Scotty Nguyen's Abusive Behaviour at the WSOPAfter ESPN aired the final table of the $50,000 buy-in Chip Reese Memorial H.O.R.S.E. Event the poker world finds itself outraged and disappointed at the “Prince of Poker”. During the epic 15+ hour final table Scotty Nguyen got himself a little intoxicated, and during 3-handed play with Erick Lindgren and Michael DeMichele Scotty Nguyen’s behavior became reprehensible.

Scotty Nguyen’s behavior was way out of hand; at times it included showing the audience his hole cards (strictly forbidden by Tournament Rules) and constant inappropriate language including swearing. At one point he even went so far as to tell DeMichele that he has a horseshoe stuck in his rear, to this DeMichele stated “I’m disappointed in you Scotty”.

In another instance Scotty complained about how Erick was playing stating “I tried to protect your hand”, this was a very borderline comment as it cast the shadow of collusion. Over the course of the evening Scotty’s antics including his hinting at helping Erick caused Erick to react and state “I ain’t on team Scotty and I told you that. Never been. Never will be.” After being eliminated in 3rd place Erick said to DeMichele “Go get him man, make Chip proud.” And as he was walking out of the feature table area he told good friend Daniel Negreanu “You can’t beat a drunk!”

After his victory Scotty’s rudeness did not end, following DeMichele’s gracious comment on how he did not deserve to win yet because he was only 20, Scotty’s said “You don’t, baby.”

Following the broadcast there has been much outrage and it led to Scotty issuing the following statement via email which is believed to be sent from Scotty Nguyen’s personal email account:

I would like to apologize to all my fans for the disappointment I have caused in the H.O.R.S.E. Event.  For that I would like to express my sincerest apology. 

I would like to ask for understanding of what really took place.  Keep in mind this was a five day event, with an almost fourteen hour final table that was reduced to two hours of air time including all the commercial breaks.  With that being said, as you can imagine, more took place than what made the final cut for t.v. 

Last year’s Main Event I made the mistake of letting someone get under my skin, of which overtook my mental focus of the game, and cost me my tournament along with a lot of disappointment amongst my fans and peers. (…) This year, I needed redemption of my own 2007 Main Event demons to prove to myself that no one would get to me again. 

This tournament was too important for me, the trophy, the fifth bracelet, and history, my head was zoned in for this event, and for that time, I forgot the fans were watching me.  I said things I shouldn’t have said that have disappointed you, and I apologize for my actions. 

This tournament I played the players game.  They wanted to play a drinking game, and they couldn’t win, they say they can’t even beat a drunk, how can you beat a drunk if I’m not drunk. (…) I gave it right back to them and got underneath their skin, and they couldn’t win.  When it came down to playing a poker game, the best will win. 

And all I have to say, I hope all you fans understand what I’m trying to say.  And watch the tape again.  I was not the one to start anything, not even drinking or talking, they wanted to start it with me, and they got beat by me fair and square on all levels they wanted to play. 

All I would ever be sorry, is how the fans feel about me, I would never be sorry to beat those players.  If they can’t accept defeat, then stay home, crawl under their loved ones arms, don’t bad mouth because you got beat by the best poker player. 

Another thing, I always bring joy and excitement to the poker game every time I’m on tv, and all of you know, when Scotty Nguyen is on tv, your eyes are glued on the screen.  Why?  Because I make it fun so you guys don’t switch the channel. 

Bottom line, I only ask for you to please understand and remember that I, Scotty Nguyen, the Prince of Poker is still a human being, just like all of you.  I too have good times, bad times, sad times and angry times, just like everyone else in this world, and I hope you can understand that.  I do promise to all the fans that no matter what, from now, I would never disappoint you again any which way.  I forgot about the fans, and only focused on me.  I am sorry.

What have many people surprised is how the poker world has reacted to Scotty’s actions considering poker is a game of bantering, it is to a players advantage to get under his opponents skin. Just look at Mike Matusow, Phil Hellmuth Jr. and many others. Nevertheless, I think it is due to the nature of this event being a memorial event for the late David “Chip” Reese who was far and away one of the greatest players and most sportsmanlike competitors there ever was. On a side note, the following day Scotty Nguyen went around to every dealer working at the tournament tables and gave each of them 20 cash as a tip.