of snooker players. Times are hard, obviously people will be looking at the finance side of things first.

[@frd1681]

At the end well said ronnie 👍👍👍

[@tonytho33]

Well Said ..Ronnie 💪💪💪👍👍👍

[@maineroad7429]

Spot on Ronnie. .

[@weSnooker]

He’s spot on about the money aspect

[@Nico-qt4qz]

The suggestion at the end was good. I spoke to a pro snooker player from Hong Kong about 7 years back and I asked what do they do as a living, he came back and said the government pay him to play snooker!! The pressure of performing is then removed in one aspect and they can then focus on playing snooker and give it 100%. The government even employed their coach. Perhaps the government can look at that model to drive up youngsters into it. I would say that the Chinese lads are paid their expenses and can focus just on snooker.

[@Steven-ze2zk]

By the time it's time to break against Ronnie it's time to focus on winning as well as snooker. If you can't do that then you should get another job.

[@ianjohnson275]

Bang on Ronnie! 1st round losers should get more!

[@garethm2009]

He's absolutely banging on.

[@rajiv7185]

Very relevant points Ron. Btw, how many times do they say "you know!"

[@TheJohnsonJohnny]

Thats the point of every game, you play because of the game, and thats it, no meaning about winnin or losing. - If the game doesn't give you a fun, it is not a game anymore.

[@dannisbet8208]

Everything he said is Absolutely correct! And I’m sure if like Ronnie says they pay the 1st round losers their expenses etc, then next time he’s asked his thoughts on Snooker at the current time he might say different!

[@wolfdanger]

Seems like he has a lot of pain so empties his heart when he gets an opportunity to talk about things.

[@osmondjames792]

Oh!! He said it...very well. Talent isn't a one trick pony; as demonstrated in Ronnie's overview of the game's prize structure.

[@N433M81]

Ronnies ageing fast - his eyes 🤷🏽‍♂️ LEGEND

[@markg5596]

What a g Ronnie is how this guys never won sports personality of the year is beyond me

[@stevenwilcox8631]

I think his comments about this subject has been blown out of proportion. He didn't discourage anyone from taking up the sport, he just said he wouldn't advise his son to do it. When you get to the televised events, the prize money is good, but mentality it can be a lonely life being on road going to tournament after tournaments and living their lives out of a suitcase most of the year. It's understandable that Ronnie would say that. I found it hypocritical that players like Trump, Murphy and Higgins and others complain about too many players being on the tour, but when Ronnie suggested it he was vilified his fellow professionals and the media.

[@sebluketravis2438]

Ronnie O'Sullivan is arguably in the top ten sportsman ever from the UK. He has only recently earned 12 mil over 30 seasons Phil Jones of Man U has earned 5 times that in 10 seasons and most on the bench. Just think about that for a minute.

[@Steven-ze2zk]

Think about what? What you have just said is pointless. Yes, some people earn more than others. Well done.

[@Andy-Bodhi]

@@Steven-ze2zk thanks Jack

[@adrianwright8685]

Football is way, way more popular than Snooker which, although it has some following abroad, is not a truly International sport. The same money is not available. Man U might get 50,000 to watch a match and millions more on tv: there's barely 100 in this Scottish Open audience!

[@sebluketravis2438]

@@Steven-ze2zk spanner

[@sebluketravis2438]

@@Andy-Bodhi spanner