WPT Settles lawsuit
April 20, 2008
A little while back, seven pro poker players filed a grievance with the World Poker Tour over the use of their images. Chris Ferguson, Andrew Bloch, Annie Duke, Phil Gordon, Howard Lederer, Greg Raymer and Joe Hachem didn't like the release that players had to sign in order to play WPT events. They said it would force them to violate the terms of their other endorsement contracts.Hachem and Raymer withdrew their involvement before now, but the other 5 received some good news last week when the WPT decided to settle the matter and change the wording of their release.
Whilst the new wording has not yet been announced, the WPT stated in a press release;
"WPTE continues to deny any liability or wrongdoing, but wants to settle its differences with the players so that the tour can focus on its continued growth rather than litigation."
WPTE founder and CEO Steve Lipscomb said, "We are glad to put this dispute behind us, and we look forward to working with all players to grow the sport of poker."
Chris 'Jesus' Ferguson, one of the 5 players had this to say, "We are happy to have come to an agreement that is fair to all players, and to have put in place a new release that clears up ambiguities in how players' images may be used. We are especially happy that this new release will apply to all poker players who wish to participate in WPT tournaments and events. WPTE has created some of the best poker events in the world, and we are excited to participate in them once again."
Ferguson meant it when he said he participate in WPT events again. He's currently playing in the WPT Championship running at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.
At the time of this post he had 44,000 in chips a long way behind the chip leader Tom 'Durrr' Dwan on 163,000. Joe hachem was just hanging on with 6,000. Go Joe!
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