Subject: Statement by Nolan Dalla on WSOP Date: 22 Apr 2001 04:23:35 GMT From: nolandalla@aol.com (NolanDalla) Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com Newsgroups: rec.gambling.poker ************************************************************ I have been quietly contemplating what action to take in light of the recent controversies surrounding this year's World Series of Poker. I had hoped that -- after the initial standoff -- all parties would ultimately reach a resolution and the event would continue without further discord. However, today's news that the reigning United States poker champion, Richard Tatalovich has been barred from Binions Horseshoe and the World Series of Poker, joining Paul Phillips in exile from this year's event, causes me tremendous concern. In fact, I am outraged. This deplorable action resulted from comments that were first reported in the Las Vegas Review-Journal two days ago. In the article, both Tatalovich and Phillips expressed their concerns about the manner in which Binion's management was handling a labor and compensation issue at this year's World Series -- an issue that had a bearing on ALL tournament participants, since it is players who bear the responsibility of ensuring that tournament personnel are properly compensated (indirectly through entry fees and vig, and directly from tips on winnings). There is little doubt that Tatalovich and Phillips were expressing the sentiments of many players who are attending -- a great majority I suspect. The statement by Becky Behnen (assuming she was quoted accurately) in today's LVRJ article that Phillips, and presumably Tatalovich, would be considered for reinstatement only "if they apologized" is stunning. In effect, the management of this one-time landmark is compounding its error many times over -- making the situation much worse, not only for the World Series of Poker and its growing prestige, but for themselves in the way thousands of gamblers will NOW look at the Horseshoe. What was once a sacred institution has sadly become a mismanaged folly. You may add my name -- Nolan Dalla -- to the growing list of names who will no longer do business with or at Binion's Horseshoe, until this matter is resolved in a way that reverses the hostilies that Horseshoe management has created amongst players and dealers/staff (most of which cannot speak out for fear of losing their jobs), the inconvenience the Horseshoe's actions have caused to players who are now cancelling or adjusting their WSOP plans, and the fundamental free-speech rights Binion's has violated by barring two well-known poker players, to say nothing of the terrible blunder this establishement has made in terms of public relations. Obviously, this comes at a terrible time for poke,. just as the game is really gaining national and international exposure. However, the last thing I want to now see, in light of all this, is Horseshoe management assuming they speak for and can represent the poker community positvely, when the fact is -- they do not have our best interests at heart. If they did, this problem would never have begun in the first place. For those who may not be aware, I believe no other writer in the business has made more references to the "World Series of Poker" and "Binion's Horsehoe" in his writings over the past five years that I have. Until this point, all of my comments toward Binions (including management) have been cordial and complimentary. I am a player and a customer of the establishement. I have many friends there. For three of the last four years, I have posted public ODDS TO WIN THE WORLD SERIES OF POKER. On a more personal level, I have looked at Binions Horsehoe the way a baseball fan sees Yankee Stadium or a golfer looks at The Masters. It truly is sacred territory for me and thousands of others who look at the pictures on the wall -- and dream. But, it's time to wake up now and face reality. I believe the only way to give poker what it deserves at the championship level, is to use what powers we have, including the full right to express our views here on this forum and in print, so that we may express our shock and disappointment at what we are seeing happen to the World Series of Poker. I no longer trust this management, nor this casino to handle the world's longest-runing and most prestigious tournament. They appear not to be able to hold the event in a manner that is fitting for worldwide attention and reverence. I will be coming to Las Vegas on May 1, in what was hoped to be a three-week visit to the World Seriesr. I shall now stay at another casino and will take my action elsewhere. If the Horseshoe wants to bar me from the property, they may do so. I sure know one thing. I know I'll be in good company. For the record -- my name is.....Nolan Dalla. *************************************************************************