Upon review of
Robert's Rules of Poker
POKER ETIQUETTE
The following actions are improper, and grounds for warning, suspending, or barring a violator:
- Making statements or taking action that could unfairly influence the course of play, whether or not the offender is involved in the pot.
So I think my first answer that Regular's hand should be ruled dead is too harsh a penalty, especially since he had the best hand. I now think Regular should win the pot and him and his friend should get a warning.