RE: Even Statues Sometimes Move
by Dan Michalski, Jul 7, 2008 | 10:25 am
Another sign of the changing times?
Doyle Brunson busted out of the main event yesterday, and for the first time in as long as I can remember — at least all the way back to 2005 — he exited the Amazon without any announcement or applause. He just hobbled out the side door on his crutch, with a single ESPN camera and boom mike trailing behind.
Truth is, from what I understand, this had more to do with some recent changes to mid-tourney announcement duties. Regardless, unintended consequence or not, some will see it as a blasphemous shunning of poker’s anointed pope, while others might recognize (finally) that in this new poker era, the game is bigger than any single player.
Kevin Mathers says:
July 7th, 2008 at 10:45am
Maybe he asked them not to do an announcement?
BJ Nemeth says:
July 7th, 2008 at 4:45pm
Doyle went deep in the 2004 WSOP Main Event (outlasting 97% of the field), and when he busted in 53rd place, there was a spontaneous ovation from the players and fans who were in Benny’s Bullpen at the time. It was heartfelt, and appropriate.
Since then, the applause has felt scripted to me, especially when Doyle busts on Day 1. I think it’s appropriate that they use the microphone to announce some of the big names (former champions and celebrities) who are in the event on Day 1, because a lot of the players from middle America enjoy that sort of thing. (“I played the same day as Doyle Brunson and an Ultimate Fighting Champion!”)
But if a player busts out on Day 1 or Day 2, let them leave on their own terms.
DanM says:
July 7th, 2008 at 4:52pm
Yeah, I think I agree with that. Applauding someone who busts out early on Day 1 is kinda like giving a trophy to Bobby Brady for being the best brother.
Aaron A says:
July 8th, 2008 at 3:56am
The game certainly is bigger than any single player in these times. Well written, Dan.
California Jen says:
July 8th, 2008 at 9:21am
Testing