Doyle Brunson claims the brother of Gavin Smith is wealthy and, therefore, wonders why the poker community is donating money to the late poker pro’s children. The comments angered many on Poker Twitter.
Smith, a former Full Tilt pro, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep Monday night. The cause of death remains unknown. He was 50-years-old.
Following his death, fellow pro Josh Arieh promoted a GoFundMe to raise money for Gavin’s two young children. In just four days, more than $67,000 out of the $100,000 goal has been raised. But, apparently, not everyone is thrilled with the fundraiser, including one of poker’s all-time greats.
Doyle Brunson Doesn’t Understand
Brunson, 85, faced Gavin on the felt numerous times. His son, Todd, was close friends with the late poker pro. But he questions why Arieh started the GoFundMe.
Is it true that Gavin had a brother that was worth many millions. The kids are supposedly going to live with him. Any truth to this? If so, why are we (the poker community) raising money for them? https://t.co/uIDYZOgrda
— Doyle Brunson (@TexDolly) January 17, 2019
Many poker players criticized Brunson for making that comment. One commenter, @therealgarlando, ripped the poker legend for, as a wealthy man, questioning donations to “a dead guy’s orphaned kids.”
Joy Kendra Brown (@joykendra) claims she knows Smith’s family and said none of Gavin’s relatives are “filthy rich.” Responding to Doyle, she said, “what a weird and kinda awful tweet.”
Robert Mizrachi, a Brunson family friend, stood up for “Texas Dolly.” He said Doyle “has a kind heart and he let (Gavin) stay with open arms at his ranch in Montana.”
Brunson defended his comment in a response to Brown. He wrote, “I see nothing wrong with my tweet. Out of respect I made a good donation but I was wondering if there was truth in what I heard.”
The financial status of Smith’s family or those who will care for his children isn’t publicly known. Either way, most in the poker community, at least based on social media comments, felt Doyle was out of line.
Arieh Responds
Gavin Smith had over $6 million in lifetime tournament cashes. So, some poker players also wondered why donations were needed to help his children. Arieh, a 2004 WSOP Main Event third place finisher, was close to the recently deceased poker star. He didn’t go into details but said on Twitter, “I’m certain the boys need help. I’ll leave it at that.”
He also defended his decision to promote the GoFundMe despite Doyle’s concerns.
This I don’t know. But, even if true, does it hurt to give back to a guy that gave so much to the game? Gavin helped anyone he could, and even times that he couldn’t. It’s our opportunity to show his kids just what Olë G Smith meant to poker https://t.co/q676JKnbRg
— Joshua Arieh (@JoshuaArieh) January 17, 2019
Despite the slight bickering between the poker players, the poker community as a whole has united in support of Gavin and his family these past few days. Thousands on Poker Twitter, some who didn’t even personally know “Ole G Smith,” have sent condolences.
But there’s always that one person in every crowd who rains on the parade. Surprisingly, this week, it was Doyle Brunson.
