Eskimos love their poker ... particularly that shark Hervey

During the heart of the Eskimos' Grey Cup run on the road last fall, poker seemed to be the game of choice away from the stadium.

On the bus from the airport or in the hotel at night, the chips would come out and the money would hit the table.

So, it comes as no surprise that the dining hall turns into a poker room after lunch during the new-look training camp this spring on the Commonwealth Stadium grounds.

"That is how we pass time," said wide receiver Ed Hervey, one of the poker ringleaders.

''It is part of our bonding. Most people who see it would probably question it (because) of the gambling.

"But usually it is just a couple of dollars thrown in a pot. It is just a chance for all of us to get to know each other and talk."

The ante is actually $20 to get in the game - and Hervey is definitely one of the card sharks in the group.

He put $70 in his pocket after lunch hour earlier this week when he beat Jason Tucker, Robert Brown, Mookie Mitchell and Andrew Nowacki at Texas Hold-'Em.

"Tuck is pretty good and Mook has gotten better," continued Hervey. "But there are a few guys that like to bluff.

"Dahrran Diedrick isn't any good.

"And Nowacki is kind of bad too."






courtesy of pokergazette

News Added: 29 May, 2006

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