+ QUOTABLE+
“You have to find the right judge. That’s key.” NEW YORK LAWYER JAMES MERMIGIS ON HIS LAWSUIT TO GET NEW YORK ROOMS REOPENED (PG. 42).
Dear
LEE BATTLING CANCER
Jeanette
BCA Hall of Famer diagnosed with Stage 4 ovarian cancer.
THE BLACK WIDOW ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT POOL LIFE, LOVE AND ETIQUETTE.
I
N AN announcement that shocked the pool world — and made headlines far beyond traditional billiard circles — Jeanette Lee revealed that she is undergoing treatment for Stage 4 ovarian cancer. The 49-year-old “Black Widow,” arguably behind only Minnesota Fats as the most recognized pool personality ever, released a statement through her longtime agent Tom George on Feb. 17 acLee was both pool’s No. 1 player and its biggest celebrity. knowledging that she agencies like the Washington Post, New had been diagnosed with the disease and York Post, Tampa Bay Times and People had already received her first round of magazine, and popular social media sites aggressive chemotherapy. like Yahoo, TMZ, Deadspin and Today. “I intend to bring the same resolve Part of the press release divulging I brought to the billiards table to this Lee’s diagnosis included information fight,” Lee said. about the establishment of the Jeanette Despite a dire prognosis and the exLee Legacy Fund, “a trust designed to pectation of numerous rounds of cheprovide for the care, well-being and edumotherapy and possibly surgery, Lee, cation of her three daughters.” no stranger to physical challenges, reLee said the focus of her fight to live is mained upbeat and philosophical. her daughters Cheyenne, 16, Chloe, 11, “I don’t think God is done with me and Savannah, 10, who she said are the yet,” she said in a call. “This is just angreatest achievements of her life. other way to inspire more people. I’m “I owe it to my three daughters [to planning on being around for a while. never give up],” Lee said. “I need to know that something good A GoFundMe page was set up to fund will come of this,” she added. “Everythe trust, and within three days the Jeathing I’ve already been through has prenette Lee Legacy Fund was more than pared me for this.” halfway to its goal of raising $250,000. News of Lee’s diagnosis spread quickly Tony Stewart, NASCAR legend, pool fan and was picked up by numerous news 14
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(Q)
I’m an older player and still play at a semi-pro level. I try to give back to the game by teaching younger players the nuances of the game, but some kids just resist coaching. You have always devoted time to helping young players. What’s your advice? Marty Pauley, Lincoln, Neb.
(A)
I’ve learned over the years that if a child is unwilling to learn, you just have to move on to another child, regardless of the first child’s potential. If someone shows no serious interest in improving as a player, they will never reach the level they could if they accepted help. It’s like the old saying: Show me a little effort and I will gladly give you my time. There are so many kids who would love your support and advice. Just make it clear at the start that they have to take responsibility for their game and for themselves. Tell them that if they do that, you will be right there to help them along. Let them know that you believe in them, but you will not allow them to give anything short of maximum effort. Doing so only reinforces bad habits. Remember: God helps those that help themselves.
WRITE JEANETTE AT BILLIARDSDIGEST.COM
March 2021
2/23/21 9:28 AM
