Poker Pros Critical of ESPNs Tilt

ESPN's poker drama, "Tilt," debuted in January amidst much controversy and speculation. The show portrays the world of professional poker as a hard-boiled underworld fraught with crime and conspiracy.

Already from the beginning, it was clear that the racy new show would make waves, but just how high those waves would climb remained to be seen.

ESPN's track record with original dramas leaves what to be desired. The network's first effort, "Playmakers," did to the world of pro football what it has done to pro poker in "Tilt." After a good deal of griping on the part of NFL players and officials, the show got axed after its first season. The network figured that "Playmakers' " promising ratings weren't reason enough to risk jeopardizing its relationship with the NFL.

Although "Tilt" was expected to generate controversy, many believed the chances that it would suffer a fate similar to that of "Playmakers" was unlikely, since the world of poker was assumed to be less organized and united than that of professional football. Well, they may be wrong. Poker Updates, a monthly online streaming television program covering events and issues current to the world of poker, broadcast a segment which showed professional poker players' take on the show as less than favorable. Nine-time champion of the World Series of Poker, Doyle Brunson was quoted as calling the show a "disgrace." Will professional poker players merely suffer in silence, or will they take action against ESPN? Guess we'll just have to stay tuned.

News Added: 14 March, 2005

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