Barry Greenstien is my Favorite

[RPatterson]

How can people not include him in their list of "favorite" players. I mean would you rather Ivey get richer or poor kids eat? When Greenstein wins it's a win for the fight against hunger!

[Duke]

I hope this is meant to be a joke.

~D

[RPatterson]

Because I'm butchering his name, or because it's stupid to root for the guy donating his winnings to charity?

[Duke]

Yes. I think it's funny when children starve.

I think it's silly that he publicizes his philanthropy. I think it's sillier that people think it makes him a great person.

~D

[Army Eye]

Personally I'd rather see Ivey get richer. To me it is more exciting when a guy is playing for his own money.

Kind of like how any 'celebrity' edition of a game show sucks compared to the normal..

[Paul Phillips]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it's silly that he publicizes his philanthropy. I think it's sillier that people think it makes him a great person.
~D

[/ QUOTE ]

I never bother to post here, and the post quoted above pretty well illustrates why, but I'll futilely offer regardless: what an [censored] you are. Nobody could do less to publicize their altruism than barry does. That you can't tell the difference between reality and what you infer from television should be your own embarrassment; why don't you stick to inflicting that upon yourself.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

Paul, while I appreciate the truth that the VVP's of the world probably make a bigger deal out of Greenstein's altruism than he does, I also have a problem with the original post. The implication is that Ivey is somehow less good a person because he does not "play for charity." The truth is, we have no idea what he, or others, do with their winnings, nor is it any of our business.

[ohgeetee]

LOL. Pwned.

I thought RGP was the only place you could bash someone for donating millions of dollars to kids.

[ohgeetee]

He donates his tourney winnings, which is a large amount of money, but significantly less hourly rate than the uber cash games he and Ivey participate in. I think its a pretty cool balance.

You'd probably be surprised at how many tourney players aren't playing witht heir own money at all.

[La Brujita]

I like Barry for the same reason plus I love his very cool but slightly pained expression at the table.

[jwvdcw]

[ QUOTE ]
Paul, while I appreciate the truth that the VVP's of the world probably make a bigger deal out of Greenstein's altruism than he does, I also have a problem with the original post. The implication is that Ivey is somehow less good a person because he does not "play for charity." The truth is, we have no idea what he, or others, do with their winnings, nor is it any of our business.

[/ QUOTE ]

great posting

[whiskeytown]

my fav. comment was what Chris Ferguson said after losing heads up to him after a WSOP event this year...

he basically stated that Barry was the one guy in the room you didn't mind losing to - cause you knew if you did it would go to a good cause -

RB

[highlife]

[ QUOTE ]
How can people not include him in their list of "favorite" players. I mean would you rather Ivey get richer or poor kids eat? When Greenstein wins it's a win for the fight against hunger!

[/ QUOTE ]

To me this sort of contradicts your expression in the B&M of your desire to troll LV casinos for 16 year olds to go back to your room.

[playerfl]

I don't know squat about the guy and probably very few other people actually do and they probably don't post here.

basically the guy is rich so he donates his windfalls to charity. Its commendable and shows he has some compassion. Its also a huge tax deduction ( which I think is just fine ).

[Martin Aigner]

While it´s great what Barry does, we don´t have any reason to assume that Phil I. (or any other given player) wouldn´t do the same if he/she was as rich as Barry.

Best regards

Martin Aigner

[BigJer]

I think Barry is one of the most interesting players to watch regardless of what he does with his winnings, though any form of charity is commendable.

The only thing that irritates me is that Mike Sexton continually calls him "The Robin Hood of Poker"....how many times do we have to hear that? /images/graemlins/mad.gif

[Nagoo81]

[ QUOTE ]

The only thing that irritates me is that Mike Sexton continually calls him "The Robin Hood of Poker"....how many times do we have to hear that? /images/graemlins/mad.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Additionally, VVP has to refer to anyone playing against Barry as Sheriff of Nottingham :/

[Dominic]

Can I be Maid Marion?

[toots]

[ QUOTE ]
I think it's silly that he publicizes his philanthropy. I think it's sillier that people think it makes him a great person.


[/ QUOTE ]

A while back, when I mentioned to a dealer friend of mine that I was playing poker lately, he replied "Poker players are jerks."

Yeah, it's a gross generalization, and I could have even taken it personally if I thought about it much. Unfortunately, I've seen very little behavior among poker players that would contradict my friend's assertion.

The post above is a prime example of where generalizations like that come from.

Greenstein's behavior is a prime, albeit far too rare, exception to that generalization, and Mr. Phillips' defense of Greenstein is another.

It speaks volumes to me that decent, upstanding behavior like Greenstein's is quickly ridiculed in this forum, while people who are liable to laud Greenstein's behavior don't post here often.

Gee, I wonder if there's any correlation between the two.

[playerfl]

they do overhype and stereotype people and we really don't know anything except they play poker well.

[La Brujita]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I think it's silly that he publicizes his philanthropy. I think it's sillier that people think it makes him a great person.
~D

[/ QUOTE ]

I never bother to post here, and the post quoted above pretty well illustrates why, but I'll futilely offer regardless: what an [censored] you are. Nobody could do less to publicize their altruism than barry does. That you can't tell the difference between reality and what you infer from television should be your own embarrassment; why don't you stick to inflicting that upon yourself.

[/ QUOTE ]

If I could just comment on your comment. You are obviously a very accomplished multi player. If you take a look at the multitable tourney forum you will see how remarkably civil it is for any internet forum.

Many forums here are the same and I think your comment is a bit unfair.

Now of course you can choose to post or not post wherever you wish but that is my two cents.

[italianstang]

I think Barry versus Phil Ivey is a great comparison. Barry does something extremely worthwhile and noble. Phil has custom made basketball jerseys with his own name on them which I find extremely obnoxious for some reason. I am really glad I saw that piece about the money Barry donates because I have a REAL reason to root for someone now instead of just saying that I like his/her because of their playing style or comments or some other surface reason.

[Ess Why Kay]

He seems like a great guy. He's a great player. ..but is it just me or does Barry look like the offspring of Pee Wee Herman and Dracula. He also resembles a child molestor for some reason. He's just an odd looking fellow.

[BigJer]

[ QUOTE ]
....because I have a REAL reason to root for someone now instead of just saying that I like his/her because of their playing style or comments or some other surface reason.

[/ QUOTE ]

Rooting for someone because you like their playing style is hardly a "surface reason". Sounds pretty fundamental to me! Ever watched Gus Hansen?...compelling viewing regardless of what he does with HIS winnings.

[Nottom]

[ QUOTE ]
Phil has custom made basketball jerseys with his own name on them which I find extremely obnoxious for some reason.

[/ QUOTE ]

The Phil Ivey B-Ball jersey was a FullTilt jersey. I thought it was kind of neat to see him in that rather than a boring old Full-Tilt golfshirt like everyone else.

[SaintAces]

[ QUOTE ]
Paul, while I appreciate the truth that the VVP's of the world probably make a bigger deal out of Greenstein's altruism than he does, I also have a problem with the original post. The implication is that Ivey is somehow less good a person because he does not "play for charity." The truth is, we have no idea what he, or others, do with their winnings, nor is it any of our business.

[/ QUOTE ]


Paul didn't say anything about Ivey or his character...

[Tuds75]

Anyone catch how he says he gives his all TOURNAMENT winnings to charity. Then the ESPN program goes on to say that he is a top cash game player. A top level cash game player can make millions in a session and that money won goes to BARRY, not to charity. Plus he sold a computer program or company (on totally sure) for millions so its not like he needs for money.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

You have to follow the entire thread. I was replying to Paul's criticism of the guy who criticized the original poster. The implicit criticism of Ivey's character is in the original post.

[SaintAces]

[ QUOTE ]
You have to follow the entire thread. I was replying to Paul's criticism of the guy who criticized the original poster. The implicit criticism of Ivey's character is in the original post.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but I believe Duke was criticizing Greenstein's supposed "publication of his philanthropy." I don't think that Duke was arguing anything about Ivey.

Remember when Barry was heads up with Randy Jensen for the WPT Tunica title. Barry was bullying him around and Randy said "I'm going to beat up those kids". I think he regretted saying it as soon as the words came out of his mouth. But, it was hilarious.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

The original poster said

I mean would you rather Ivey get richer or poor kids eat?

[SaintAces]

And Duke responded to the Greenstein comments...


Kurn, this is really a stupid argument by both of us I think. This will be my last post in this thread.

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

Kurn, this is really a stupid argument by both of us I think.

I agree. Slow day. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[3rdEye]

[ QUOTE ]

I think it's silly that he publicizes his philanthropy. I think it's sillier that people think it makes him a great person.


[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know whether he personally publicises his charitable acts, but I agree that all the coverage that focuses on that aspect makes Greenstein appear sort of self-righteous.

Of course, there isn't anything wrong with charity, but I prefer players who are playing poker to earn money for themselves. If anything, watching such players makes for much higher drama than watching a player whom one knows has no personal financial interest in the results.

[TwoNiner]

[ QUOTE ]
Anyone catch how he says he gives his all TOURNAMENT winnings to charity. Then the ESPN program goes on to say that he is a top cash game player. A top level cash game player can make millions in a session and that money won goes to BARRY, not to charity. Plus he sold a computer program or company (on totally sure) for millions so its not like he needs for money.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you are the only person that didn't realize this. Did you expect Barry to be some guy living out of a box giving all of his money to charity?


In regards to the other post, it was pretty hilarious when the guy mentioned "beating up those kids" followed by silence at the table.

[Poolgod32]

I too am a big fan of Barry but for a different reason. He is one heck of a poker player and his ability to become emotionless at the table even in the face of bad beats, ribbing, a maniac, etc is something which I seek to emulate in my own game. He just sits there quietly and takes home the money...tournaments or ring games. Very tough player. Not someone I would want to see at my table no matter who he is playing for.

[Desdia72]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]

I think it's silly that he publicizes his philanthropy. I think it's sillier that people think it makes him a great person.


[/ QUOTE ]

I don't know whether he personally publicises his charitable acts, but I agree that all the coverage that focuses on that aspect makes Greenstein appear sort of self-righteous.

Of course, there isn't anything wrong with charity, but I prefer players who are playing poker to earn money for themselves. If anything, watching such players makes for much higher drama than watching a player whom one knows has no personal financial interest in the results.

[/ QUOTE ]

i'd rather watch a player who could actually BENEFIT financially from winning a $1.3 million dollar prize than a guy whose already so financially secure that he can just give it away. don't get me wrong, i respect what Barry's doing. nothing is wrong with charity, to each his own, but the totally-selfless Barry plug is getting played. enough already.

[Desdia72]

CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. i'm not gonna GIVE money away, i'm gonna INVEST it. i have a big problem with giving a bunch of money to organizations overseas when there are alot of people here in the U.S. who could benefit from it.

take Bob Johnson, founder of BET, African-American billionaire, second largest shareholder in Viacom stock, and now owner of the Charlotte Bobcats NBA franchise. he paid $300 million as a franchise fee to bring pro basketball
back to Charlotte. it's always been his dream to own a pro sports team and there's nothing wrong with that. however, i live in Charlotte and have seen the blight and despair in some of the low income neighborhoods. think about how many jobs and oppurtunities could arise out of $300 million being INVESTED in the black community. *note, i said INVESTED, not GIVEN away*. here's a blackman that has enough money to start banks, mortgage lending companies, retail outlets in the community like supermarkets or clothing stores where the people in the community don't have to travel out of the way just to get basic necessities.
when you talk about feeding children overseas, i try to think about WHY THEIR NOT BEING FEED. is it because their parents are poor and don't have the oppurtunity to WORK enough to feed their kids. there are people here in the U.S.
that's making barely enough to eat. people need OPPURTUNITIES (like decent paying jobs) to better themselves, not handouts. if i had money like that, the first thing i'm doing is taking care of family, then the community where my people come from. those are the people who need it most.

[Duke]

[ QUOTE ]
Nobody could do less to publicize their altruism than barry does.

[/ QUOTE ]

I suppose I can't rescind my ignorant comment. I seem to have incorrectly assumed that when I saw him on ESPN saying that he gives all his tourney winnings to charity, that he was telling everyone that he gives all of his tourney winnings to charity.

And the point wasn't to say that Barry is a bad person anyhow. If that was implied, then I guess I should work on my writing. My usual theme as to liking or disliking anyone is based on what I know of them first hand, and I'd rather reserve judgement until that time.

I didn't mean to offer any opinion at all of Barry, aside from the fact that I thought the publicity silly. Since I was fooled by the magic of television on that account, shame on me. But I assure you that it didn't lower or heighten my opinion of him. I can't have an opinion of someone that I don't know.

To me there's a difference between hating someone for some 'created' reason, and thinking that someone else is a moron for using something they saw on television as a reason for falling in love with a celebrity. I'm sorry that I wasn't more precise in my wording.

If this was meant as a lesson for me to learn about clarity when speaking to delicate points, then point taken. If your point was anything else, then I can't disagree more with whatever that was.

Usually I'd ignore a response like this and pass it off as someone just not getting what I meant. You're too articulate to ignore, though, and I would have replied sooner had I checked this thread at any point. Getting a message from a buddy saying how I pissed off Paul Phillips was news to me.

~D

[Duke]

Ding ding ding. Or what Paul does with his winnings, for that matter.

~D

[Duke]

Normally I'd ask you why you can't read, but seeing as I must have confused Paul Phillips too, who I'm sure is highly intelligent, the problem must be with my own writing.

~D

[J.R.]

Maybe its a distinction without much meaning, since both end up being publicized, but I have always thought Barry Greenstein's poker TV appearances have come across an effort publicize his charity (for the purpose of benefiting Children's Inc.) rather than as an opportunity to publicize his altruism.

[RPatterson]

You are wrong man, Berry is just a self-serving [censored] and anyone that gives him props for donating millions of dollars to starving children is a total moron.

[Paul Phillips]

[ QUOTE ]
I suppose I can't rescind my ignorant comment. I seem to have incorrectly assumed that when I saw him on ESPN saying that he gives all his tourney winnings to charity, that he was telling everyone that he gives all of his tourney winnings to charity.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm not interested in any sort of protracted discussion of this but I'd say this quote captures my issue with you perfectly. When the ESPN interviewer asks barry "so, I hear you give all your tournament winnings to charity" what precisely do you expect him to say? What you see on TV is ten seconds "distilled" from a conversation one hundred times as lengthy -- and you don't get to hear any of the questions.

I probably logged over sixty minutes of interview time with fox and espn over the last couple months. Both networks independently managed to air only micro-clips of me talking about how it's an edge not to need the money. I'm sure plenty of people inferred from this that all I ever talk about is how great it is to be wealthy. But again, when someone asks "does it give you an edge not to need the money" what am I supposed to say? What's barry supposed to say?

Some people are much more skilled and calculating at manipulating the media than others. There are people who never speak on camera without carefully considering how their words might be taken out of context. I'm sure this effort helps those people with their public image, but I don't consider it to be a particularly admirable quality. I like people who are honest and candid.

Short of barry going to lengths to hide his philanthropy, it was going to get out and he was going to be asked about it. I think he was reluctant to get any publicity but that he decided the benefits of bringing additional attention to a cause he feels strongly about outweighed the lameness he'd have to fade from people who would cast aspersions on his motives. Perhaps you can't see the nobility in that, but I certainly can.

[ QUOTE ]
And the point wasn't to say that Barry is a bad person anyhow. If that was implied, then I guess I should work on my writing.

[/ QUOTE ]

As far as I could tell the point was to take a thoroughly unprovoked jab at a guy who should warrant nothing but your respect. If you intended something else then I would agree your writing needs some work.

[SossMan]

[ QUOTE ]
You are wrong man, Berry is just a self-serving [censored] and anyone that gives him props for donating millions of dollars to starving children is a total moron.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you are serious, you are a complete idiot.

[Duke]

I think that 4 posts saying the same thing is enough for anyone.

~D

[Duke]

You don't get enough information in an interview snippet to make any sort of a decision whatsoever. Surely not enough to frame Phil Ivey as a money-grubbing parasite.

Yes, making it possible for kids to eat is as close to an objective good as you'll ever get. If I only had TV spots to work from I couldn't form any opinion of him whatsoever, since you never know what they cut out.

It's none of my or anyone else's business what someone else does with their money.

Sarcasm seems to be lost on everyone these days.

I only posted this because it dawned on me that Paul might not have been playing along to help make the point that he feels so strongly about, and he might have actually been disagreeing with me.

I'll put my tongue back in my cheek now for future posts, save those that approach topics that may offend. If I do anger someone, I want it to be deliberate.

~D

[J_V]

It was hard to see tounge in cheek in your post. I thought you were serious.

[RPatterson]

What is up with me saying Phil Ivey is a money grubbing parasite? He was merely an example I used, of ANY poker player other than Berry Greenstein. It has nothing to do with Phil Ivey.

[eeeguy]

So how much did it take for Berry to say "thats enough time to play for the kids!" Does anyone know if he has like a 5 million dollar home in the south Hamptons or in Cali and like 2 yachts so he can visit the nations he has helped? I love to see him win the big boy!

[maurile]

[ QUOTE ]
Plus he sold a computer program or company (on totally sure) for millions so its not like he needs for money.

[/ QUOTE ]
Assuming you're talking about Barry G, no he didn't. He made his money playing poker.

[Daliman]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Plus he sold a computer program or company (on totally sure) for millions so its not like he needs for money.

[/ QUOTE ]
Assuming you're talking about Barry G, no he didn't. He made his money playing poker.

[/ QUOTE ]


No, He didn't. he made SOME money playing poker, nneded a "decent" job for family reasons, founded(i believe) Symantec, cashed out, and made many more millions afterwards.