Online Cheater Banned from Live Tourney

Back in February 2006, Josh “JJProdigy” Field was caught multi-tabling in tournaments by Party Poker, resulting in the confiscation of $180,000 in his combined Party accounts, as well as his banishment from the poker room.  PokerStars also decided to ban him after an investigation into his play at its site.  Now, PokerStars has extended its ban to live tournaments. 

Just prior to this past Christmas, Field issued an apology to the poker community via internet message boards.  Many, however, saw it as a hollow gesture, made to try to shield himself from criticism as he makes his first foray into the live tournament circuit at the PokerStars Caribbean Adventure (PCA) and Aussie Millions.  He received even more criticism by admitting to continued cheating up until very recently (making the apology seem even more fake) and vowing to stay away from online poker until his 18^th birthday, which is January 2^nd.   

The apology may have been worse than doing nothing at all.  Many poker players wrote to PokerStars, informing them of Fields’ admission of further cheating.  PokerStars responded in kind, stating simply, “PokerStars management has decided to extend player's JJProdigy current ban to the PokerStars Carribean Adventure (PCA) event.” 

This was a wise move by PokerStars.  There is no reason to allow a rampant cheater, someone who is banned from your poker room, to participate in a live tournament that your organize.