This is terrible, this gives Poker a black eye, can't tell you how many people sat their and listened to this story on the Today show and not only shook their head and reconfirmed to themselves why they don't gamble. But they also shook their head and said "Yup, that's what anyone who is crazy enough to play poker is capable of doing"

This is why people have laws on the books about "illegal card rooms"

I think the poker community should make an effort to reach out in this situation. Possibly hire the kid a lawyer if the Walderon attorney is a court-appointed, or at least be there for his court date, possibly do a campaign for Wachovia. Something to promote goodwill. I would hope (futily of course) that the online poker site would excuse his debt. Also, maybe someone could teach this kid how to play.