Why Shrink and Fez are Right While it is unfortunate for those of you who are uncomfortable listening to such a pointed question, or those of you who fear losing out some information/entertainment that you find valuable, the protection of the next guy who is tempted to get into a financial relationship with said "expert" is the key here.
Shrink is giving the guy a forum where he is portrayed as an expert. If the credibility built in the gambling media has been used by the "expert" to set up free rolls for himself at the expense of trusting individuals, then I think the least that the Shrink can do is to ask the question.
And while maybe the intent wasn't to free roll or take a shot, I am aware of an honorable individual who has been owed a significant sum of money by Mr. Boston for several years. The individual says that Mr. Boston seems to feel bad about the situation and says he thinks he'd pay him if he could. But obviously it is irresponsible at best to get into such a relationship if you don't have the money to make good on it if things don't go as planned.
If Boston's credibility is going to be enhanced by visibility that is given by The Shrink, I think he is doing the right thing. That way the next guy won't be so trusting.
If Boston is portrayed as an expert here, Fezzik, as host, owes it to the people on this site to make it clear what the backstory is, so again, the next guy won't be so trusting.
And knowing John Kelly as I do, I believe him to have the consumer in mind and I know John's not a guy who shies away from the pointed question.
The most responsible thing to do would be to not give the guy a forum where the next person may be attracted. But if you are giving the guy a forum, you owe it to the people who consume your media to alert them to the big picture of the individual.
Similarly, you should never get into a financial relationship with a poker pro, no matter how famous. Some of these guys are honorable. Some are proven users. I'm not involved in the poker world in the least, but have heard some sad stories about trusting, star-struck types who have been hurt by guys who see them as free rolls.
Caveat Emptor!
