Late last week the first ever Epic Poker tournament came to a close with David Reem taking home the title. There were a number of notables in the tournament including the second and third place finishers Erik Seidel and Jason Mercier. Notably absent was multi bracelet winner and TV poker icon Daniel Negreanu. He was shown the business plan of the newly formed Epic Poker League or EPL and decided he didn't want to be associated with it. In his blog that came out the day before the final table Negreanu states he refused to be a part of the new league because he didn't think it was going to take off. He stated that Black Friday and the paralysis of the big three sites is one of the only reason anyone showed up to play. He doesn't think the league will get enough sponsorship to be on mainstream media, attract big players or establish a fan base. Ouch. I think when poker pros who capture headlines put down an idea before its begun they create bias that would not have been there in the first place. If Negreanu had shown his support for an new American poker league that lays the groundwork for legal poker sites and helps establish poker legislation I think we should be supporting them. They may succeed, they may fail but at least they showed up to try. Perhaps if more poker professionals who do have an audience, a following and an ability to get air time supported positive moves in the poker industry the whole poker world could move into a better place a lot more quickly. Food for thought Mr. Negreanu.