Wow (I'll get to Ferguson in a bit here) - I guess I have to preface this - I don't know how many of you actually sat down and watched the 2012 three and half hour interview (which included an apology) with Howard. Not to mention attempting to watch it objectively. I did and found him to be quite credible and his story made absolute sense. Part of the reason it does to me (and here's where you think my objectivity may fly out the window - I hope not) is I went through something a bit similar when I was an "executive/owner" in professional football franchise. To make a long story short, myself and others ended up under investigation by the attorney general (scary as hell) because we had sold season ticket packages (I was in charge of this) and the season never happened. Not good. Very pissed off people. No refunds as the GM/Partner took off with everything in the middle of the night. Me and two other guys were left holding the bag. Fortunately the AG office findings were classified as a "failed business venture" and no charges were brought.
Doing my own research into the FTP scandal I can see where Howard was ignorant and clueless to what Ray Bitar (the real bad guy) was doing and by the time he did find out was trying to do damage control and save the company while others bailed (Ivey, Juanada, etc). I don't believe Lederer set out to screw anybody and if given the opportunity I would tell him so and offer my forgiveness.
I have no idea about Ferguson, though my inclination would be the same. But he didn't do a 3 1/2 hour interview that I can watch and assess if he is lying, covering up or being forthcoming.
Most people got their information and opinion from Negreanu - who was not there and only had stories from others who were scrambling to cover their own asses (again, Ivey, Juanada, etc). Not to mention Negreanu was under the employ and the face of FTP's #1 rival and would certainly have motivation for making a bad situation worse. The same Negreanu who DEFENDED
pokerstars for raising the rake. Is there any doubt he is a company man who wouldn't think twice about kicking the chief competitor while down?
Not meaning to disrespect Daniel, just trying to make the point he is almost as far away from objective as anyone can get.