[jonnytone]

Perhaps this is one of the reasons sponsors are reluctant to enter the world of poker.

Could you see Anika Sorenstam offering John Daily extra prize $$$ if he would walk off the course and leave her the title? Probably not, but I'm sure John would find a reason to walk off anyway.

But in all seriousness, if poker pros truely want sponsership in their sport (I've never heard one say the don't), they need to start treating it like a sport. Complete to the end.

Don't forget "Shoeless" Joe Jackson and the Chicago Black Sox were banned for life for taking a deal related to thier sport.

Deals make the game look cheap and the orginary fan uninterested, which in turn will make them less likely to watch. This strikes fear into Sponsors. They don't mind buying commercial spots, but are not going to put up $$$ for a prise where a "scandal" like this could take place.

So to all the pros out there, for the good of the sport, enough with the deals.