Our gracious host...

[mark33f 0]

I respect Daniel so much as a player for his skill and all he is won in the last years. Also, how down to earth he is with his new found popularity. But to say this with the upmost respect and care: He needs to freakin grow up.His comments about the Poker Superstars Invitational:I watched the Super Stars Invitatinal on NBC where the "Eight Best Players in the World" battled it out wondering, "Why, I didn't know that these were the eight best poker players in the world until today? Guess you learn something new everyday!" I get the feeling from these comments that Daniel obviously doesn't think those were the "Eight Best Players in the World". But why does he make it out like to take away from those that were there? He acts like he should have been there which is probably true but don't go ranting and taking away credit from those that were. Who cares what they call the tournament don't go crying because you weren't there.Also, he wasn't invited to play to the Tournament of Champions but used his "connections" to get in. How selfish can you be? Just because your not invited (again probably deserved to be there) don't go crying to play. You dont see professional athletes doing this when they are snubbed from All-Star games. Please follow by example.

[Guest]

in before 100 posts WOOT

[Guest XXEddie]

you are confused about who needs to grow up, worry about your own problems

[Mattnxtc 0]

where are these comments that he made?

[Guest XXEddie]

where are these comments that he made?

DN's Poker Journal

[Awful 0]

The one about greatest players/poker superstars is in his blogNever heard about WSOP TOC. I doubt that though as he was the Toyota Player of the Year, that's probably good for an invite, since Raymer got one as Main Event winner. ESPN seemed to like covering his tables, did a feature on his chase for player of the year, and so on. If someone has a source, I'd need it on that claim.Also note that Danny's comments about that extend to others he plays with in the Big Game and so on. Chau Giang is one guy he really respects that noone ever sees play or has heard of, and so on. The Superstars selection criteria was more of "who's recognizable" than some metrics of "who's good", if you've been featured in ESPN's coverage or at a WPT final 6 or if your name is seen in the shelves at Barnes and Noble (They should have Sklansky on there. I'd like to see him play, given the impact of his writing and so on). So it sounds stuck up, but has some legitimacy as an indictment of their selection criteria.

[brando 0]

I completely understand what you're trying to say....I believe he somewhat dogged other pro's saying either they're just not good or aren't trying hard (can't remember if that was in the blog or pm chat)....anyways he's definately one of the best and on a hot streak, but he's not the only pro making final tables.Daniel became one of my favorite players for more than his poker ability, he comes off as a very likeable guy and I hope he stays that way and continues to play great

[DanielNegreanu 141]

The problem I had with the SSI isn't the fact that I wasn't invited at all. The problem I had with the program is the claim "8 best players in the world." They threw it out there like it's some fact with no basis for why. Forget me for a second, but could they explain why or how TJ Cloutier was considered "better" than John Juanda? Was there any system to deciding that TJ was definitely better than John? Had they said "8 OF the Best Players in the world" I would have no problem with it whatsoever. The fact that they throw out that claim with no ryhme or reason is what is offensive. However in today's world you can do that I guess: "FullContactPoker is the #1 Rated Site on the Internet.""Mark Gerogrich, the #1 Ranked Omaha player in the world.""McDonalds, the world's best burger joint." All those comment "could" be true but there is nothing to back them up. Sorry if I sounded like sour grapes because that's not what it was. I just think those labels are silly.

[poker_bull 0]

I completely understand what you're trying to say....I believe he somewhat dogged other pro's saying either they're just not good or aren't trying hard (can't remember if that was in the blog or pm chat)....anyways he's definately one of the best and on a hot streak, but he's not the only pro making final tables.Daniel became one of my favorite players for more than his poker ability, he comes off as a very likeable guy and I hope he stays that way and continues to play great

That was in his latest journal entry, but you call 'em as you see 'em.

[jack24bauer24 0]

This is where I feel sorry for professionals, be it hockey players, movie stars, or in Daniel's case, poker players. People get so sick and tired of (insert pro here) giving the standard sound byte, clearly not saying what they actually think, just sort of giving a quote for the sake of giving a quote. So when someone finally comes out and speaks their mind, giving their truthful opinion on something, then they are ridiculed for whatever it is they have taken a stance on.Daniel clearly is one of the best 8 players in the world today, especially if you are talking about tournaments. His success this year is downright stupid, cuz the odds of one player doing what he's done in one year, especially with what the competition is now is mind boggling.Whether I agree or disagree with any professional's truthful comments, I would much rather them tell the truth, no matter what it is they think. I will always give this person extra respect for speaking their mind and being truthful.Its a great thing we have on this site, that someone like Daniel goes out of his way, and I really mean out of his way, who else out there takes the time to give a journal entry while trying to win a million dollars, and he's honest in everything he says and is open with what he's feeling.Give me a person like this everyday of the week as opposed to someone who simply says "I'm not good, I just got lucky".This Mark guy is a fool, plain and simple.

[MrConceit 0]

"I watched the Super Stars Invitatinal on NBC where the "Eight Best Players in the World" battled it out wondering, "Why, I didn't know that these were the eight best poker players in the world until today? Guess you learn something new everyday!"  I get the feeling from these comments that Daniel obviously doesn't think those were the "Eight Best Players in the World".  But why does he make it out like to take away from those that were there?  He acts like he should have been there which is probably true but don't go ranting and taking away credit from those that were.  Who cares what they call the tournament don't go crying because you weren't there.Also, he wasn't invited to play to the Tournament of Champions but used his "connections" to get in.  How selfish can you be?  Just because your not invited (again probably deserved to be there) don't go crying to play.  You dont see professional athletes doing this when they are snubbed from All-Star games.  Please follow by example.

First off, he put that in his blog. As in the equivalent of his personal online diary. He didn't demand an interview with a newspaper or NBC and denounce it. He just stated he didn't think they were the 8 best in the world, and they should have said 8 OF the best. He's entitled both to think what he wants and say it.As far as the TOC goes, why is it a problem to try to get into a freeroll you think you deserve being in? He lobbied via posts and talking to some people to try to get in, and he succeeded. *shrug* He was the WSoP POTY and had been pretty hot (and finished the year off even hotter).I don't really see a problem with anything he did. If you do, that's fine. It's your right to say so, and you're entitled to post your thoughts.I just want to say I disagree with you that he did anything bad/wrong or really needs to grow up.

[Bonobio 0]

I agree with Daniel's point on this. "Eight OF the best players" is completely different than the "Eight best players". It makes it seems as if there is some magic quantifiable list out there which you can reference, which there isn't.Ask 100 people who the eight best are, and you'll probably get close to 100 different answers.

[jeff_536 3]

i was first attracted to this site because it seemed like Daniel was very honest in his journal entries. And that honesty will, no doubt, get him into trouble sometimes.But as a highly-principled, thoughtful and opinionated person, i love hearing what Daniel really has to say about things. Do I agree with everything he says? Of course not, but I certainly respect his opinion about a lot of thing and am interested in reading about it.If you just want to read about how everything and everyone is wonderful, this probably isn't the forum for you.This forum is populated by people very similar to its host, thoughtful and opinionated.I've found the advice here solid and well-reasoned and I couldn't think of anywhere else I'd rather read.But that's just me.

[Fphillips 0]

If he can't steam to us about things he doesn't agree with who can he talk to. He can say things to us without getting drilled by the all mighty poker media.I think this forum is a perfect place for us all to vent even him.IMHO

[Eclypse 0]

"You dont see professional athletes doing this when they are snubbed from All-Star games."You must not watch sports very often. Athletes whine all the time about being passed up for all-star games.And, then they say they don't want to participate when they ARE selected.

[iveyfan30 0]

i don't think daniel was detracting from the other 8 players that did play in the tourney..i do feel he has the right to question the validty of how they were chosen..i see his point..what system did they go by in deciding these 8 players were better than all others..so i agree with his questioning that..maybe ppl that read his journal have a problem with what he says from time to time, and thats also understandable..but i like the fact he says what he feels and is honest...i replied to a thread about paul phillips yesterday and i take back what i said now..at least he has the guts to say whats on his mind...like it or not..

[UNCpoker 0]

I agree with what he said about this. The 8 best is by far different than 8 of, which he said was his point.I was watching it myself and was wondering why some of the people that were on there were picked.Was this an all time list? List of todays players? Or what ever the criteria was to pick this out.If you are picking all time greats that still play, then I don't see how come of them made it. If you are picking the 8 best today, then I really don't see how some of them made it.One last point, I am sure Daniel can judge a little better than most of us who should in these games, since he plays against them.I know I would like to have my own game and have my choice of 8 other players at the table and only 2 to 4 of those 8 would be in the game for me personally.I may have to start a thread on that one.

[bearshadoe 0]

I'm kind of curious Mark , why do you think Daniel should grow up ? I mean I am a few years older than Daniel and i sure don't act like it. And I'm sure there are others in here who are exactly the same way. And as for the top eight players , I'm sure if you asked everyone who was playing there they would all give you a different list. No ones opinion is the same plus there are too many things to factor in.

[iveyfan30 0]

I respect Daniel so much as a player for his skill and all he is won in the last years.  Also, how down to earth he is with his new found popularity.  But to say this with the upmost respect and care:  He needs to freakin grow up.His comments about the Poker Superstars Invitational:I watched the Super Stars Invitatinal on NBC where the "Eight Best Players in the World" battled it out wondering, "Why, I didn't know that these were the eight best poker players in the world until today? Guess you learn something new everyday!"  I get the feeling from these comments that Daniel obviously doesn't think those were the "Eight Best Players in the World".  But why does he make it out like to take away from those that were there?  He acts like he should have been there which is probably true but don't go ranting and taking away credit from those that were.  Who cares what they call the tournament don't go crying because you weren't there.Also, he wasn't invited to play to the Tournament of Champions but used his "connections" to get in.  How selfish can you be?  Just because your not invited (again probably deserved to be there) don't go crying to play.  You dont see professional athletes doing this when they are snubbed from All-Star games.  Please follow by example.

In the e-mail, Big Matt explained to me that Little Matt was becoming quite the poker player and fan. Before the accident he was an avid basketball player but because of the accident he had to ride the bench for a while. In that time Big and Little Matt watched poker together on tv and Big Matt noticed how excited Little Matt was about it. The kid loves poker. Big Matt noticed that Little Matt really liked to watch me play and asked if they could bring Little Matt out to Vegas to visit with me since his doctors are based in Los Angeles. I told them I could do them one better and come out to visit with Matt since I'd be in LA in February anyway.is that grown up enough for you??

[mark33f 0]

I wasn't saying he was a nice person or not so that has nothing to so with my point but thanks anway. I forgot this was Daniels site and his fans will defend him to the grave (which is understandable) but dont go saying players like Phil Hellmuth are egotistical and complain when Daniel does the same thing (and deny he does it)

[Solodell 0]

Um..... all he did was in a somewhat sarcastic way remark that he didn't think it was right for them to claim those were the 8 best players. I don't remember seeing him say that he should've been there. I could say the same thing, that doesn't mean I think I'm one of the 8 best. They can say 8 of the best, and the excitement is still there. I would much rather watch 8 OF the best play than a bunch of amateurs, the quality of poker is better. Anyway, not just because this is his site or anything, but I don't think there was anything wrong with his comment. It is, after all, his website, and his journal, so I think he's entitled to give his opinion.

[iveyfan30 0]

I wasn't saying he was a nice person or not so that has nothing to so with my point but thanks anway.  I forgot this was Daniels site and his fans will defend him to the grave (which is understandable) but dont go saying players like Phil Hellmuth are egotistical and complain when Daniel does the same thing (and deny he does it)

so what was your point? or did you even have 1...saying that daniel is as egotistical as hellmuth is crazy...im sure to be a great player, you must have an ego of some sort..but we tend to give nice guys like dn some credit for all they do at the table and away from it..so if he does say something a little out of the way<which i dont think is the case here> its forgiveable, becasue of the person that daniel is...in no way do i think daniel meant any malice to the other players picked to play in that tourney , and i dont think him questioning the format in which they were picked is a big deal....

[mark33f 0]

I think he whining about the TOC was way out of line because men the master was removed because of daniels complaining I am not just talking about the Poker Superstars thing...phil may complain at the table but he doesnt go online and do it.

[Guest XXEddie]

you have no clue what phil hellmuth does outside of the table...I think he whining about the TOC was way out of line because men the master was removed because of daniels complaining  I am not just talking about the Poker Superstars thing...phil may complain at the table but he doesnt go online and do it.

thats because phil isnt popular enough to have his own forum

[mark33f 0]

or he doesnt need to come online everyday and listen to his fans worship him or complain to them