Home / Poker News September 2011 / The Poker Grapevine – Lederer and Ferguson Suspended by EPL
The Poker Grapevine – Lederer and Ferguson Suspended by EPL
Posted by: James Carter. - Sat, 2011-09-24 12:00
A few days ago, the US DoJ managed to shake the online poker world’s foundations yet again, this time by adding Rafe Furst, Howard Lederer and Chris Ferguson’s names to the Black Friday complaint. The DoJ has also alleged that
Full Tilt Poker was run as an international Ponzi scheme, thus putting the filing of possible criminal complaints against all those named into perspective.
In light of the latest developments, the EPL (Epic Poker League) has suspended Howard Lederer and Chris Ferguson’s cards. Lederer had acquired a 5-year card, while Ferguson had not yet signed his documents.
According to the league, even though the complaints filed against the two players were of civil and not criminal nature, their specificity and their source made the League’s actions fully justified. The EPL also said the move was made in the interest of its players.
Going ahead, the league intends to monitor the actions of the DoJ, suspending all those players who are named under similar circumstances and accusations.
It must be said that Lederer’s sister, Annie Duke, the League’s commissioner had no word in the decision. Andy Bloch, a committee member, refused to take part in the discussions leading to the above said decision.
In other news: in light of the same DoJ amendment, Rafe Furst, the third player whose name came up, posted an open letter in which he thanked his family, colleagues and friends for their support during these rough times, and hinted at the fact that he was innocent of all allegations. The open latter is still available online, in its entirety.
In still other news: the EPL has announced the broadcast schedule for its inaugural season. Apparently, there will be 20 hours of programming, on the Velocity Network and CBS. The announcement was made by Jeffrey Pollack, the EPL’s executive chairman.
Ali Nejad and Pat O’Brien will host the broadcast.
