Pokémon TCG: Sword and Shield—Brilliant Stars

What Constitues a long time POP Ban...

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I told you I would let you know what they told me about my ban and here is the letter I got today.

Mrs. Duvall,

We have determined that it is in the best interests of Poke'mon Organize Play, that we suspend your membership in Poke'mon Organized Play effective immediately. Accordingly, your POP ID Number is suspended, and you will not be allowed to participate in listings of POP Ratings on our Website, nor are you welcome to be present at POP sponsored events.

You are to be suspended from all Poke'mon Organized Play events for the duration of the program. You are no longer eligible to play, or participate in POP sponsored events.

Thank you


Dave Schwimmer
Poke'mon Organized Play
Program Manager
[edit: deleted contact info]
Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:

Tell me what you think about that. No explaination of any kind. I did write it exactly the way it is wrote to me. So you be the judge. I at this point don't care anymore. I can still play without them or their support or anything to do with them. They can not stop me from playing with friends and family. I will be buying all my cards second hand from now on and will not be supporting poke'mon in any way with my money. So they put me on a lifetime ban and I am boycotting them by not buying new stuff from them. That includes video games or anything else.
 
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oh they finally sent your letter addressed to you.

they didn't give you an explanation, but it SOUNDS
like you were accused of stealing league product, from the previous posts.
Since you wanted to move your league and your store owner must have took it the wrong way.

also you said you "Rocked the Boat" and made them mad, this is not a good idea, but a lifetime bannable offence, meh. We can love the game but they can make it so we don't like it as much anymore.

I don't think you can sue PUI over this.
 
dedramalfoy said:
I told you I would let you know what they told me about my ban and here is the letter I got today.

Mrs. Duvall,

We have determined that it is in the best interests of Poke'mon Organize Play, that we suspend your membership in Poke'mon Organized Play effective immediately. Accordingly, your POP ID Number is suspended, and you will not be allowed to participate in listings of POP Ratings on our Website, nor are you welcome to be present at POP sponsored events.

You are to be suspended from all Poke'mon Organized Play events for the duration of the program. You are no longer eligible to play, or participate in POP sponsored events.

Thank you


Dave Schwimmer
Poke'mon Organized Play
Program Manager
[edit: deleted contact info]
Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:

Tell me what you think about that. No explaination of any kind. I did write it exactly the way it is wrote to me. So you be the judge. I at this point don't care anymore. I can still play without them or their support or anything to do with them. They can not stop me from playing with friends and family. I will be buying all my cards second hand from now on and will not be supporting poke'mon in any way with my money. So they put me on a lifetime ban and I am boycotting them by not buying new stuff from them. That includes video games or anything else.
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if you don't care so much, then...why...do you care? you certainly aren't doing a good job of proving that you don't care.

one thing is for sure: PUI won't tell us what your ban is about, as it should be--its none of our business. and you won't tell us what happened, and even if you did, how do we know you are lying? because you are a mother, therefore you always tell the truth? this is a messageboard--people can post everything. but for you to come on here and flip out on PUI and the entire card game itself because you MOST LIKELY know what you did is pure lunacy.

and don't think you are going to get anyone on these forums to follow you in your boycott. if you are a parent, start acting like a good role model for your kids and grow up for crying out loud.
 
dedramalfoy said:
Mrs. Duvall,

.....

Thank you

Dave Schwimmer

.....
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What's the meaning of "Thank you" in the salutation? Probably should've been something more like "Good-bye." :biggrin:

When the "victim" has the power to pronounce sentence on those who victimize them, the sentence will most certainly be harsh. So, until POP decides to "step-back" and allow a more independent authority to determine guilt and the duration of a ban, objectivity is purely at the whim of the "victim" (or the victim's advocate).
 
In Answer to Benlugia's post I really do not care but I feel that the ones who know me and kindof support me would like to know what they say. I have told the truth about what happened to me. I indeed have not lied. I never said that I am a mother either. Seeing how you would like to know if I am or not a mother. I don't have a child living that is. I feel that they owe me an explaination in writting why the feel I am a bad person is that to much to ask for? When one person had stolen from the league they only banned him for 2 years and he was caught putting it up for sale on e-bay. I dare them to find anything I have sold on e-bay. They will find nothing at all. So if you don't like what I have written then don't read it. I do not expect anyone to follow me in my boycott. If this happens to you then you would be mad at them also. I can tell you have never been acussed of this or anything like this. Until you do you will never understand.
 
Martin said:
Eeeeeeeh. It's not really our game. Take it or leave it.
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Martin,

Actually, this game really belongs to ALL OF US -- not just the "best, of the best, of the best". And if those few who consider themselves "the elite" don't become accountable, and try to improve it -- the game -- you, me, all of us -- will suffer for it.

For one, I'm glad that PUI expects people to behave accordingly, especially at premier events. It's just unfortunate that only biased explanations, usually from the banned person (or their friends) ever get told.

Please -- PLEASE -- understand that I have nothing against you, or your playing ability -- there's no conspiracy here. In fact, I used to party when I was a young pup too. But, the simple truth is, IMHO, all of the "Free Martin" signatures are wrong. And while the community may rally around because "you're a cool guy" (which you undoubtedly are), I personally think that some bans (and yours in particular) are warranted. You really messed up that night, and all of the confusing details about theft, girls, and other activities (which appear to be unrelated incidents) don't hide the fact that you shamed yourself, and your national title that evening.

Why am I landing on you? Because I watched firsthand what a GREAT player you are. My son and I stood 10 feet away from you, for over two hours, when you won your National's title. Of course, we never personally met, so I wouldn't expect you to remember us standing there.

But, in the early morning hours of that Sunday at World's, I'd bet a million dollars that you wouldn't even remember me if I was Santa Claus. You were so wasted -- a blackout staggering drunk.

You've given the impression that you partied in the privacy of your hotel room that night? Nah. That isn't how I saw it. So, here we are again -- my son and I -- but this time the National Champion is literally bouncing off 3 different walls of the elevator. And you weren't going upstairs to sleep it off, like you've stated -- you were going down -- into the game room on the 4th floor. Yep, where all the die-hard players (and kids) were still playing, trading, etc. As you took a 5 foot wide path to walk (after you got out of the elevator), my son really saw you through different eyes.

Is being this "loaded" your own business? Yep -- definitely -- at home! But as the reigning champ at World's, it does become PUI's concern, don't you think? And since it was in my face -- as an overprotective parent -- it also inadvertently became my business, eh? After all, your right to enjoy yourself did have an impact on my son's experience and happiness at World's.

If you're the person I think you are, maybe it's time to become more than a good Pokemon player. You weren't banned for "no reason". Admit it. Accept it. Tell your friends to do the same. But even more importantly, please -- again, PLEASE -- develop that great personality of yours into being the leader here. Too many people have developed undue wrath because of your ban. As their good friend, and respected peer, can't you tell the rest of these guys (Lafonte, Elite 4, etc.) to quit slamming the game? Can't you help them turn this whole elite mentality in something positive -- maybe like the "sages" of the game? All it would take is someone like you -- one of the game's best -- to start changing everyone else's attitude.

"Reputation is for time. Character is for eternity."
 
So because Martin is our National Champion and a "name" figure, his actions should be held to a higher standard than everyone else's? If Martin was bad at Pokemon, would you still have the same feelings?


Everyone acts like the good players of this game get "breaks" that others don't; quite the opposite, they're held under a microscope to where you can get banned for doing nothing different that what plenty of other players, judges, and staff were doing in the bar that same night.
 
Moss Factor said:
plenty of other players, judges, and staff were doing in the bar that same night.
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I wasn't there, so maybe you can answer this: How many wasted, sloppy drunk judges/staff did you see that night?
 
My current question, a little of topic, is this.

Why are the Players in Lafonte posting the link to their site when: A) no one can join (I know I tried), and B) the photos on the main page seen to show those who are members in less than "Elite" conditions?

Just a question. Feel free to answer or PM me the answers.

Back to back posts merged. The following information has been added:

Moss Factor said:
So because Martin is our National Champion and a "name" figure, his actions should be held to a higher standard than everyone else's? If Martin was bad at Pokemon, would you still have the same feelings?


Everyone acts like the good players of this game get "breaks" that others don't; quite the opposite, they're held under a microscope to where you can get banned for doing nothing different that what plenty of other players, judges, and staff were doing in the bar that same night.
Click to expand...


But were the players, judges, and staff that you are reffering to of the legal age to be in such a condition, and in a bar, not wondering the property of the hotel?

To point out in your first statement, you are right. If Martin was not a Headline Player, no one would care. But, since he is the 2006 Nat Champ, PUI holds his conduct to a higher standard, as they should, because younger players look up to him (as they should). If you were the folks at PUI, would you want the players that look up to the Elite level players (the Champs from the US or elsewhere) and see those Elite players conducting themselves in a manner that brings a negative light to the game? Put youself in the shoes of PUI or the parents of those ppl who idolize you guys. You might see their point of view.

PS: I was not there that night either, it would be interesting to hear your view of the players, judges, and staff members that were in the bar that night. Also not naming names for the good of the game shouldn't stop you from telling us who those ppl were, as it would support your statement. Until you do that, all you have is a statement made by a bitter player, who is upset for their friend.
 
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False. This game dosen't belong to a single person who is on this forum. I don't understand how using a metaphor is going to prove some sort of point to once again single out top preforming players. What suffering are you talking about? Whens the last time a National Champion of this game went up to you and told you to suffer because you are not winning in this game? This isn't bosnia, I'm not going to take food out of your mouth.

Yeah, people should behave accordingly at premier events. Yeah, I did get drunk during the world championships. In fact, my 3 losses in swiss were because I was passed out at table 23. It took 3 judges to carry me out. The whole time as I was being dragged away, I was screaming "Long Live LAFONTE". I apologise for that.

You wanna be the National Champion? PM me your address. I will mail you your brand new trophy. I don't tell anyone to slam the game. I'm not even allowed to play, yet I still am involved in the community, to show you don't need to be in a competitive program to enjoy time with your friends. If you wanna finger point and personally hold me accountable for everything wrong in this game, you can. I don't play for you, or your son. I don't play so you can tell me how much of a bad influence I am. I'll take it, like a man. Go back to Conspiracy theory, I wanted to be known what didn't happen, more-so than what did. Someone had to clear up the rumors, so I had to step up and do it.

I don't agree with my ban, not in the least, however I didn't hold some anti POP rally. I understand the mechanics of buisness and decisions that have to be made on their behalf. I stand by the company no matter what, they have given me a lot. Trips, Cash, and trophys, I appreciate it all. It's a good program, but I really don't need you to question me as a leader. Especially if you haven't walked a mile in my air forces buddy. Try having a parent die on you. Try have people you have held close turn on you and try to take away everything you've earned. Try not having a childhood because you were kept at home taking care of your brother because he is disabled. If it's what you want for me to come out and publically say I'm a bad person, then yes, I am.

Can you sleep easy now?
 
I saw on one particular occasion a group of people in the hotel bar that had clearly had a lot to drink. Then again, they were in a bar. That's what happens in a bar. I'm sure PUI knew about this bar when they registered the hotel. I can only assume that when they left the bar to go to their hotel rooms, they were not 100% sober. Therefore it is safe to assume that there were other intoxicated people in the hotel that night. The only difference is, one of them was the US National Champion of the Pokemon TCG, and the others were not. One of them was banned from playing the Pokemon TCG for a period of time and others were not. Are there double standards? You decide.

Martin: Thank you for sharing your time with me. I can't wait to see you at Nationals buddy. Pokemon for life.

EeveeLover: I am not the only member of this message board with a link to a private message board in their signature. Again, Lafonte members should not be held to a double standard.
 
Moss Factor said:
So because Martin is our National Champion and a "name" figure, his actions should be held to a higher standard than everyone else's? If Martin was bad at Pokemon, would you still have the same feelings?
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Yeah, really. Don't treat National Champions as model people unless they deserve it. I don't really know what the true story is about Martin, so I'm not going to pass judgement. But assuming he is a bad person....

If you don't like him- don't look up to him.
 
The problem is that the top players of anything - whether that be a card game, sports, anything - are in the public spotlight, and are thus seen to represent the game. Misbehaviour in that case gives the game a bad image, and I think this is what PUI wants to avoid.
 
I really think we've gotten everything out of this topic that we could. It would probably be a good idea to lock this topic, I really don't want to get into another public discussion over the SAME thing over and over. If anyone wants to talk to me about it they can AIM messege me at Martin Returns. I'll answer any questions that are left un-answered. I just really hope we can move forward as a community.
 
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