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Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2007

Phil Laak accuser goes silent

By Arthur Crowson

It appears the bizarre story about poker pro Phil Laak allegedly hiring a hit man to kill Tom Grant and his wife has come to an end for the time being.

Bill Rini is reporting on his blog that Grant has come to some sort of agreement with Laak and he will not be pursuing the matter further. Rini and many others are suggesting Grant was paid off.

After originally mentioning it on the 2+2 poker forums, Grant posted his long, somewhat convoluted tale on his Web site http://www.phillaak-thailand.com/ during this year's WSOP.

The story involved Laak supposedly hitting two children while riding a motorcycle in Thailand. Grant helped Laak out with the police and afterwards the two went into an import/export business together. One variation of the story says it was actually drug trafficking. A deal went sour and Grant ended up with $15,000 of Laak's money. One month later Grant heard that Laak had paid $15,000 to have him and his wife killed. Grant in turn worked out a deal with the contract killer to preserve his and his wife's lives.

Strangely, Grant also took the time to plug his tour business www.adventure-holidays-thailand in the post that accused Laak.

It should be noted that not one aspect of this story has been confirmed or substantiated. It could indeed be a hoax. Some have even suggested it's just a promotion for Laak's new show with fellow poker pro Antonio Esfandiari I Bet on You.

It is known, however, that during the WSOP gaming convention Grant actually met Laak in person and asked if they could have a word. Laak ignored him and quickly exited the premises.

Grant's Web site stated he would go live with more information on Aug. 10 but that date came and went with nothing new.

Blogger Rini sent an e-mail to Grant asking for clarification regarding the situation. Rini posted Grant's response on Sunday.

"Bill, Phil Laak has compensated me," Grant wrote. "That's all that needs to be said."

Ironically the 2+2 community that originally sided with Grant now seems to have changed allegiance. One member posted that Grant's name was now more reviled than Jamie Gold's in the poker world. Many others are convinced he is a con man/extortionist.

Further clouding Grant's reputation, a bad review of his tour business, which accommodates paraplegic travelers in Thailand, has popped up on the Internet.

Speculation is still running rampant about the accusation and a quick Google search of "Tom Grant" and "Thailand" brings over two million results.

Laak is one of poker's most colorful personalities and is sometimes known as "The Unabomber" because he frequently wears a hooded sweatshirt and sunglasses. He is perhaps best known for his girlfriend - actor Jennifer Tilly.