a bowling related company finally has the brains to sign walter ray williams, jr., to a contract-------it's dexter shoes. he is still an independent as far as equipment is concerned-----unbelievable considering he's arguably the greatest ever. at least there's ONE comany smart enough to sign him.

Maybe his asking price scares companies away.
Whenever he makes shows no one comes on here and says teach me how to throw it like Walter.
Now when Robert Smith is on everyone jumps on his bandwagon.

I was at the Bowl Expo, when WR approached Lane 1, and the deal is he wants way tooooo much for his services.  Richie offered to give free equipment, but WR wanted a yearly fee as well.  I told him I would love to see the best stuff in the hands of the best bowler, and his manager said it's all about the cah, and what the company can do for Walter.  I returned the statement with, "so it's all about greed"?  It's always about what the company can do for the bowler money wise, when money should be discussed after there is a factual increase in company profits, from increased sales, due to the bowler.  Walter could have accepted Richie's offer, and if the company (which is small compared to Columbia, Storm, etc...) made money, then a percentage could be discussed.  If I was as good as Walter, and already had the cash he has, I would take just free equipment, and the only money I would be concerned about would be that which I would consistently win, with the best stuff I have ever thrown.  

Dave
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If You Are Not Using a BuzzSaw, All You Get is SAW-dusted!!

Unfortunately, many contracts also fall into the category of "what have you done lately" and lately, WRW isn't doing much that would showcase the equipment.  That could very well change before the end of the season, but with many companies being scarce with salaried deals, the first quarter of the season would not instill a great deal of confidence in the decision-makers (aka bean counters).

Also, some players are comfortable to stay with one line while others prefer to sample the field.  WRW has indicated that he is comfortable using multiple manufacturers.  That may also be a factor in decision making...you like to have your staff players expressing the merits of the equipment (you know, the whole sales thing).