I can really sympathize with everyone's frustration on this thread. But I challenge you to consider something further...
As a theoretical exercise - doesTCPi have the responsibility to be "the world's policeman". Where would you find an acceptable line between clear wrongdoing and no consequences from Pokemon? If a regular Pokemon player stole a car, was arrested (or not), bragged about it on Facebook, wrecked the car and tried to get insurance from the wreck - in other words was doing some pretty extensive "bad" things - would TCPi have any business knowing about (or acting on) that information? If you commit tax fraud or counterfit checks, should Pokemon ban you from playing in tournaments?
I hope you all can consider that there might be a firm line here which this incident crossed (even if just barely) that takes it out of the realm of TCPi's jurisdiction. Is it the right line? I certainly don't know enough about the discussions and deliberation which led to their decision to say. But I do believe in "innocent until proven guilty" - even if they aren't really accused of anything.
The comparison you make isn’t entirely accurate. This is within the purview of TPCi because:
1. The two involved are both players- this is their relationship. Pokemon is why there exists a relationship.
2. The two were gathered together for the sake of playing in a pokemon tournament.
3. It happened in the hotel where Worlds was taking place.
The analogy you use, of someone stealing a car, wrecking it, etc. is not the same because it lacks the fundamental element that this situation has- it involves pokemon players. To quote the
penalty guidelines:
Pokémon Organized Play may issue suspensions to players who disrupt other players or the events they attend.
Disrupting other players, or disrupting the events is grounds for suspension. This is directly affecting the brand, the game, the event (and future events), and players. This is why your arguments falls short.
You know, this is really a lose/lose situation for TPCi. We see what happens when they choose not to ban the offenders, but what would the thread have been like if they did ban Jon and Gino? TPCi would not comment on the reason for the bans, speculation would run rampant, and the mob with their pitchforks would be yelling about TPCi banning a well known player.
People are going to be mad either way, which has to be really frustrating.
Even if that WERE the case, one situation runs the risk of losing more. If you have on your hands a situation where either outcome is negative, you should opt for the less negative outcome. I think possibly overstepping boundaries (though PRECEDENCE shows that this is not something new or outside their habits and behavior) is a better outcome than doing nothing and allowing this tarnished image and future possibility of incident.
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Here is what we have:
1. Report created by the hotel security staff describing that two individuals were seen ON VIDEO rummaging through ONE particular person’s belongings, and then removing items from that person’s luggage, and exiting the hotel.
2. The photos are not evidence of the stealing. The photos are the two individuals the hotel security saw rummage and exit with items from the luggage, and what was presented to Mees to see if he could identify the two individuals caught on video rummaging his belongings. It could be some other bro-looking guy, but there’s a 99.99% chance that’s Gino Lombardi. Did he steal a macbook? Is that a binder or macbook in the bag he is holding?
ALL IRRELEVENT. The hotel security sends a written letter to the POLICE confirming that items were taken out of a bag belonging to MEES by these two individuals. They TOOK SOMETHING NOT BELONGING TO THEM from another player, at the hotel for worlds, for which they were both there for the event.
3. Like Moss has said, TPCi doesn’t need to have a crime committed to suspend a player. The mere disruption of other players and the event is enough to warrant a suspension. We don’t have to prove in a court of law that Gino committed larceny. This isn’t a trial. This isn’t a prosecution. You don’t have to prove WHAT was stolen, but there is proof SOMETHING was stolen, and that in and of itself should be enough for suspension. If you doubt that Gino stole something, even in a court of law that doubt wouldn't be appropriate because it's supposed to be beyond a REASONABLE doubt. You should look to see if your doubts are reasonable, or if it's unreasonable, doubt for the sake of arguing.
What I ask those who are disagreeing with the majority is this:
Are you doing this for the sake of being a contrarian? Are you doing this out of a blind allegiance to all actions undertaken by TPCi? Do you honestly believe a suspension is unwarranted, or are you arguing for the sake of arguing? And trust me, as someone who likes to play devil’s advocate and engage in riveting discourse, this isn't the time or place for nonsense like this.
If you want to argue for no reason at all, let’s pick topics like what flavor of ice cream is best. If we are going to legitimate discuss what ought to be done in this situation, leave the BS arguing and contrarianism at the door, please.
C (didn't copy)