Should the Poker Community Forgive Chris Ferguson?

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Two6JJ

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Forgiveness is only for those that have earned it, blind forgiveness only encourages recidivism. He and his group hit the poker world with such a debilitating stroke of scummy dealings that led to the crippling of US online poker and growth in most markets globally. And as of yet have thrown up a middle finger to the community that they exploited. Every person who has misgivings about our game has their argument strengthened about how it is filled with hustlers and thieves and with guys like this to back up their argument it makes it tough to bring new people to the game. Be a stand up human Chris admit what you did and were a part of and ask for forgiveness or you can always hope we all forget. If I had lost money to his little cabal not sure if I would have the self control to allow him to walk by undisturbed in his 'return' to poker.
 
Joe

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I didn't know about this and rated Chris as one of my favourite players, LOL.

Having read about it changes my mind somewhat to say the least!
 
BBr3

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Anyone have any good links that explain the stealing part of the story? How he stole or helped steal the millions?
 
pescaofish

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Crooks will be crooks until dead.
No forgiveness, unless of course, he gives back all the money and ask for forgiveness! :deal:
 
rifflemao

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I have the hardest time with this topic because I really liked C-Ferg before the scandal. Or I liked what I knew of him...what was presented about him via poker poker media, the commentary in Rounders etc. He is a Main Event champ afterall. I don't like his part in the scandal, but I still want to like him for the good stuff before I knew the bad.

Damn you for failing us, C-Ferg!
 
PershingSt

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Hell no , he was either a straight crook who knew they were spending player deposits or he was criminally negligent as a board member of a company who knowingly stole players money. Either way he is a scumbag and should never accepted back in poker
 
jaymfc

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Chris Ferguson back at WSOP

I can't believe Ferguson is back in vegas and no one is giving him a hard time .
he's cashing too, event #5 and #12 I think (read our news section) . guess he plans on playing the main event .
I like the guy but not sure how I feel about him taking more money from poker players.
 
Sum420gt

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sorry but im not familiar with chris or what he did? Could u provide a little backround for the poker noobs like me? thanks :D
 
sCATpoker

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Can't say much for what he has done off the poker table but on the table is definately my favorite player. I always find myself asking , What would Jesus do?
 
PershingSt

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At least one guy told him to "go **** himself" , former mtt pro StanObv a reg that I used to play with . Ferguson was either a straight crook who lied about segregating player funds, or he was criminally negligent as a board member of a company. Either way he is a scumbag that should be shunned from the poker community. . .

https://twitter.com/STANobv/status/739576122510180352
 
Kenzie 96

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Degenerate gambler misbehaves, :eek: STOP THE PRESSES. :rolleyes:
 
jaymfc

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well I thought Chris and Howard haven't been seen in 5 years playing poker but Ferguson must be playing somewhere.
I was thinking his game 5 years ago wouldn't be good enough for todays game but Wrong !
Howard showed up too and he's jumped right in a $10.000 game,
so will see how his game is holding up.


[quote/]Chris Ferguson, the 2000 world poker champion, cashed for the second time at this year’s series after a long absence from the poker scene. He finished in 13th place. [quote/]

record turnout for $565 PLO, 2,483 entrants.
 
MoryMorte

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I think given the situation with online poker in US, anyone that contributes to cheating or fraud of any form should face a ban at least for quit sometime. If I were him I would hire some good lawyers and fight for online poker rights. That would be the time that poker community can forgive him IMO.
 
Propane Goat

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Nope, he's done nothing to redeem himself other than attempting to disappear for a while in the hopes that people have short memories.
 
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Agree with what I think is the majority on this one. He has done absolutely nothing to earn forgiveness. He just expects it to be all good now that time has passed.... I used to consider him highly but now see him as classless. It is his burden to carry tho, he deserves the cold shoulders and lack of respect he has earned with his silence. But I can forgive him for his ignorance and arrogance
 
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I believe he shouldn't be forgiven
 
MediaBLITZ

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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.
 
Sum420gt

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ohhhhh, chris "jesus" ferguson, damn had a real brain fart lol. i always just think of him as jesus haha
 
jaymfc

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lol at moving my thread into a one post members thread
who's selling something. too funny but all good
 
Jeff Yastremski

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Fergusons Return to WSOP

Whats everybody thoughts on this? he showed up and was asked if he was going to say anything or apologize and he said he was there just to play poker
 
bushy_lufc

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I saw Lederer had showed up to an event so the fact that Ferguson has shown up too seems to suggest they must both be in clear contact still... They shouldn't be allowed to play.
 
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