Eskimo Clark froze in mid-bet, then collapsed during the Stud Hi-Lo event last weekend, resulting in a stoppage of play, the Poker Sauna tent being cleared out while he received medical attention, and him being rushed to the hospital. Reports ranged from a heart attack to a stroke, and regardless of the real issue, he had to have play stopped twice this week during the $1,500 Razz event so that he could receive medical attention at the table. Clark made it through the day without dying, and then made the final table all the way to fourth place, his highest finish so far at the final table.
But is it worth it? I think Harrah’s should ban Clark from play until he gets medical clearance, much like you don’t send a linebacker back into the game with a concussion, allowing Clark to continue to play just opens Harrah’s up for liability if something happens. And that’s not to mention the effect it will have on the other players at the table. Just think, you’re sitting there afraid to check-raise this dude, because he could blow an O-ring if you draw out on him!
The more I hear about Clark’s predicament, the more concerned I am. There’s nothing poetic about playing through the pain of a heart problem. There’s nothing noble about being so stuck you have to be willing to die at the table to pay off your debts. And there’s no room for anyone to turn the other way as this shit happens. Please, ban Eskimo. For the good of the game if not for some modicum of concern for another human being.