"If You Don't Like Money, Call!"

"If You Don't Like Money, Call!"
By Al Spath

You might know some of these characters that I'm about to talk about, don't ya? They're the ones who spend more money on car "rims," rather than their kid's future education; they're the ones most likely wearing their baseball caps backwards in a fine steak house; they boast having a "crew" or a "posse;" "they use table chatter (If don't like money, call) in a vein attempt to intimidate opponents; and if they were in another sport, let's say basketball; they would take the most shots, have the least amount of assists and still boldly declare themselves as "all world."

With the increase in viewership and participation (online and live) of poker; television has created a media made "persona," that new, brash young players seem to gravitate towards and are beginning to emulate in card rooms everywhere? I overheard one such individual discussing this very subject in Tunica this past month, and he said: "If it's good enough for so and so to get so much air time and national "recognition" on ESPN, then count me in!" Recognition, like it was a good thing, where smugness and unprofessional behavior (whether at the table or anywhere else), as seen when they rise up from a table, arms extended in the air, pounding their chest as they bellow, "just watch me, I'm your newest superstar!"

I thought I had seen it all, or most of it, until recently. Players so full of "it," that their own "crew" would eventually get sick of the attention drawn to them (and not from playing poker), that they too would soon realize the "role" of being Bobby BadAss, is rubbing a great number of players and viewing audiences, the wrong way. It's priceless to see a well-respected player, the likes of TJ Cloutier, give a stare and a glare at one of these type individuals who may be seated at his table. I don't know how TJ or others, who respect the game and honor professional conduct, refrain themselves from making a personal remark, or physical contact.

This week I read about an individual selling himself (and portions of his potential winnings), to the highest bidder on EBAY. Talk about gall! All I could remember was the numerous posts about this particular individual and his "track" record with past "money matters," or should I say: "other peoples money matters?" They haven't forgotten that debts have gone unpaid, they haven't forgotten that retribution is still an open issue with them, and they haven't forgive the lack of ownership, acceptance of responsibility or humility that this person has shown, including a heartfelt apology (yeah right, don't hold your breath).

I personally enjoy watching the likes of Gus Hanson play, and although he has an air of confidence about him, a sometimes-reckless regard to position or cards he holds, his success is undeniable, and it's just possible he is simply playing "a higher level of poker" than the rest of us. As he continues to skyrocket to the top as a player, champion and professional, you can tell that he has respect for other players and the game itself. He is the new "blood" to poker that should be embraced, that young players should want to learn "how the heck does he do it," and try to figure out a way to slow him down, so we can all catch up. Cocky, self-assured, confident are all qualities necessary for success, but if you cannot respect the game and other players, expect a bit of bad press, you earned it.