The last post on Phil Ivey’s official Facebook page came on April 14, 2011, and since then the Team Full Tilt Poker Pro has not only been silent, but has been MIA at all major tournaments. Well on Tuesday we found out why, as Ivey posted a series of status updates expressing his dismay with the way Full Tilt Poker has behaved in the aftermath of Black Friday.
Ivey not only called out Full Tilt poker but has filed a lawsuit against his current/former? Employer, and announced he will be skipping the WSOP until player funds are paid out! Here is the complete series of updates issued by Ivey (both Bluff Magazine and Wicked Chops have verified that it was Ivey who posted on the page):
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 whole heartedly 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.
Phil Ivey has just gone from the greatest poker player of all-time to the greatest champion of poker of all-time.
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