Professional poker player Phil Ivey has had just about enough of what he’s seen since Black Friday and has used the social medium Facebook to speak out. In addition, the 35-year-old has pulled out of the World Series of Poker (WSOP) until Full Tilt customers get their funds returned. Ivey told the world of his intentions with the following carefully worded statement.
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.
Bluff magazine confirmed that the comments were from the horse’s mouth and means that the player third on the all-time money list has now spoken out.
The controversy didn’t end there.
According to reports on eGaming Review and Pokernews, John Juanda, a member of Team Full Tilt, had to be escorted out by three members of security after an altercation with Englishman James Bord. Pokernews reports that Bord called Juanda a “disgrace” and “a fake and disgusting human being.” It appears all is not well inside House Full Tilt right now.
Check for all the latest here on the tablog of what is likely to be a tumultuous eight weeks in Vegas.
