Celebraty WSOP - for Charity

First of all this is a snippet from Page 2 on ESPN Sports Guy Bill Simmons

(I just want to know when ESPN is going to create the WSOP for sports figures so we can see MJ, LeBron, Mickelson and everyone else battling it out. Why do it in the secrecy of a hotel suite, fellas? Why not for a national TV audience? Couldn't this happen after the ESPYS every July? Twenty-five entrants, $50,000 per person, a penthouse suite at the Mondrian that's covered in cameras, unlimited open bar, Texas Hold 'Em, winner takes $700,000, second place gets $200,000, the Jimmy V Foundation gets the rest. And this wouldn't work ... why?)

This has to be the best idea I have heard in a long time to generate interest by the public at large. Imagine how great it would be to watch Micheal Jordan Minraise Pocket Kings from EP and have Charles Barkely 3 bet with 72 because it is sooted. I wish I could make this happen.

Where I understand the thinking of this, I dunno.....but that comes from a poker player. As a poker player I don't think I could watch much of this--think Celebrity Poker Showdown. That had to be some of the WORST poker on TV. Why--because it was being played by people who didn't know jack about the game. Sure Phil Gordon would make some great comments, but still.

I understand the premise of getting some hype about the game, but watching a bunch of ametuers when we as a group are trying to convince the whole world this is a game of skill is just not the answer.

People know all about poker now. It's hype is certainly here. We need to teach them that this game is not easy and there is a significant level between the garage game, and the professionals.

Great as a charity event, not great for poker at all.