Negreanu now vs. 8 months ago... sad times.

[ohgeetee]

I enjoy both the game of poker, as well as the personalities behind a lot of the poker faces we get to peek in on. One of the more entertaining people to watch and hear feedback from used to be Daniel Negreanu.

I was kinda out of the loop for 8 months or so, and reading his "Poker Journal" now compared to things he wrote before, its as if he is a compeltely different person. While not as over the top and self indulged as Hellmuth when it comes to plugging himself, the plugs are getting pretty overboard. Another thing I used to really enjoy about negreanu is how he rarely ever gave even a hint of disrespect towards people he played with after he busted out of a tournament. He always acknowledged their good moves, and was silent ont he bad, and simply took his medicine like you'd expect any great athlete or competitor. Now when I read his articles, its all about bad beats, how lucky his opponents are, what projects he has brewing, how much he tipped his shoe shiner, who's rent he paid this month, etc. There's no more humility, its a bummer.

I also realize there is nothing forcing him to act any particular way, and that he cans ay whatever he wants about his peers, etc., but I think a large reason behind why people enjoyed him so much was that he really pushed for poker to be accepted, and did it with ACTIONS, rather than selling off a peice of himself to the highest bidder(figuratively).

It is indeed a choice whether or not to read his contributions, but not reading them anymore isn't something I expected to have to do, as he legitimately seemed like a really down to earth guy with a lot of great input on the game and the scene.

Anyone else noticed this change in Negreanu that has kept up witht hings throughout the last 8 months? Because I hadn't kept up, it was like night and day to me.

[Trainwreck]

If I recall he and his 'fiance' broke up still within recent memory, perhaps he's got some pent up anger and now it's rearing it's ugly head.

He obviously has it good, too good one might say.... the problem is HE doesn't know it.
[maybe]

A friend asked me if he was gay a couple days ago, I laughed, no need to go there.

>TW<

[Vincent Lepore]

[ QUOTE ]
If I recall he and his 'fiance' broke up still within recent memory, perhaps he's got some pent up anger and now it's rearing it's ugly head.

[/ QUOTE ]

Man what is it with you! Are you the resident psychologist on this forum. First Yuan Le and now Negreanu. You realy are a jealous sort now aren't you?

vince

[Trainwreck]

Ignored...

>TW<

[David Sklansky]

People who are not intimately familiar with EV, who play well but also have been running lucky, tend to get frustrated when they are beaten by plays that are clearly wrong but not very wrong. That's why my friend always made the two point with 6-4.

[Roswell]

Keep in mind that Negreanu has had astonishing success in the last year. When I started reading his posts on RGP he was playing 300/600 with a bankroll of maybe $250,000. Now he is playing 4000/8000 with a bankroll of $4 million plus. This may explain the differences you noticed.

[Vincent Lepore]

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Negreanu has had astonishing success in the last year

[/ QUOTE ]

Bares Repeating. I've known Daniel for a few years. Let me clarify that. I've know Daniel but he hasn't known me. Well, he doesn't know my name. We played in a few games at Bellagio when he was blowing off chips at the lower limits. Daniel in my opinion was/is a "cocky" young fellow. I do not meen that in a bad way. He seemed to me to be very confident in his abilities and that confidence showed through as being cocky. What I remember most from my encounters with Daniel is that he was always polite. Even after all of his recent success he still makes an effort to acknowledge me whenever he sees me. Years ago I thought that Daniel would be a great spokesman for poker. Obviously, Steve Wynn agrees. I think the kid desreves the benefit of the doubt and maybe a little more time to mature and come down from an incredible year. I believe that he is "good guy" and will do positive things that eventually silence his critics.

Like the fellow said:

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Negreanu has had astonishing success in the last year

[/ QUOTE ]

Let's give him a break and wish him well. Tournament Pro's should loud this kid. His success in nationally Televised Poker Events will help to ensure big overlays in tournaments for a long, long time.

Vince

[Smoothcall]

I think this is the closest to accurate reply. Without going into detail. I have had similar experiences with Daniel and get the same vibe. He deep down is probably a "good guy". But he is a little full of himself and his abilities. He does go out of his way to say hi back if someone says hello to him. But i get the vibe he does it in more of a politician way. That doesn't mean he's a bad guy. Just means i think he believes himself a little more important than everybody else. But as vince said this may change with age. Btw i would not put him in Phil H.'s league of obnoxiousness. As Phil would probably look down on you if you said hello. He seems to be an obnoxious spoiled brat. With a belief that the would revolves around him. And you are not worthy of him. Just a guess form an outside viewer. As i have never talked to him. In fact i don't think he has ever look my direction. Maybe i'm not worthy?

[slogger]

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...But he is a little full of himself and his abilities. He does go out of his way to say hi back if someone says hello to him. But i get the vibe he does it in more of a politician way...

[/ QUOTE ]

The fact that DN does go out his way to interact (even on a superficial level) makes him a much better person that your standard celebrity. The fact that he not only responds to fans in public, but makes the effort to do so in a friendly way is actually quite remarkable. And yet you criticize him for doing it like a politician would? Dude, he doesn't know you. What do you want? A freakin' hug?

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That doesn't mean he's a bad guy. Just means i think he believes himself a little more important than everybody else.

[/ QUOTE ]

Put yourself in his shoes. In the course of a few years, you've gone from average Joe poker grinder to world famous celebrity. At the height of poker's popularity, you are among the Top 5 most popular players in the game. You are filthy rich because you win so much so often.

Random dudes that you don't know are always coming up and saying hi to you. Every day. Everywhere you go. Many want autographs or pictures or more.

Now tell me you wouldn't come off as believing that you're a little more important that most people.

Let's just say I won't be holding my breath for an honest reply.

[Cyrus]

[ QUOTE ]
Daniel would be a great spokesman for poker. Obviously, Steve Wynn agrees.

[/ QUOTE ]

Daniel Negreanu could become the Andre Agassi of tennis.