Do opinions change?

I was watching a very early WPT event on Pay TV here in Australia and was interested when Freddy Deeb basically called Gus Hansen a muppet (now he didnt uctually use that term) by saying that Gus played badly and he he would like to play cash against him every day. I wonder if Freddy has changed his opinion some 5 or more years later.

Has your opinion about a pro poker player changed over time?

For me its my opinion of Phil Hellmuth I mean used to think he was a great player (I mean the guy has 11 WSOP bracelets) but now seeing much more poker on TV I have little time for him as his antics take so much away from his game. I believe great players not only play well but also act with class. Erik Lingdren, John Juanda, come to mind from current player as well as most of the old schoolers like Doyle and TJ.

Thoughts anyone

The Muppetteer

Phil always seems to act like a clown. He cries if someone calls his raise and beats him with anything from and Ace 6 to 8 K offsuit. But it always ok to play them if he's the one doing it.

I prefer watching Daniel or Gus playing anytime over Phil.

I prefer watching Gus or Daniel to Phil; since Espn showed Phil criticizing Dragomir's play, I haven't liked him much.

Donkeys hate PH cause he points out that they are donkeys. DO YOU HATE PH?

To me its Phil Hellmuth who is the donkey because a donkey is a player with no class and that would be him.

I believe Hellmuth acts the way he does to get attention. It seems to work; he is always on TV and they always cover his tirades. It's expected behaviour from him now. Everyone would be disappointed if he just accepted losing and walked away quietly.

It's kind of like watching the old John McEnroe play tennis. It just wouldn't be the same without all the yelling at the officials. It's entertaining. Now he does it as a seniors player because it's expected. People want their money's worth and that includes witnessing tirades from famous tiraders. Phil Hellmuth is the same way, in my opinion. He tries to be that way now. Maybe it's all an act; I believe it is. It makes him money and gets him on TV.

To answer your original question, my opinion does change on the pros over time. Some I now have more respect for, some have lost my respect but may earn it back (as if they even know who am I or care - lol).

I believe if you are open minded, have the ability to see the whole picture, you have the ability to change your view/opinion of others/pros/etc.

I think my opinion changes on alot of things over time. As I go over certain ways to play hands or the style a guy plays. Ex. Lets says one day I am playing only the primo hands in NL and I ave a losing day due to 1 player that saw every flop and hit every board I was in. I would probably leave calling him a donkey. However a diff. day I can decide to play loose, win aton of money and have the same effect on a guy that`s playing tight. That day I would say I adapted to the table and the game itself to win.
Basically opinions change based on your situation. Most of the time they`re subject to changes.

it's always good to have an open mind, but yes, opinions always change, if they wouldn't you wouldn't be learning anything.