Thieves caught on video at Worlds, TPCi does nothing
- Thread starter Meesie6x6
- Start date
- Status
CaterpiesAreOP
New Member
If you could identify the MAC address on the stolen Macbook on Gino's logs from his ISP, you could see if he has your laptop if he tried to connect to the internet with it from his residence. To find your MAC address you could just simply ask your ISP for your logs. I mean this is all in theory, the issue of invasion of privacy is still there but I'm just saying. All electronic devices that can connect to the internet have an unique MAC address, cellphones, game consoles, and computers. One cannot change an MAC address be like an IP address. This is how you can identify devices that have been stolen. Of course there are ways to work around this but I will not get into that.
why does the incredibly shady things/angle shooting that Jason has done at World's over the years ever get brought to light? Gino allegedly stealing a laptop with little to no evidence is a HUGE deal apparently, but the MUCH more messed up things that go down go completely under the radar and never discussed?
the situation should have been handled between Jon, Mees, and Gino. There was no reason for Jaosn to make a post about it and keep on lighting the fire over and over. These are the kinds of things that freshmen in high school do.
the situation should have been handled between Jon, Mees, and Gino. There was no reason for Jaosn to make a post about it and keep on lighting the fire over and over. These are the kinds of things that freshmen in high school do.
Last edited by a moderator:
So make a thread and highlight those issues instead of crashing another thread for attention like a high school freshman.
Last edited by a moderator:
jeffrey123
New Member
Gino has never wronged me. But he took the laptop. You are a fool to think otherwise.
So you're telling me that if Gino had beat the crap out of Mees in the hotel lobby, TPCi's stance would be to just let the hotel handle it and continue to allow Gino into future events? I doubt it.
Could you elaborate on what you mean by "in the vast majority of these situations" and "those incidents vastly outnumber the exceptions that have been made"? That is, for what reasons would an exception be made? I'm not asking you to go into specific past examples if you don't wish to, but just some sort of principle or guideline TPCi has used to make these past exceptions. What exactly would warrant a departure from the precedent you described? I'm assuming my above hypothetical would be such an exception, so perhaps you could use that example as an aid.
Thanks, myself and others really do appreciate your participation in this discussion.
Matt A.
Last edited:
Rahul,
I applaud your post...for now. I just want to clarify something - how many times did you say you cheated in this year's LCE at Nats? Were you already confronted by someone before you were eventually caught? I believe if you truly regret what you did and sincerely want a second chance, you need to own up to the whole truth so everyone involved, including yourself, can have a closure and move on.
To everyone else: My apologies for sidetracking the thread a bit, it's just that this story is personal to me.
On topic:
I have heard many horror stories of pokemon cards and stuff being stolen at events, though it had never happened to my son or me personally. But it does make me a bit paranoid and I carry all bags with me at all times everywhere I go at big events even though I have a bad back. This year's Nats is the third time my son and I have been to, and we had a blast even though neither of us did particularly well. One thing especially stood out. During the 3 days, my son had managed to lose his playmat (actually my mat from the New England Regionals this year) 4 times, his 3DS once, and left his 3DS charging with a total stranger. Each time, he got it back from the lost and found, and the stranger. I have to admit that I was a little taken surprised, but very proud of the community nonetheless. However I'm afraid this may get him too spoiled and he'll learn a lesson someday the hard way. You should hear his comebacks at me every time I scolded him for being careless. (I didn't lose my mat, I know exactly where it was, it was on the table where I played my last round, and I'll get to it after I finish my lunch.... I didn't lose or forget my 3DS, it's with someone charging over there .... no, I don't know him.) At the event, I kept telling these stories to anyone who's patient enough to listen to my babbling, and to all my coworkers and friends afterwards, that how great the Pokemon community really is, and how proud I call myself a member of it. Let's keep it this way, let's keep the house clean.
I don't agree with TPCi's handling of this, regardless whether there's enough evidence for any meaningful actions, or how their hands are tied. I wish the situation can be rectified somehow, or at least explained better to us.
Respectfully,
Sean Z.
Throughout the twelve pages, I've gathered this general thought to sum it up for TPCI:
TPCI, we would all feel more comfortable without having known thieves at our events.
Between the photos and whatever he did on Facebook, I don't know what more they need. It makes for a bad community. Especially right now when people are on the fence about all the changes. This could really dissuade people from sticking with the game.
Rahul, I don't know you too well outside of seeing you at events but I'm sure many will appreciate your honestly for owning up to what you did while offering some real insight.
I also really like the part of the community which Sean Z discussed. I have also lost items at events and had them all returned to me or I found them at the lost and found. It is nice having the comfort of an honest community. I feel that is the biggest threat here.
TPCI, we would all feel more comfortable without having known thieves at our events.
Between the photos and whatever he did on Facebook, I don't know what more they need. It makes for a bad community. Especially right now when people are on the fence about all the changes. This could really dissuade people from sticking with the game.
Rahul, I don't know you too well outside of seeing you at events but I'm sure many will appreciate your honestly for owning up to what you did while offering some real insight.
I also really like the part of the community which Sean Z discussed. I have also lost items at events and had them all returned to me or I found them at the lost and found. It is nice having the comfort of an honest community. I feel that is the biggest threat here.
Last edited:
homeofmew
Active Member
Well, if you read the email Mees provided, Gino and Jon were in Mees Room the night before for a party.
So there's more going on then we know.
If Mees Invited Jon and Gino to his room, obviously he trusted them somewhat, and if this is the case why didn't they try to steal cards in the room and not in an area that's public or that has a camera?
but when it comes down to the end of the day Jon did take cards from mees bag, that belonged to mees..
just some food for thought.
Last edited:
Rahul:
I very much commend you for coming forward. It is never easy to admit moments of weakness. The match you were caught in resulted in no harm to your opponent as you were disqualified. I think it would be even more up-standing of you to admit what you also did in the LCQ game just prior to your disqualification game. That wasn't such a zero-sum game. Your opponent in that game is someone with the highest integrity in the game. You pulled the same discard shenanigans in that game as well. However your opponent cut you some slack as he considered you a friend. What did that get him? Cheating is not victimless. You ended the World's dream for someone who likely would have made it. He deserved better.
I understand the pressures involved and I do commend you for breaking the ice. However, apologies to your victims are appropriate. In total only you know who they are.
Last edited:
JandPDS
New Member
Stealing is a Criminal act. Someone who steal by definition then is a Criminal. If the evidence shows that Gino stole the laptop then in is not harsh but accurate to call him a Criminal. And if TCPI is silent on this then they are condoning theft with their inaction on the matter. So lock your stuff up at tourneys now as thieves will start to be more brazen if the think that there will not be any consequences if they are caught. (It not like the police are going to do anything about a stolen deck report look at what happened to that player at nationals who tried to report s stolen deck and was basically laughed at by the responding officer)
Here's some more food for thought. A dishonest man will first try and convince you he is your friend before taking the wallet from your pocket.
anotherpokeparent
New Member
As a PokeDad in the New England, I have to say I'm extremely disappointed
in TPCI's decision. A lot of the people are worried about the National and
Worlds scene being impacted, but failing to act, I feel TPCI has
made a huge impact on the New England competitive area.
While I heard Gino was one to watch in terms of playing the card game, this
situation takes it to another level. Yes, Gino hasn't been convicted, but
I think there's a enough evidence here (and from experiences of
others, I never had problems with him at the card game level but was told to watch him the times I've played him) that the average person can at least form the opinion that this
person isn't someone you want to be around.
Does anyone want to go to a small tournament that he's a part of and
potentially play him (can you say awkward)? Does anyone want their
children playing in the same tournament? While I've taught my children to
watch their cards; if I can avoid a situation where I put them near such
characters, I will. I don't want to deal with that "teaching moment". And
I will warn the parents of other young players whom I'm trying to get into
the competitive world. I'm sure they'll feel great about that situation.
And yes, for those people who like to blame the victims, I am trying to
avoid being a victim.
For those masters who may be glad to see the non-competitive pokeparent and
junior level players go, guess what? Who's going to be the fodder for
propping up the championship points and kickers, and who's helping pay for
the prizes in the long run? Top cut will be much smaller, and prizes may
eventually shrink for the region. I'm sure TPCI will love to see the
future demographics disappear from a region.
I'm sure all those new TOs will be glad to be put into the situation where
they may have to deal with this. I think all those store owners will be
glad to know of the situation too. Shoplifting is part of the business,
but potentially inviting it to your doorstep is something else. Do you ask
him to leave if he shows up so the rest of the players feel more
comfortable? Is there a potential for a disturbance? Both stores and TOs
are too short staffed to have someone keep an eye on him at all times. How
many of those places will keep wanting to hold League Challenges if they
have to deal with that?
Summary of wall of text:
Players won't be happy
Parents of younger players won't be happy
TO's won't be happy
Stores won't be happy
Sounds like a great season.
Yes I was vague as to who I am in order to avoid any potential conflicts (verbal or otherwise) in the presence of my children. But if needed I will stand my ground. This is what TPCi has brought to our door.
in TPCI's decision. A lot of the people are worried about the National and
Worlds scene being impacted, but failing to act, I feel TPCI has
made a huge impact on the New England competitive area.
While I heard Gino was one to watch in terms of playing the card game, this
situation takes it to another level. Yes, Gino hasn't been convicted, but
I think there's a enough evidence here (and from experiences of
others, I never had problems with him at the card game level but was told to watch him the times I've played him) that the average person can at least form the opinion that this
person isn't someone you want to be around.
Does anyone want to go to a small tournament that he's a part of and
potentially play him (can you say awkward)? Does anyone want their
children playing in the same tournament? While I've taught my children to
watch their cards; if I can avoid a situation where I put them near such
characters, I will. I don't want to deal with that "teaching moment". And
I will warn the parents of other young players whom I'm trying to get into
the competitive world. I'm sure they'll feel great about that situation.
And yes, for those people who like to blame the victims, I am trying to
avoid being a victim.
For those masters who may be glad to see the non-competitive pokeparent and
junior level players go, guess what? Who's going to be the fodder for
propping up the championship points and kickers, and who's helping pay for
the prizes in the long run? Top cut will be much smaller, and prizes may
eventually shrink for the region. I'm sure TPCI will love to see the
future demographics disappear from a region.
I'm sure all those new TOs will be glad to be put into the situation where
they may have to deal with this. I think all those store owners will be
glad to know of the situation too. Shoplifting is part of the business,
but potentially inviting it to your doorstep is something else. Do you ask
him to leave if he shows up so the rest of the players feel more
comfortable? Is there a potential for a disturbance? Both stores and TOs
are too short staffed to have someone keep an eye on him at all times. How
many of those places will keep wanting to hold League Challenges if they
have to deal with that?
Summary of wall of text:
Players won't be happy
Parents of younger players won't be happy
TO's won't be happy
Stores won't be happy
Sounds like a great season.
Yes I was vague as to who I am in order to avoid any potential conflicts (verbal or otherwise) in the presence of my children. But if needed I will stand my ground. This is what TPCi has brought to our door.
homeofmew
Active Member
I can see someone bad pulling that off but it is a lot more effort. This isn't like an instance I heard about at a YGO event where 2 people literally jumped on a guy for his cards, this was thought out. My only point was they seemed to had other times in which they could have pulled off the card stealing.
Doing it in an open area in front of the desk as in the picture with other people and the camera is a lot more risky then them taking it from the room.
I also wanted to imply there may be personal Drama between Mees, Gino and Jon that led to the theft, now I am not saying this justifies the theft that Jon admitted to.
/*==================*/
PS: for those who don't know Jon does admit to taking mees cards as he did send them back, however the side drama was that Mees had some if Jon's cards in his bag as they claim.
So far in this entire thread I didn't give my opinion on if they should get banned. Here's what i think
1. Jon came forward if he was to be banned it should be from 2 ish years since he did send the materials back and there is precedence for this situation (06?) I think the famous backpack and flight tickets issue. Maybe less since I'm not sure if those items were recovered.
- Before Any TPCI chimes in on this yes I know the backpack incident theft was DURING the event.
As per Gino there is no proof he has the macbook in the case he's lying about the entire thing his case would be more severe.
Last edited:
mosherstomper
New Member
I'm seeing one word here used over and over.
Thug.
The Pokemon community overall is a very kind and accepting community. And one thing is for sure we don't have any thugs playing this game. Thieves and liars maybe. But small crimes are just that.
Granted a MacBook has quite a price tag on it, but this still doesn't warrant the label thug.
It doesn't take much to be intimidating in a card game community.
I'm just completely disgusted by the amount of people who look at Gino and assume he's some hardened criminal who bullies and steals.
I love this community because for the most part it's completely naive about these things. 99% of the player base wouldn't know a "thug" if he hit them in the face.
I'm disgusted out how so many people are quick to judge someone based on appearance. It's discrimination.
I'm not defending Gino. I'm angry because so many people are saying he looks like a thug of course he did it. He bullied people because he has muscles and tattoos. When honestly in a community full of kind trusting people it would be so east for anyone to take advantage of that.
He's not a thug. He's not a punk.
Hi might be a thief a, a liar and a cheater. But at the end of the day he's doing those things to get ahead in a children's card game. Thats what you call a paper gangster, a wangster or a poser. Someone pretending and taking advantage of people that are naive.
And that's if all these allegations are true.
Also Rahul, I lost a lot of respect when I heard what you did at nats. And you just gained it all back. Your young and impressionable. We all make mistakes kid but it takes some master balls to admit a mistake. That's what a man does I'm proud of you.
Inb4 I get banned for using master balls that way.
Thug.
The Pokemon community overall is a very kind and accepting community. And one thing is for sure we don't have any thugs playing this game. Thieves and liars maybe. But small crimes are just that.
Granted a MacBook has quite a price tag on it, but this still doesn't warrant the label thug.
It doesn't take much to be intimidating in a card game community.
I'm just completely disgusted by the amount of people who look at Gino and assume he's some hardened criminal who bullies and steals.
I love this community because for the most part it's completely naive about these things. 99% of the player base wouldn't know a "thug" if he hit them in the face.
I'm disgusted out how so many people are quick to judge someone based on appearance. It's discrimination.
I'm not defending Gino. I'm angry because so many people are saying he looks like a thug of course he did it. He bullied people because he has muscles and tattoos. When honestly in a community full of kind trusting people it would be so east for anyone to take advantage of that.
He's not a thug. He's not a punk.
Hi might be a thief a, a liar and a cheater. But at the end of the day he's doing those things to get ahead in a children's card game. Thats what you call a paper gangster, a wangster or a poser. Someone pretending and taking advantage of people that are naive.
And that's if all these allegations are true.
Also Rahul, I lost a lot of respect when I heard what you did at nats. And you just gained it all back. Your young and impressionable. We all make mistakes kid but it takes some master balls to admit a mistake. That's what a man does I'm proud of you.
Inb4 I get banned for using master balls that way.
darkwing34
New Member
My opinions on the topic:
1) Jon should be temp-banned for a year because, while he was getting what was his, he did go through another player's bag to get it and accidentally stole cards in the process.
2) Gino should be perma-banned. Until just recently, I was in full support of Gino (note that I was also unknowing of previous incidents involving Gino cheating or stealing). Even after Mees released the security picture, I continued to defend Gino because the star tattoos on his elbows weren't visible. Then another player posted a previous picture of Gino showing other tattoos that matched the security image. Imagine my reaction as someone who previously looked up to Gino. Considering how Gino has had previous incidents of stealing, I would say that banning him in general is a solid decision.
3) Rahul, I had no clue about you cheating at the Last Chance event at Nats. Had I known, I would have had absolutely zero respect for you. The post you made, however, certainly took a lot of guts. I truly hope that you don't quit mainly because how many people can X-0 US Nats? Not that many. You show so much potential. That being said, it is your decision and I'll support that decision no matter what it is.
1) Jon should be temp-banned for a year because, while he was getting what was his, he did go through another player's bag to get it and accidentally stole cards in the process.
2) Gino should be perma-banned. Until just recently, I was in full support of Gino (note that I was also unknowing of previous incidents involving Gino cheating or stealing). Even after Mees released the security picture, I continued to defend Gino because the star tattoos on his elbows weren't visible. Then another player posted a previous picture of Gino showing other tattoos that matched the security image. Imagine my reaction as someone who previously looked up to Gino. Considering how Gino has had previous incidents of stealing, I would say that banning him in general is a solid decision.
3) Rahul, I had no clue about you cheating at the Last Chance event at Nats. Had I known, I would have had absolutely zero respect for you. The post you made, however, certainly took a lot of guts. I truly hope that you don't quit mainly because how many people can X-0 US Nats? Not that many. You show so much potential. That being said, it is your decision and I'll support that decision no matter what it is.
- Status