Below is a post from Linda Johnson (former owner of Card Player Magazine) made to the rec.gambling.poker newsgroup. I still have not played in the WSOP, but now with this post I WILL be in action starting with tomorrow's satellites & will play in at least the Razz event next Wednesday after having missed the 7-Stud Hi Lo event I was going to play in today. It is unfortunate that this all happened, but as others are doing I am going to put it to rest & play some poker! Andy - Las Vegas

>>>I received a phone call from Becky Behnen this morning prompted by a letter I
sent to her. We subsequently got together for a meeting to discuss two issues
that have caused controversy at the 2001 WSOP. I would like to fill you in on
the discussion that we had, the points that were covered, and particularly,
Becky's responses.

Regarding the three percent being withheld from the prize pool, Becky stated
that the entire three percent would be given to employees in the form of tokes.
She went on to explain that one and a half percent is going directly to the
dealers. Out of the remaining one and a half percent, the majority will go to
the immediate tournament personnel (tournament director, floor staff,
brush/board personnel, etc.) and the remainder will go to the people who work
long hours behind the scenes to insure the success of the WSOP. She said that
she wants to make sure all appropriate personnel are toked and that this hasn't
always happened in the past.

Regarding Paul Phillips and Richard Tatalovich, Becky would like to invite them
back to participate in this year's WSOP and wished that the entire incident had
never come to pass. She said that it was never about the fact that their
comments were published in the paper, and understands that they did not solicit
the press. Her feelings were hurt by their statements, as she believed she was
trying to do the right thing with the three percent.

How do I feel after this meeting? I am elated! I am very happy that Becky has
extended the olive branch to Paul and Richard and that all three percent being
withheld from the prize pool is going to be used as tokes. Some of you may
choose to second-guess Becky's motivation. I hope not. I personally believe
that the matter has been properly handled, and I plan to play in several WSOP
events. Like most of you out there, I want the WSOP to continue to thrive, and
I appreciate the meeting with Becky and her commitment to resolve these issues.

Linda Johnson
Card Player Cruises<<<