Sheriff Jones before (above) and during Friday’s charity match with Bill Cunningham (below).
HAMILTON — Minutes into a racquetball game hyped as the “Thrilla in Manila” Friday, Feb. 26, there were whispers of a set-up.
700 WLW-AM conservative radio host Bill Cunningham defeated Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones 15-12, 15-7, 11-6, making good on claims he would shut Jones’ “big mouth” in a match at the Hamilton Central YMCA to raise money for the YMCA’s youth programs and breast cancer research.
Clad in a white polo shirt emblazoned with the American flag and red shorts, Cunningham appeared to be more trash-talker than player.
But when Cunningham pulled out to an 8-4 early lead in game one, it was clear he could back up everything he said, despite reports he hadn’t played in a year.
“He’s a ringer,” a man in the crowd of about 30 yelled. “He’s played this game before. Somebody got set up.”
Jones rallied in the first game, pulling ahead 11-10, but Cunningham blasted the pink balls donated by Wilson Sporting Goods off the walls and followed with drop shots that were difficult for the sheriff to get to.
“Come on sheriff,” screamed employees of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and other Jones supporters.
As Cunningham went on to win the first game and then the second with ease, the crowd that included a sheriff’s investigator and a county prosecutor had tough words for the radio host: “You’ll never get out of Butler County, Cunningham.”
WLW Promotion Director Sherry Rowland was not surprised that Cunningham beat Jones.
“People have the tendency to believe that Willie can’t back up what he says. People call him out a lot on things and he always comes out on top. I don’t know how. I think it’s luck and of course a little talent helps.”
After the match Cunningham and Jones signed autographs and appeared exhausted. But the trash-talking continued.
“I let him win,” Jones said, laughing.
Cunningham shot back: “He’s waiting to find something he can beat me in and he’s still searching.”
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