Ship It Holla

By now, everyone’s heard or read about Jonathan Little’s departure from Full Tilt Poker. While this is news, it’s interesting to read some of the threads that have spun out of it on the various forums – they cover the full spectrum. Some people have e-voiced that they are disgusted with him and that he’s a scumbag for what he did, while others state that he’s a “good guy” and was somehow a victim.

I’ve never met Jon, and I really don’t have a strong opinion about him as a person. That said, the guy did something blatantly out of line with his contract, got pinched for it, and then got booted. He’s even admitted to this in a blog post:

“I realize what I did was unethical, as well as really stupid. I would like to apologize to Full Tilt Poker, and anyone else who was deceived by my actions. I have learned my lesson and I hope other prominent players and pros will learn from this as well. Again, I am sorry for my actions and hope that I will one day be forgiven.”

That’s it. There really isn’t anything to be too passionate about when you look at it for what it is. Yet some people are. Of these, I get a laugh out of the ones that have commented about his being “singled out” and that there are loads of other players doing the same thing. This boils down to the classic “but everyone else was doing it” defense. Allow me to illustrate:

I got stopped by a statey one time out on a wide-open stretch of I-70 for going a bit over the speed limit. Several people had blown past me only minutes before I got nabbed, but I got nailed. Of course, I politely asked the good trooper about this. He just smiled at me and told me that he was sure that there were plenty of people driving above the posted speed limit, but “you’re the one I stopped this time – please press firmly, there are three copies. Thank you. Drive safely.”

I didn’t like this a bit. In fact, I thought it was bullshit. But, as much as it sucked, I knew he was right. What could I say – that everyone else was doing it? Tough shit. “Everyone else” wasn’t speeding and of those who were, I got caught. I wasn’t used to “make an example,” I was just called out for breaking a rule. Jon broke a rule and was sanctioned for his actions. End of story.

Does this incident make him a “bad guy?” That’s not for me to say. Jon’s clearly demonstrated that he’s a talented poker player, and he’ll probably continue to do well if he keeps after it.

What does make him look like a jack-ass is posting a snide commentary about an opponent after a tournament defeat. Shortly after he was knocked out of the Heads-Up Championship by Chris Ferguson, Jon posted this gem about Chris’ reaction:

“He also got up and did one of those 100% classless celebrations with his few fans, which I didn’t appreciate at all.”

Jabbing at an opponent after a loss – let alone someone of Ferguson’s caliber – shows a marked lack of class. What’s more, coming from a “Ship it Holla Balla,” this is laughable. In fact, I’ll call that a 100% classless cheap shot, junior. Wind your neck in and work on establishing a reputation like Chris’ instead of responding like a jealous child.

In parting, keep in mind that nobody fucks with the Jesus. Ship that, balla.

—The Captain