Will Kassouf Issues Statement After Being Caught Stealing Chips

English pro William Kassouf issued an apology late last night for what he called “an error of judgment which I greatly regret” and has “parted ways” with his sponsor Grosvenor Poker as result of the “embarrassing incident”...

The statement follows several days of speculation and rumour about Kassouf’s behaviour on a drunken night during the GUKPT stop in Leeds, England – claims that he ‘stole chips from a friend at the roulette table’ emanating from sources close to the Rickmansworth player and spreading virally online among the poker community after Shaun Deeb tweeted the allegations.

In his apology, Kassouf acknowledges he was in the wrong, though stops short of explaining the incident in any detail, writing:

“Last weekend, during the course of a drunken night playing roulette with friends, I made an error of judgment which I greatly regret; something I accept full responsibility for. I have apologised and will apologise again to all my friends who were with me that night for my foolish behaviour”. 

Kassouf’s lack of clarity as to what actually occurred hasn’t cut ice with everyone in the poker world, however, many expecting more by way of explanation...

As PokerTube reported previously, a version of what is alleged to have happened, apparently from an eye-witness, appeared in a private FB poker group, the information being reposted on the 2+2 forum.

Kassouf also apologised to his “family, friends, fans and followers” for his behaviour last weekend, adding that he will:

“…accept the consequences of my actions and would now like to draw a line under this whole matter and move on”.

Whether or not those who have publically vilified the polarising English pro since his controversial Main Event deep run in 2016 will allow this is unclear, but the penalty of losing sponsorship and friends will likely hit Kassouf hard.

His statement seems to make it clear he will not be giving up poker, however, Kassouf writing:

“I will continue to do what I do best by bringing the fun and entertainment factor back to poker as that’s what’s most important to me in my poker career,” adding, “I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at the tables”.

William Kassouf’s statement in full:

“It is with great sadness that I write the following statement but I feel it necessary to clarify the situation now that I’m at liberty to do so.

Last weekend, during the course of a drunken night playing roulette with friends, I made an error of judgment which I greatly regret; something I accept full responsibility for. I have apologised and will apologise again to all my friends who were with me that night for my foolish behaviour.

As a result of this embarrassing incident, my sponsor, Grosvenor Poker and I have mutually agreed to part ways. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone I have worked with at Grosvenor Poker for all they have done for me and I’m proud to have been part of Team Grosvenor.

I would like to apologise to all my family, friends, fans and followers for my behaviour on this occasion. I accept the consequences of my actions and would now like to draw a line under this whole matter and move on.

I will continue to do what I do best by bringing the fun and entertainment factor back to poker as that’s what’s most important to me in my poker career. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to seeing you at the tables.

Thank you all for your understanding.

Much love,

Will"