Howard Lederer partying in Vegas according to sources

In her most recent article for www.pokerplayernewspaper.com, Wendeen Eolis talked at length about the Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars deal, but it was one topic in particular that caught the eye of the poker community, which was Eolis’ thoughts and insights into Howard Lederer, citing unnamed friends and sources.

According to Eolis, Lederer was last seen partying at a friend’s house in Las Vegas after the announcement of the Full Tilt poker deal. The article goes on to say that Lederer’s friends have been pushing the idea that Bitar was in charge of the day-to-day operations of Full Tilt poker prior to Black Friday, relinquishing management duties in the years leading up to Black Friday, and only returning to an active role with the company after Black Friday to try to get a deal done.

According to Eolis, “Lederer’s allies complain that he has been effectively and unfairly ostracized from the poker world, and they seek to help him rehabilitate his image. They demand anonymity in this article, but they are becoming increasingly vocal in this effort.” Adding, “Lederer friends note he was the one player with an outstanding loan to FTP who made a substantial repayment without any prodding and prior to the embarrassing revelations of uncollectible player debt by Group Bernard Tapie during that company’s discussions of a possible deal to acquire FTP’s assets. Nobody, however, suggests that Lederer offered up any of his distributions to go back to FTP customers to repay their losses.”

The article brings up an interesting factor that has been overlooked since the announced deal between the DOJ, PokerStars, and Full Tilt Poker; what will become of the civil indictments against Howard Lederer, Chris Ferguson, and Rafe Furst? From the campaign by Lederer apologists (anonymously) it appears that Ray Bitar is being pegged as the fall-guy for the woes of Full Tilt Poker.

For the most part the rehabilitation of Howard Lederer (and by extension Chris Ferguson) is not going well, and most of the community still sees Howard Lederer as a major player pre and post-Black Friday at Full Tilt Poker. It’s hard for many to understand how someone so integral to the company would suddenly step-down from all management decisions, but did remain as a part of the Full Tilt Poker Board of Directors.

The poker world does have an odd track-record when it comes to accepting players who have wronged the community, but considering the size and scope of what took place at Full Tilt Poker, and the amount of lives ruined by the year-plus waiting-game for their Full Tilt Poker money, Howard may very well end up as a permanent outcast in the poker community, a la Russ Hamilton.

You can read Wendeen Eolis’ article here: http://www.pokerplayernewspaper.com/content/pokerstars-rescues-full-tilt%E2%80%99s-overseas-poker-victims-doj-track-do-likewise-america-12334

Tony G: French poker players worst in the world

PartyPoker pro Tony G continues to stir emotions with his provocative proclamations and constant challenges. In his newest blog, the Lithuanian discusses France and the standards of its poker players.

Tony G has become known for his provocative declarations and constant challenging of the poker status quo, often delivered through his personal mouthpiece at the PartyPoker blog.

Now, the Lithuanian-born Australian is back with yet another of his trademark statements, this time directing his wit at the whole nation of France and its poker playing population.

Looking forward to playing to WPT National Series at the Aviation Club in Paris in February, Tony G describes the opportunity of playing a tournament on French soil as highly valuable.

"The main reason I am looking forward to it is I think French tournaments offer huge value for players like me," he writes.

"I'm not even one of the world's best players but I'm a one man donkey squad ready to get my jaws into all those French fishies."

"In terms of poker nations I would argue that France is right up there with Russia competing for the title of the country with the world's worst poker players. Think about it, which French players have had a Napoleonic influence on the world circuit, online or offline?" the PartyPoker pro rants.

In order to prove his point further, Tony G reveals that he is willing to take on a selection of the best French players in a special Sit & Go.

Playing against Bruno Fitoussi of ACF Poker, WPT Bucharest winner Guillaume Darcourt and three online qualifiers, Tony G will here battle for a seat at the WPT National Series $10,000 High Roller, to be played on February 13th.

"Anyway France, here’s the challenge – I want to start a poker revolution, I’m here to chop your heads off and make you eat cake. This is Tony G v France! I am here to give you my guiding hand, make you less emotional and teach you not to overplay KJ," he concludes.

"I will bring my bike, I will wear a stripey jersey – hell I will wear onions around my neck if you think it gives you a better chance. Look forward to seeing you."

The World Poker Tour National Series will feature more than 25 tournaments in all formats and variations, kicking off tomorrow on February 1st.

The culmination of the series will be the $5,000 WPT Diamond Championship Main Event, set to be played from February 9th to 14th.

Posted by David

Poker.org News Editor