Bill Chen accused of collusion?

[Self Made]

Bodog Beat reports:

Poker pro Bill Chen has been accused of collusion during the $2,500 No Limit Hold'em Shootout event. He apparently offered his heads-up opponent a certain sum of money to let him advance to the next round. While at a single table sit 'n' go this is called a chop, as part of an elimination tourney this is against the rules, let alone unethical. What makes the story even more interesting is that "Dollar" Bill (we just made that up) called over a floorperson to get the deal approved and approval was granted. WTF? This isn't Chen's first time at the rodeo and he should know better than to even ask, but the floorperson's approval? Unbelievable.

I'm skeptical of the story because 1) I haven't seen it reported elsewhere, and 2) I don't think there is a $2.5K NL Shootout (wasn't event 30 shorthanded, but not a shootout?).

[Kevmath]

It was the $1500 NL Shootout, and at least Gary Wise did report about it.

[Cornell Fiji]

If he called the floor over and the floor approved of it then he did NOTHING wrong.

[I_AM_EVIL]

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If he called the floor over and the floor approved of it then he did NOTHING wrong.

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YEA, because we all know the floor NEVER makes an incorrect ruling/decision.

[kyleb]

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If he called the floor over and the floor approved of it then he did NOTHING wrong.

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YEA, because we all know the floor NEVER makes an incorrect ruling/decision.

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Be that as it may, Bill Chen didn't try to subvert the floor by keeping it on the downlow. He was honest about it and wanted to see if the floor would rule in his favor. So what?

[MJBuddy]

He checked with officials before acting in a questionable situation.

He's in the clear and more power to him. Any and all action should be taken up with Harrahs for allowing it, not with him.

[NLfool]

LOL so Bill Gates is going to be the HU champ every year?

[jae686]

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If he called the floor over and the floor approved of it then he did NOTHING wrong.

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Absolutely.

Yes you can be confused that he asked. Yes you can be confused that the OK was given.

But to claim the Bill Chen did ANYTHING unacceptable or unethical is simply wrong.

[jafeather]

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But to claim the Bill Chen did ANYTHING unacceptable or unethical is simply wrong.

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I'm with you on the unacceptable....if the floor approved it then it was acceptable.

Just because something is acceptable, though, does not make it ethical. It was unethical for Bill Chen to ask for this. I am amazed that the floor said yes. I would imagine Chen fully expected the answer to be no, and was shocked when it was yes. At that point in time, it would have been right for Chen to say that he has reconsidered his request and withdrawl it.

Imagine if this were to be exploited by the rich (professionals and non-professionals alike) at the main event. As soon as day 1 begins they all offer 2 or 3 buy-ins for the other players chips. To the rich, it's like the ME is a rebuy and they take a quick early advantage. To the players that take the offer it's +EV to take a payday of any sort. To the players wihtout the luck of having one of the richies at your table...well by the time you sit with them they have a huge chip advantage and shove the [censored] out of you.

I hope there's more to this story that we're not hearing. If not, I hope the poker world goes out of their way to express their extreme disappointment with Bill Chen. I would also hope that Harrah's fires whoever the hell the floor person was that approved this.

[Max Raker]

So Chen called the floor because he knew he would they would tell him it was wrong? Chen was 100% innocent in this. What else do you want from him. He freaking got permission!!