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Steve Jackson Bans Poker from Clubhouse: Steve Jackson said he has banned poker games from taking place in the New Orleans Pelicans clubhouse, as he feels it's too big a distraction for his team.
"We have guys talking about straights and flushes when they should be preparing for baseball," he said. "They can play cards on their own time, but when they are in the clubhouse they are working for us."
The news wasn't overly popular with some of the team's more outspoken players.
"We need some downtime and it's a great way to bond as a team," said Eric Jackson. "I think this is a mistake."
Ken Williams added that he does agree that preparation for games is important, but he didn't see a big deal with an occasional card game.
"Banning something the guys enjoy isn't going to go over too well," he said.
Jackson said any players caught playing poker will be issued fines.
"We have guys talking about straights and flushes when they should be preparing for baseball," he said. "They can play cards on their own time, but when they are in the clubhouse they are working for us."
The news wasn't overly popular with some of the team's more outspoken players.
"We need some downtime and it's a great way to bond as a team," said Eric Jackson. "I think this is a mistake."
Ken Williams added that he does agree that preparation for games is important, but he didn't see a big deal with an occasional card game.
"Banning something the guys enjoy isn't going to go over too well," he said.
Jackson said any players caught playing poker will be issued fines.