It took all of three episodes of the 2009 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event on ESPN for 11-time bracelet winner Phil Hellmuth to get the industry buzzing. Hellmuth used a parade of words not fit for television during ESPN’s Day 1C recap. This article contains language that is not suitable for all audiences.

Known for his short fuse, Hellmuth was seated at Table Two on Tuesday night during Day 1C coverage. After a player holding K-8 bested his pocket jacks, Hellmuth went off the deep end. He commented, “What the fuck? Calling a fricking raise with K-8?” Hellmuth then strung together four expletives in a row followed by the word “man.” The Ultimate Bet pro returned to the table and, while taking his seat, muttered, “Fucking moron players.” No penalty was handed down.

In a separate hand, an opponent rivered a flush against Hellmuth, which once again sent the “Poker Brat” away from the table steaming: “Is this some kind of fucking joke? I can’t even fucking believe what I’m seeing.” Again, no penalty was assessed. WSOP Communications Director Seth Palansky told Poker News Daily, “Our player conduct rule is about abusing tablemates and dealers. That’s what we’re trying to avoid so a person’s playing experience is not unpleasant. There is no anti-cursing rule. If it’s mean-spirited, then it’s a penalty, but it’s up to the discretion of the dealers and supervisors who are there to hear it.”

There were a total of 185 penalties and warnings assessed throughout the 2009 WSOP festivities at the Rio using a new database system to log infractions. Among them were players throwing cards at dealers, celebrating wildly, taunting opponents, loudly waving in order to attract the attention of ESPN cameras, and, in one instance, banging a set of cymbals. Poker News Daily Guest Columnist and Tournament Directors’ Association (TDA) co-founder Linda Johnson explained, “Hellmuth didn’t do anything terribly egregious. I possibly would have given a warning when he started talking about ‘morons.’ He’d better be talking about himself, which he wasn’t. I don’t have a problem with the ‘f’ word, although you should get a warning at some point.”

Given her association with the TDA, Johnson is typically by the book. The “First Lady of Poker” was outraged at antics by Hellmuth and Scotty Nguyen in 2008, but noted that the atmosphere at this year’s WSOP was much-improved: “I’m glad the WSOP cleaned up their act. It was a much more pleasant atmosphere this year. Kudos to their tournament officials for not allowing abuse.” In fact, the only actions that have raised Johnson’s eyebrows during telecasts of the 2009 WSOP on ESPN have involved players discussing the contents of their hands. She told Poker News Daily, “You have to be careful. There’s a rule that says you won’t tell someone what you have in your hand.”

PocketFivesLive.com Tournament Reporter Court Harrington, who has traveled the WSOP and World Poker Tour (WPT) circuits for the popular live coverage site, shared his take on Hellmuth’s antics: “For all of the publicity Hellmuth brings to the game, his antics surely cause passive players that might pull up a chair to stay away instead of putting themselves in an awkward situation with a top pro berating them.” On Tuesday night, ESPN announcer Norman Chad continuously reiterated Hellmuth’s now-famous “idiots from Northern Europe” quote from last year’s WSOP Main Event.

Harrington has seen novices and pros battle it out on the felts of the world’s most prestigious tournaments. He even broadcasts his opinions on PokerRoad, where he sits alongside industry staples like Joe Sebok, Gavin Smith, and Joe Stapleton. Harrington explained the dilemma that tournament officials often face: “Player conduct rules should be very situation-specific. In poker, keeping novice and amateur players comfortable is important. At the same time, pros have a responsibility to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner for the same reason – to make amateur players feel comfortable at the tables and more likely to return.”

Thanks from all of us here at Poker News Daily to Palansky, Johnson, and Harrington for their insight into the issue. Tell us what you think! Was Hellmuth out of line? Where should the line be drawn? Leave a comment and voice your choice.

7 Comments

  1. Kevin Mathers says:

    Rule 36 from this year’s WSOP rules:

    Harrah’s prohibits the use of obscene or foul language in any public area of the casino at any time. Any player who uses such language or makes a foul, profane, obscene or vulgar statement, or speaks abusively or in an intimidating manner to another player, a dealer or a Tournament staff member, will be penalized. These penalties will be levied based on Rules 31, 53 and 54.

  2. Interesting article…the key to behavior issues is if there is abuse aimed at another player or poker staff member. While I don’t condone Phil’s actions, it didn’t appear to me that he was directing his abuse to anyone specifically. He was usually looking at the ceiling when he was making his statements. I think it’s important to ensure that players are protected from abuse at the table.
    Linda Johnson

  3. ponyneck says:

    Sorry Linda but your response was a cop-out.

  4. Bob says:

    Frankly, we want to see how Mr. Hellmuth reacts when he’s losing his temper. Some of us really enjoy most of his comments. However, we do not want to see a Pro react like he did. Remember, he has many titles under his belt. If He can’t control himself, he’ll make others feel uncomfortable. Don’t get me wrong, I want to see him play because he can generate some publicity but he needs to control the “WORD”. Believe me, he will not win another title if he’s acting like this.

  5. Scott Neuman says:

    And yet, I saw warnings and penalities given out at my table for just the same thing.

  6. Ida says:

    Thank you Bob for your comments re’ the “WORD.” I find it hard to believe that a nice lady like Linda Johnson says “I don’t have a problem with the F word.” I think it is very rude and crude and should be penalized. When I play at a table with mostly men I really appreciate courtesy and in most cases that’s what I find.

  7. Phillip says:

    There needs to be SEVERE action taken against Hellmuth. It does not matter how many bracelets he has, there is absolutely no place for his cussing and abusiive attitude. By not doing anything by the officials, they are condoning his actions as being perfectly alright. The same thing led to World War 2. John McEnroe did the same thing in tennis. No one else does this, just him. How about this. New rule: He signs a form that at ANY POINT in a game ANY POINT he has a melt down, he is automatically ejected from the game, just like in Baseball or Football. the officials need to get a grip on this bad behavior. Breaking their foot off in his ass till he gets the message. NO ONE ENJOYS WATCHING HIS ACTING LIKE HE IS 5 YEARS OLD.

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