Recently, I received a comment to my article Lesley S. Thornburg - Moron Disqualified (Commentary) from somebody claiming to be B. J. Thornburg, the brother of Lesley Thornburg, the person who was disqualified from a recent World Series of Poker (WSOP) circuit event at Caesar’s Atlantic City for obnoxious behavior.  I have no reason to believe or disbelieve the originator of the comment is Lesley Thornburg’s brother, but assuming it is, I’d like to respond to the comment.  The comment is reproduced below, exactly as it was written:

Lots of “rocks” being thrown at Lesley Thornburg. Interesting that he was never given a penalty. Other word on the net is that “rent a cop” with designated authority was jealous and simply didn’t like Thornburg; especially didn’t like Thornburg taking everyones chips in such a flamboyant manner. Thornburg made more friends than enemies that day. The loosers didn’t like him but others cheered him on. He was obtaining cheers and reward for outrageous play and never given a single penalty. Punishment went straight to disqualification after it was evident that Thornburg became a favorite to win first place with a tremendous majority of chips lead. I can appreciate Thornburg’s hesitation in complying with request to leave the table and disqualification. Reminds me of a football player running free to carry the ball across the goal line to win in the last seconds of the game when he makes an obscene gesture to the crowd and gets disqualified for it. I wasn’t there but I don’t agree that the punishment received fits the crime? Imagine if you were getting rewarded for flamboyant play and never penalized and then at final table were disqualified instead of getting a penalty. I’m just trying to say something positive in response to all of the negativity going around about the events that took place. I have a feeling that there may be more to come on this subject. I do know that his brother (William Thornburg, Jr.) was not in Atlantic City during the episode but he did head up to Atlantic City after hearing of what happened. William reached spot number 29 in event number 7. It was $500 buy in with 382 entries. It would have been real interesting to have seen him reach the final table as well. He was knocked out with A-6 “all in” from the small blind vs. A-7 in the big blind after flop came A-4-5. He had a substantial chip stack and went for it thinking that the big blind missed the flop. A win there should have carried him to the final table if not very close to it. I am certain that Les Thornburg will see all of this as a learning lesson. He is an incredible poker player and a very good hearted person. He puts on his “poker style” when playing but he is quick to shake hands and give hugs after getting knocked out of tournament play or loosing/winning a hand in a home game. I am witness to it. I am the brother.
Keep up the good work. Your site is appreciated. Give me your email address and I will be glad to send you a picture.
BJ Thornburg

I’d like to address a few points in this comment:

1. “Interesting that he was never given a penalty.”  How is this interesting?  He was given multiple warnings about his behavior and it was widely known that the WSOP planned to crack down on the types of antics Lesley Thornburg displayed.  The only thing I find interesting about this is that he wasn’t removed from the tournament earlier.  He’s probably lucky they allowed him to finish 5th.
2. “Other word on the net is that (a)‘rent a cop’ with designated authority was jealous and simply didn’t like Thornburg; especially didn’t like Thornburg taking everyones (sic) chips in such a flamboyant manner.”  I have been unable to find any posts or comments anywhere to support this statement.  Regardless of whether or not it is true, shouldn’t the fact that he was “taking everyones (sic) chips in such a flamboyant manner” be a clue that people weren’t necessarily jealous, just tired of the antics?
3. “The loosers (sic) didn’t like him but others cheered him on.  He was obtaining cheers and reward for outrageous play …“  Where were his priorities?  Was he trying to win a poker tournament or receive the adoration of rowdy fans?  The cheer of the fans is not a reward, it’s a by-product.  The reward is supposed to be in winning, sportsmanship, and playing with honor.  I hope Lesley Thornburg learned that lesson and will move on now.
4. “Reminds me of a football player running free to carry the ball across the goal line to win in the last seconds of the game when he makes an obscene gesture to the crowd and gets disqualified for it.”  Reminds me more of a football player running free to carry the ball across the goal line to win in the last seconds of the game but not realizing that he kicked four players between the legs to get there and wondering why the touchdown doesn’t count.

I appreciate B. J. Thornburg (or somebody claiming to be B. J. Thornburg) taking the time to post a comment on The Grand Slam Poker Source.  I hope he will continue to read and participate.  I’m sure his judgment is clouded by his love for his brother, but I believe his point-of-view on this particular case is very clouded.  I hope I have done something to help clear it up a bit.

Until next time,

KC

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