There is no denying that Phil Hellmuth is a poker legend. He has a place in the Poker Hall of Fame and 11 WSOP bracelets, which is more than anyone else.

But there is no denying he takes things to the limit for his advertisers. And when he gets away with murder on the table then as far as mortal poker players are concerned it rankles.

The latest episode of “Poker Brat” Hellmuth was played out at the main event at WSOP 2008. It happened on the last deal before end of day’s play at the featured table. Cristian “The Fragrance” Dragomir’s 10-4 scored over Hellmuth’s A-K because the opened 10 top. This gave Dragomir a pair as against Hellmuth’s ace top. Hellmuth went crazy and called Dragomir an “idiot” and “the worst player in history” for remaining in play with such useless pocket cards. One can understand Hellmuth’s discomfiture at being shown the door by a “junior” player against reasonable odds. But this is what poker is all about and the game today has rules against calling fellow players names. Therefore Hellmuth was given a one orbit penalty, which meant he could not play the next round and would forfeit mor than 10% of his chip stack.

Now Hellmuth was in luck. Since the altercation took place on the last deal of the day the penalty was to be effective on the first session of the next day. This gave Hellmuth the time he needed to turn things around. He appealed to the WSOP authorities, who promptly reversed the penalty and let off Hellmuth with a “stern warning”. This in sporting circles means that the authorities do not have the guts to enforce the penalty because of the standing of the player involved. The mood among the crowd was unanimous and Ken McKusick voiced the crowd’s feeling when he said, “…had it been Joe Average, there would have been no successful appeal.”

Sensing the prevalent resentment WSOP undertook a fig leaf job, which actually made matters worse. WSOP spokesperson Seth Palansky said, “…the penalty was called hastily without reasonable warning.” He explained that at the end of the long day it was understandable that nerves would be frayed and that Hellmuth was reacting to bad play and had no ill intent. He went on to add that it is the poker fraternity that has not only created the image of the “Poker Brat” but has also benefited from the publicity. He said, “The camera loves him and he plays to the camera, and everyone loves playing with him and the fun that comes along with it.”