NFL PULLS CELEBRITIES FROM CHARITY POKER TOURNAMENT

Posted 2/25/11 : But international aces aplenty support the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Pros for Africa
 
International names in poker, including luminaries such as Duke, Chan, Lederer and Hellmuth, continued with their celebrity support for a charity poker tournament over last weekend, unfazed by an intriguing decision by the National Football League to advise its members not to take part.
 
The cause for which the celebrity players assembled at the Golden Nugget Casino in Las Vegas was the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Pros for Africa, a non-profit charity with the mission of meeting the fundamental needs of hearing-impaired African children. The Foundation has delivered some 100 000 hearing aids to needy children everywhere.
 
Showbiz411 reported that the tournament was to have included some 30 top football stars until the NFL stepped in, forcing the footballers to become mere spectators of an exciting and successful event.
 
Over 350 celebrities from all walks of life put $2 000 apiece down for the charity, which was hosted by Hellmuth.
 
Debbie Gostowski from the Family Care Hearing Center in Illinois was the tournament winner, claiming the gleaming 2011 Shelby Mustang first prize. Other winners received iPads and holidays in Africa and South America.
 
The reason behind the NFL request for its players not to participate is not clear, but the speculation is that it forms part of the League's opposition to gambling as a potential danger to sports.