The Extra $2 Million in Chips

A very interesting look at how $2 million in extra chips were "introduced" into Day 7 the Main Event at the 2006 World series of Poker.

Not to ruin the plot line but PokerNews says that of the over $2.41 million in chips - an estimated $1.05 million went to Kevin O'Donnell who was out of the tourney about 30 minutes after the extra chips were added to his stack and who according to Amy Calistri and Tim Lavalli of PokerNews O'Donnell had "absolutely no knowledge of the events and no idea this had even occurred."

First off - let me commend the job Amy Calistri and Tim Lavalli have done on this story and let me say I believe what they say about O'Donnell who has always struck me as one of the true gentlemen in the game. Amy Calistri and Tim Lavalli say that a second "recipient" will be named soon. My guess is that if there was any intentional wrongdoing here then one of the best ways for this second "recipient" to avoid blame or suspicion is to have some of the chips go to someone who would be above suspicion.

It could be that the second party has someone slip O'Donnell $1.05 million in extra chips and then they keep the remaining $1.4 million for themselves. To some people it ain't cheating unless they get caught. If there was wrongdoing here - I hope it is exposed for the world to see.

It will be very interesting to see how this finally plays out.