Ivey Skipping 2011 WSOP, Suing Tiltware
Phil Ivey will skip the 2011 WSOP and is suing Tiltware according to a statement he released late Tuesday.
Ivey issued the statement via his Facebook fan page and argued that because Full Tilt had not paid their U.S. players back he did not feel right playing at the WSOP when other players couldn’t.
It’s the first time that Ivey has spoken publically about Full Tilt since online poker’s Black Friday and the site was forced to leave the U.S. market.
Although many poker players first assumed the statement was a hoax, it was later confirmed through Ivey’s manager.
Ivey did not play the $25,000 Heads-Up Championship event that started earlier today.
What follows is the statement in its entirety. Note: the statement first appeared in six separate updates.
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.
PokerListings.com will have more on this story as it develops as well as reactions from players at the 2011 WSOP.
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One man, with a lot of noisy support from the rest of us.
I have been writing and complaining since April, (email encl) and have been getting the same run-around each email.
I am a real "MINOR player", low money account, but I still should be noticed.
Al Green
Re: Hi-jacked account
From:
To: Full Tilt Poker - Security <security@fulltiltpoker.com>
DEAR FULL TILT ASS
REST ASSURED.................................
I DID NOT CLOSE MY ACCOUNT NOR CHANGE ITS NAME TO xxxxxx................
I have been writing you for months telling you of the hi-jacking, and it has been compromised
NOW, DO SOMETHING
AL
From: Full Tilt Poker - Security <security@fulltiltpoker.com>
To: grnpstr2003@yahoo.com
Sent: Sun, June 5, 2011 8:17:10 AM
Subject: Re: Hi-jacked account
Hello
Thanks for your mail.
Rest assured that your account has not been compromised - your account xxxxx has been closed and inaccessible since Apr 13 2011.
This is to inform you that the following multiple account has been closed:
xxxxxxxxx
To ensure a level playing field, we only allow one Full Tilt Poker account per player. Your primary account ddddddd is the only account you are permitted to use on Full Tilt Poker, and we ask that you do not create any additional accounts.
If you would like a full explanation of our site rules, please visit our website at: http://www.fulltiltpoker.com/siteRules.php
There is currently an outstanding issue with your primary account that needs to be resolved. Please contact us from the email address registered to your primary account xxxxx so we can discuss the details with you.
Thank you for your cooperation, and we look forward to assisting you.
Regards,
David S
Security
Full Tilt Poker
He is not helping and tarnishment of the ftp reputation is the last thing us players need. Future revs help increase the odds that we get our money back. This is only going to hurt ftps rep
@Mike errrr wha?
Once again pokerlistings sucking hide tit on the news (S A D)
bottom line i think Phil Ivey should be saluted for this statement, action, protest, call it what you will....Ivey doesnt want to miss the wsop it is a big deal or his chase with daniel all his side action his livlihood for future sponsorship deals...i was wondering when some pros would come out and start making some announcements i am sure the lawyers are all saying dont say a word etc.....Phil hats off for taking the high road though id like to see you at the wsop
Chris Ferguson and Howard Lederer are hiding out in the west of ireland
Stand by for a big sigining announcement from Pokerstars.
He would've made more money personally playing in the WSOP and cashing in most or maybe even winning them. A wsop without the best player in the world is pathetic. But gotta admit, this is one bold move he is making. 1 man vs full tilt? Only 1 man can do it i guess.....
@ Bryan. The lawsuit is unlikely to work but the force of the statement combined, Ivey is making a pretty powerful statement. Full Tilt didn't make him ungodly rich, us playing on Full Tilt made him ungodly rich. Big difference. That is why he is suing. The dude has a surprising amount of moral integrity. Google his actions re money he owed a dead Chip Reese.
He clearly knows more than us re payments, and with Stars paying out so swiftly, this is clearly something to do with Full Tilt's poor accounting. Player funds and company funds are clearly mixed up.
Indeed, he may have an image to protect as the most influential player in the game, but that is why he is doing it. Similar to people like Bill Gates and his Foundation, people in the position of power, privelage and influence often feel a responsibility and duty to take such actions. Whether it works is doubtful, but his action is laudable. He has to be seen to be trying.
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