A Scot named Gingertoys with a new site called OneOuter.com interviewed Barry Greenstein, who discussed Phil Ivey … providing a bit closer glimpse at the angst and anger surrounding Ivey’s decision to file a $150 million lawsuit against Full Tilt and skip out on the 2011 WSOP.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
The stuff we hadn’t heard before begins about 50:40.
After declaring that he “helped [Ivey] probably more than anyone” as he was coming up, Greenstein addresses his closeness to the situation and how much has yet to be told: “I’ve got friends on both sides at the moment … There’s more stuff behind the scenes that isn’t coming to light.”
In the interview, Barry talks of a phone call where Ivey — generally emotionless on TV and in public — is screaming for nearly 5 minutes. “I couldn’t get a word in edgewise.”
He also reveals the key to Ivey’s game being his “adapting to what his opponents are doing, and in real time figuring out a way to beat it.” I think Greenstein’s talking about poker here, but it could probably just as well apply to any off-table actions where millions of Ivey dollars are at stake.
He also says Ivey’s decision to skip the 2011 WSOP was independent of the lawsuit … that not only does Ivey want to be breaking records, but also he has several million dollars worth of bracelet bets he’s potentially surrendering.
2011 WSOP – Episode 3: Dan’s Smoothie and Welcome to the Mothership (3:06) – Dan finally showed up to the WSOP a little late… three days late… and he ran into a credentials snafu. Pauly gives him some guff while he covers the heads-up Grudge Matches, but Dan is digging the plush couches behind the media perch.
The Poker Players Alliance continues to evolve, with Rich Muny, aka @TheEngineer2008, appointed Vice President of Player Relations. Now it is officially The Engineer’s job to communicate for the PPA on various blogs and social media forums, from Twitter to 2+2 — pretty much as he has been doing since long before April 15, only now he’ll be the guy responsible for filtering through internet noise to make sure the PPA is hearing poker players’ legitimate concerns as various bills and political stuff moves forward.
This week’s online gambling news includes stories from Canada, Australia, and the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas! we also have our interview with Professor I. Nelson Rose about his expert opinions on Black Friday! Also, J Todd makes friends wherever he goes… even at the top of the mountain!
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (Nasdaq: PENN) announced yesterday that following its October 2010 purchase of all of the outstanding debt of M Resort for $230.5 million and the receipt of requisite regulatory approvals, it has acquired the business in exchange for the debt. Penn National purchased the M Resort debt from Bank of Scotland plc in October 2010 at which time the Company also secured the right to acquire the business of M Resort in exchange for the property’s outstanding debt obligations. M Resort was developed by Anthony Marnell III, who will serve as President of the property following its acquisition by Penn National.
The show is nearly 5 1/2 hours, as Micon is absent and wasn’t able to force us to turn it off! Druff, Drexel, and reggiman talk about a wide variety of topics, including Phil Ivey’s battle with Full Tilt, the end of Victory Poker, ’80s movie sequels, and the just-started WSOP. Ken Scalir tells us about his “alone time” in a Starbucks bathroom. neverheeb gives us an update on his recovery process. The Iceman lets us know about his World Series plans. Barry calls in to help set up the upcoming DonkDown WSOP party.
Thursday is Pokerati night at the Palms, but even when our little version of 1/2 NLH/PLO isn’t in action, they’ve got a comforting promo going on where you get money back for losing with Aces. Simple enough:
Ahhh … though Vegas is crawling with poker-related license-plate culture on any given day, the World Series is when the finest work from the Nevada Department of Corrections really comes out.
Seen outside the Rio today, this high-performance Mustang either being offered up as a gift by someone trying to recruit WSOP exec Ty Stewart over to the WPT or it’s probably the ride of an appreciative WPT champion at the WSOP going after a different brand of bracelet.
The biggest story to come out of day 1 of the WSOP, almost fitting given the cloud of Black Friday, was that a major player within Team Full Tilt would not be playing. What we didn’t realize was that the player in question was in Phil Ivey, and that he had some very choice words for his (former?) employer Full Tilt poker. Before getting too far into things, the statement itself is below:
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 wholeheartedly 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.
I think Wicked Chops said it best in their article on the subject: Holy shit. Not only was it not expected, but the strength of the words from someone that is in that category of “legally bound not to speak” adds extra weight to it. No doubt Ivey has, as @taopauly put it in his daily recap, “titanium balls.” That said, nothing escapes radar without some further reflection and critiquing, so here goes:
The 2011 WSOP officially kicked off and Day 1 was certainly without any drama, especially regarding a pair of Full Tilt pros.
2011 WSOP – Episode 2: Ivey Drops Drama Bomb by Suing Full Tilt and Skipping the WSOP (6:07) – Change100 joins Benjo and Pauly as they discuss the strange happenings on Day 1 of the WSOP. Phil Ivey became the only thing people discussed the Rio after a rather bizarre series of posts appeared on his Facebook page after he revealed his lawsuit against Full Tilt due to their lack of action getting money back to their players. Also, Benjo explains the scene when James Bord harassed and threatened John Juanda.
It's day 1 of the WSOP and already there are huge headlines in the world of poker. Mark and Matt break down the latest Full Tilt happenings, including a statement by Phil Ivey stating he is not playing the WSOP and is suing Full Tilt to help recover player funds. In the second half, the two breakdown the WSOP and pick their fantasy teams which will be tracked throughout the series. download
Dan and Dr. Pauly are back with a new episode…
