Some Players Put Off by Bryan Micon's Request for Funds

As was revealed late last month, an arrest warrant has been issued in Nevada for Bryan Micon for operating the Bitcoin-only Seals With Clubs without a proper license. Shortly following the announcement of that warrant, Micon established a gofundme website asking for help in fighting the charges.

With a goal of $100,000, donations totaling $3,845 have been pledged in eight days. Fifty-five individuals are behind Micon enough to donate money to his legal defense fund.

Whether that amount is a lot or a little is a matter of speculation. It's only been a bit over a week. But considering the aim of $100,000, one can certainly argue that the money raised so far is on the low side.

The reasons for that may be the result of some of the statements made by Micon in the past that have come to light. One such statement was unearthed by Nevada Gaming Control Board agent Ricardo Lopez.

During an examination of Micon's computer following a February raid on his home, the GCB operative found a missive on Skype between Micon and the principal owner of Lock Poker, Jennifer Larson. Micon attempted to get in touch with Larson in hopes of purchasing the now shuttered Lock Poker that allegedly ran off with millions of dollars in player funds.

“Hi Jennifer, I’m interested in buying the Lock Poker brand and all its software assets," Micon wrote. "You can give me a quick google and see that I started SealsWithClubs.eu in 2011 and amassed a considerable wealth with the increase in Bitcoin price. I plan to relaunch the brand and make all players whole. I consider Lock Poker like Chrysler of the early 90’s. It’s a strong brand that needs a turn-around.”

While Agent Lopez did not uncover a response from Larson - she apparently wanted to keep her Chrysler - it's that part about Micon amassing considerable wealth by getting in on Bitcoin while the price was low that seems to have irked a number of players and online poker forum posters that are following the case.

Poster 'Everlastrr' wrote this on 2 + 2: "While I have no moral issues with what Micon did I find his gofundme effort to be the height of audicousness. If he had made a boatload of cash undeterred out of this endeavor would he have sent out cheques...ah bitcoins to all his alleged supporters? I think not."

Over on pocketfives, 'Duffy08' posted this: "AND how is Micon not seriously loaded at this point? Not only did he have a piece of SWC but he was also praising the future for bit coin when prices were under 10$ and continued praising all the way to $1,000."

Two more p5ers, 'J0HNS0N757' and 'chrisp200,' had this to say, respectively: "You ran a site for months and don't have 100k lying around? pshhh" - "You are a sucker if you support this."

Agent Lopez did find other information regarding Micon's financial well-being. In other Skype conversations, the SWC honcho reportedly told others that his take from Seals With Clubs ranged from $10,000 to $12,000 every month. Not a fortune, but a decent chunk of change.

Don't forget the more than $500,000 in live tournament winnings on Micon's resume.

Whether or not to donate to Micon's legal defense fund certainly depends on your personal opinion. But some obviously feel that the fight should be his own considering the profits were his own.