Michael Divita, who had won an Epic Poker League Main Event seat in the EPL Pro/Am Qualifier, was apparently barred from participating in the event, according to Allen Kessler.
In a TwoPlusTwo thread found here, the famous min-casher famously known as “Chainsaw” alleges that staff became aware of Divita’s sex offender status after googling the player at the final table, likely seeking to learn his previous poker results. Although, according to Kessler, he was refunded his $1500 entry fee for the Pro/Am, his $20,000 seat was awarded to the next finisher, ultimately leaving Divita $18,500 short.
Many couldn’t help but wonder, “Can this be legally done?” and, perhaps more importantly, “Should this be done?” Divita’s actual conviction is rather damning, having been found guilty of “assault with intent to commit a specified sex offense, annoy or molest child under 18 years of age, sexual battery and sexual battery involving a restrained person” in 1991, with the requirement to register as a sex offender. Although the Epic Poker League features an Ethics Committee that manages its card-carrying members, Divita’s prize was won in an event that was open to the public. Some felt that, because Divita wasn’t actually a member of the league and apparently was never forced to sign a waiver, he should be exempt from the league member rules set forth by the committee and at least awarded his seat in cash value.
More reactions and details are sure to follow as this story develops, stay tuned.
