Well, I finally took a break from the World Series of Poker and went by the Venetian last night to see some of my old buddies, and check out the event.
I was warmly greeted by Bucktooth, George Michaels and Grady. We stood around and gabbed for a while, and were joined by Hawaiian Brian and Howard Ikeda.
For some of us it had been years and being as it was between rounds, we were enjoying ourselves. Jeanette came by looking stunning as usual. George B. popped his head in but was focused on getting ready for his next match. Keith and Jam walked by and we got to say Hi. Keith looked better than he has in years, fat and healthy. All credit to Jam.
Alex gave me a big hug and started making jokes about all us old farts. Felt great to be treated so royally. He does have such a great personality. Said hi to Jason Kirkwood and wished him luck. He is such a fine young man and a terrific player. Also got to visit a moment with Kim. I'm so damn proud of him coming back from a career threatening injury. Basically, he plays with one eye now. His wife Aida is the single nicest and classiest person I've ever met around pool. And a beauty to boot. Nice going Kim. You won the biggest prize there.
Then Mark Griffin came in and I excused myself to talk a little business with him. I had been there about 45 minutes and a rather large gentleman in a suit accompanied by three burly security guards walked up to us.
He said "Excuse me Mr. Helfert, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave".
Seeing I was slightly outnumbered and massively outweighed, I quickly agreed saying "No problem, I was on my way out anyway". And that was it. My first time ever being thrown out of anything, anywhere. What an honor and a privilege to be singled out for such recognition.
It was back to the Rio and the WSOP. Turned out to be a good night, as I won my seat in the big one. It's worth 10K and can be sold for 9,900. I had a rough World Series and am considering selling it. Played in the 1,500 No Limit two days ago and about four hours into the tournament, who gets moved to my table but Steve Davis, all attired in Ladbrokes clothing. We reminisced about the World Pool Championships in Cardiff when we did TV commentary together, back in 1999 and 2000. He invited me to Sheffield for next years World Snooker Championships, so I may go. I asked him if he had been by the Venetian and he said no. He was there for Poker, and is sponsored by Ladbrokes.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
I was warmly greeted by Bucktooth, George Michaels and Grady. We stood around and gabbed for a while, and were joined by Hawaiian Brian and Howard Ikeda.
For some of us it had been years and being as it was between rounds, we were enjoying ourselves. Jeanette came by looking stunning as usual. George B. popped his head in but was focused on getting ready for his next match. Keith and Jam walked by and we got to say Hi. Keith looked better than he has in years, fat and healthy. All credit to Jam.
Alex gave me a big hug and started making jokes about all us old farts. Felt great to be treated so royally. He does have such a great personality. Said hi to Jason Kirkwood and wished him luck. He is such a fine young man and a terrific player. Also got to visit a moment with Kim. I'm so damn proud of him coming back from a career threatening injury. Basically, he plays with one eye now. His wife Aida is the single nicest and classiest person I've ever met around pool. And a beauty to boot. Nice going Kim. You won the biggest prize there.
Then Mark Griffin came in and I excused myself to talk a little business with him. I had been there about 45 minutes and a rather large gentleman in a suit accompanied by three burly security guards walked up to us.
He said "Excuse me Mr. Helfert, but I'm going to have to ask you to leave".
Seeing I was slightly outnumbered and massively outweighed, I quickly agreed saying "No problem, I was on my way out anyway". And that was it. My first time ever being thrown out of anything, anywhere. What an honor and a privilege to be singled out for such recognition.
It was back to the Rio and the WSOP. Turned out to be a good night, as I won my seat in the big one. It's worth 10K and can be sold for 9,900. I had a rough World Series and am considering selling it. Played in the 1,500 No Limit two days ago and about four hours into the tournament, who gets moved to my table but Steve Davis, all attired in Ladbrokes clothing. We reminisced about the World Pool Championships in Cardiff when we did TV commentary together, back in 1999 and 2000. He invited me to Sheffield for next years World Snooker Championships, so I may go. I asked him if he had been by the Venetian and he said no. He was there for Poker, and is sponsored by Ladbrokes.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
If you want to know the whole story, you should talk to Deno. Deno was completely justified, imo, and had KT's backing as well. I spoke to Deno at length about the whole thing when Jay was posting here about it last spring, and got the full scoop. He did, however, ask me specifically not to post the story here...but said anyone who wanted to know could certainly contact him, either via email or telephone. As always, there are two sides to any story. 