Doyle Brunson Initiates a Heated Twitter Debate on Bruce Jenner

The Godfather of poker, a legend of the game in every sense of the word and a man admired throughout the poker world, Doyle Brunson has started quite a debate after posting a statement that many found to be intolerant, to say the least.

I can't believe Bruce Jenner is trying to become a woman? He was a hero of mine since I was involved in track long ago.#Sayitsnottrue
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) January 31, 2015

For those who don't know, Bruce Jenner is a former track and field athlete and Olympic gold medal winner (Montreal, 1976). Coming from a running background himself, it is no wonder that Jenner was Brunson’s idol.

What got Doyle going were recent news reports confirming that Jenner was undergoing a transition to become – a woman. Although it is not all that uncommon to hear of these cases in the modern era, the old school pro finds this unacceptable.

Some of Doyle’s Twitter followers acted really surprised by his reaction, which is somewhat odd, as the Texan has never really claimed to be a big fan of modern trends, even on a much lesser scale.

Several well-known fellow pros got involved in the discussion, including Daniel Negreanu, Ryan Laplante and Kara Scott. Regardless of the opposing opinions, Texas Dolly remained unshaken in his beliefs.

@KaraOTR Kara, this man was an Olympic champion that set all kind of records. That's a woman? My hero? Come on!
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) February 1, 2015

@KaraOTR Bruce's transition to a woman was confirmed today. He may still be some peoples hero, but not me.
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) February 3, 2015

While some were clearly disappointed to see a man they looked up to being closed-minded on the topic, others chimed in with useful opinions and links, trying to educate Brunson on the matter.

.@TexDolly@KaraOTR read up on what it means to be trans, being ignorant doesn't make you a bigot, but willfully being so makes it true.
— Ryan Laplante (@Protentialmn) February 3, 2015

@TexDolly I would recommend watching this 1 hour sermon on the traditional view of homosexuality in the Bible: https://t.co/N43RD58tL5
— Daniel Negreanu (@RealKidPoker) February 3, 2015

Only a few of those chiming in were trying to stay neutral, claiming that everyone is entitled to their opinion and that they shouldn’t be scorned for it.

@TexDolly@Protentialmn oh boy! Old school meets new school. Let the old guy have his opinion and the young man have his. #toeachtheirown
— Joanne Lewis (@yojolew) February 3, 2015

After dozens (if not hundreds) of Tweets directed at him, Doyle realized he was fighting a losing battle against the majority that simply don't seem to share his opinion. Nevertheless, despite all the efforts to "educate" him on the topic, Doyle stayed firm in his convictions.

@KaraOTR Wow! my mention box is full of people calling me names.Only 3 favorable tweets out of all. Can't help the way I feel.#betterbequiet
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) February 3, 2015