Howard Lederer Returns to the WSOP at $10K 2-7 Single Draw
Since Howard Lederer released his letter of apology to the poker world via Daniel Negreanu's FullContactPoker.com, expectation has run rampant that the former Full Tilt Poker founding member would make his return to the World Series of Poker in 2016. After Chris "Jesus" Ferguson showed up early in the series, it seemed all but assured that Lederer would indeed come back as well.
That moment has arrived, as Lederer plunked down his $10,000 and took a seat in Event #16: $10,000 2-7 Single Draw Championship. It is Lederer's first appearance at the WSOP since 2010, before April 2011's Black Friday and the subsequent fall of FTP that resulted in the collective loss of millions of dollars of the poker community's money.
Lederer sat down in the 2-7 tournament with around 15 minutes remaining in Level 4. Just after the break began, PokerNews approached Lederer and asked if he would answer a few short questions, but he declined.
"No, thanks," the two-time bracelet winner said, walking toward the back hallways of the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. "I've made my statement."
That essentially echoes the stance of Ferguson, whose only comment to PokerNews was, "I'm just here to play poker."
Many have recouped their losses in the years since via the PokerStars bailout. Still, Lederer, whose last recorded live cash was in January 2011 at Aussie Millions, has been persona non grata to much of the poker world in the years since, and it remains to be seen if time has healed this collective wound.
Stay tuned to PokerNews.com for more coverage the 2016 WSOP, brought to you by our sponsors, 888poker.
Are you ready for the 2016 UEFA European Championship this summer? BookieSmash has an extensive Euro 2016 preview and betting guide, as well as a list of the best sports books to bet on for the event.
Want to stay atop all the latest in the poker world? If so, make sure to get PokerNews updates on your social media outlets. Follow us on Twitter and find us on both Facebook and Google+!
