[Easy E]

I will not argue (because I can't, given his record) that Phil H is a very
good tournament player (one of the best? Not my call to make)

Also, all I know about Phil is what I see on the screen, since I don't know
the man.

HOWEVER, at some point in your life (maybe, when you have a family
with children, perhaps?) you have to GROW up and decide that you are
going to represent a few things OTHER than your tournament successes.

What you say about Phil may be all correct. However, Phil, who
evidently likes the camera a little too much, is insuring that his
public image is childish and mean-spirited.

In addition, there was NO excuse- NONE- for the way that he wrote
the Card Player article that started off this whole brouhaha. The
article, and many of Phil's public antics (so it seems to myself and
others) was NOT presented as a constructive analysis/criticism of
poker strategy/play. It was Phil whining (my interpretation, based
on the article and his TV actions) about losing to inferior hands (and
therefore players, as if that assumption can be made).

I can't respect someone who can't control themselves AND goes out
of their way to belittle other players (whether "justified" by their
play or not), in a hypocritical manner no less. I certainly wouldn't
accept it from a player across from me at a table. WHY should I write
it off in Phil's case, a man who has had much success and fortune from
a game of cards?

To all of you who defend Phil H's actions because either you know him or
play with him regularly or whatever:
If a small-time, local "pro" player were acting the way that Phil does,
would any of you be defending that person? How about if it was just a
local nit, having control problems at the table? Or a loudmouth drunk
first-timer? Or some smartass pro wannabe?

Phil gets a LOT less slack than these other idiots, and they get none at
all! With all of Phil's experience and success, he should be one of the
LAST players acting so immaturely and provocatively. He's won millions
because of poker- he has NO room (NONE) for the kind of childish rantings
that he has displayed (at least on camera) far too often.

Phil, grow up and get a grip. No matter HOW many bracelets and
titles a player wins, they'll NEVER be one of the greatest poker players in
my estimation. This includes YOU, Phil, if you keep acting the way that
you do.

Not so Easy E, a non-fan of 30-something children