Phil Ivey Statement Facts Reasoning Speculations

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Phil Ivey Statement Facts Reasoning Speculations

Phil Ivey Statement Facts Reasoning and Speculations are flying high! Why has he done this, whats he going to get out of this, what does this mean, whats the real motive, how will this effect the WSOP, is this an insult to poker - the list of things that i have seen written today goes on and on and on about Phil Ivey boycotting, not playing and refusing to play in the WSOP as he sues TiltWare. Excuse the lack of ? Marks, there are just too many questions being asked. Is Phil Ivey's Robin Hood act right or wrong?

Lets look at some things that have happened, firstly the statement which yyou can scroll past as you have no doubt already read it:

"For many years, I have been proud to call myself a poker player. This great sport has taken me to places I only imagined going and I have been blessed with much success. It is therefore with deep regret that I believe I am compelled to release the following statement.

I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed that Full Tilt players have not been paid money they are owed. I am equally embarrassed that as a result many players cannot compete in tournaments and have suffered economic harm. I am not playing in the World Series of Poker as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot. I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.

My name and reputation have been dragged through the mud, through the inactivity and indecision of others and on behalf of all poker players I refuse to remain silent any longer. I have electronically filed a lawsuit against Tiltware related to the unsettled player accounts. As I am sure the public can imagine, this was not an easy decision for me.

I whole heartedly refuse to accept non-action as to repayment of players funds and I am angered that people who have supported me throughout my career have been treated so poorly.

I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into immediate action and would like to clarify that until a solution is reached that cements the security of all players, both US and International, I will, as I have for the last six weeks, dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment."

Ok, so there's the statement that has caused more press action and poker community talk then the start of the WSOP itself! In saying this, that question has come up -

Is this a press stunt? A stunt to gain more popularity? In my opinion anyone who thinks that is a numbskull! Does Phil Ivey at the start of the 2011 WSOP really need more press? I think now you have thought of that question you would agree that the answer is NO. He is always smothered by press, no need for more! He is also one to avoid it other then the normal marketing tactics such as playing and winning! His entrance causes enough highlights.

Is doing this making him a class act? Regardless of what the motives the answer is evident-ally YES, in the eyes of the poker world (most of the poker world) of course it is.

Is this wrong as he is disappointing the fans at the WSOP and will it effect it? There are more fans that play online poker, I think he is not disappointing fans, he will go to the WSOP and make an entrance now and again is my guess; but will not play in it as he stated. But will it make a difference? I always have said "It takes more then 1 man to make a stand usually" The WSOP will suffer if everyone takes the same stand - this is not going to happen and I would never support even the thought of it.

Should Phils supporters INSIST he play? I guess it is up to him in the long run and for now it appears he isnt lol, people are saying they should insist he plays and give back to him the same as he is trying to give. Maybe they could insist he play and donate 100% of proceeds to charity? If he did this, he wouldn't be like the other players who are unable to play, he wouldn't be playing to make himself a fortune, rather someone who desperately needs it. Could this show a real Robin Hood?

Phil is suing FTP so does that mean he is suing himself? Doesn't he own % of the site? Phil is suing Tiltware aka the owners and creators of Full Tilt Poker not FTP itself from what I figure if that at all makes any sense? Its like me starting DanielleWare and opening 10 companies, 1 of them being FTP... thats my thought anyway.... I am not quite sure how the business operations runs.

What is Phil taking a stand against, his issues have nothing to do with the WSOP?
Whilst the WSOP has nothing to do with the issues at hand he is obviously making a stand for the players who have not been paid and have suffered terrible financial hardships. People are losing homes and livelihoods over this. As a friend wrote on my facebook wall; "Sounds like a man that remembers where he comes from, No Home Jerome that's what they call him!!!"

The biggest player in the world, the best player in the world not playing at the biggest and best poker tournament in the world is one hell of a fucking voice don't you think? This has nothing to do with WSOP itself.

Will his actions directly hurt FTP relations with people outside the US?
I think if any harm was to be done to players that do not reside in the USA it was already done. US players are not getting paid, the site is still full of players from other countries. There are however some people refusing to deposit until they know they are safe.

How will this effect his contract with FTP?
Only a few people would know this. I certainly can't voice what is in his contract but can assume it includes some amount of online play. I can however say that when I was unable to play online for a site I once represented my contract was obviously screwed up - I assume Phil has to play online for a period of time also. I think there would have already been contract issues and possible talks of cancellation for all US pros.

Is this because his account is frozen?
I am sure that he would be more then annoyed about his account being frozen, but ummm this is Phil Ivey we speak about here. Do you really think that having his FTP funds frozen means he will lose his house, starve, lose his car, have his phone services cut etc? NO the answer is clearly NO.

Anymore questions? Shoot me an email: hotauschick@gmail.com . Keep in mind, I am merely speculating my thoughts based on a little knowledge. I will be taking your questions and statements live on air to ontiltradio.com in a new up and coming debate over the weekend.