The entities over at Wicked Chops have posted their opinions about the November Nine and their potential impact on poker. I think they make pretty good points about the players and their respective personalities, but have to question them on the Ivey factor.
It\’s not that Ivey wouldn\’t be good for the game. He certainly is. The thing is, Ivey is also about the most reluctant celebrity poker can produce. The man doesn\’t necessarily dislike the press, he just prefers his privacy more. He\’s not the type of guy who wants to go out and do shows like Letterman or Conan. If he can\’t gamble, what\’s the point of leaving the house?
That leaves Jeff \”Happy\” Shulman as the only other \”name\” player left in the field and, honestly, his recent statements about Harrah\’s and the WSOP beg the question, is he really the guy that poker needs as it\’s ambassador right now? Personally, I don\’t think so.
So, Ivey, Shulman or a no-name player who is, theoretically, a blank canvas? Who\’s better for the game?