Belmonte's exemption doesn't bother me too much.  They do it in golf.  The big difference is that you get to see the exempt player golf, and with Belmonte he would have had to make the TV show to have anyone see him.
I also prefer watching ESPN Classic to today's shows.  I'm not sure what's going to happen, but to me the things they are doing is act of desperation.  In this economy even the big sports are starting to suffer, and bowling was already struggling.  That's not a good sign.
I don't know what the PBA needs to do, I don't want to see it go, love watching bowling on TV.  But, lately it's just not hitting me.
On another note, the USBC needs to start listening to its members and not be pushing Sport shots/PBA experience leagues and 2-handed bowling when that's not what most bowlers want to do.  Have you ever been asked or surveyed by the USBC on what YOU as "Joe Bowler" wants?  Didn't think so.

--------------------
titletowncards

i believe this is the same john burkett the pitcher.  i remember in the mid 90's espn did a story on him and he had 7 300's then, his bowl.com profile shows 5 more.  and yes, john d. burkett was a pitcher, i cross referenced that thru espn.  just pointing out he wasnt just some sorta big name athlete getting special treatment, he can bowl.

http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=2248&suffix=16264

exemptions have been handed out as you would like, ie, marshall holman was given an exemption for a tournament in oregon.  the same year i think mark roth was given an exemption in new york or new jersey, where i think they said he won his first tourny but i could be wrong on that.

--------------------
derek
http://members.bowl.com/SearchUSBC/ViewMember.aspx?prefix=756&suffix=622

currently 217 on monday 211 on tuesday
main arsenal now:
cell
cell pearl
vapor zone
el nino 2000
green gargoyle
fury
blue dot