WSOP: Rheem The "Bad Boy" Of The November Nine?

David 'Chino' Rheem is the best known of the nine WSOP final table participants. Now some negative headlines about the "Bad Boy" make a circuit. Theft, excessive drinking, drug consumption and some jail time apparently have been part of Rheem's past.

This is obviously not what the officials of the WSOP had in mind for the coverage of the final table participants: David Rheem raises a few eyebrows.

Rheem's Past...

According to media reports, Rheem was involved in several larcenies and was convicted of possession of marijuana eight years ago. For his delinquencies, Rheem had to spend four months in jail in Broward County and was convicted to 30 months on probation. In 2003, Rheem avoided another arrest in Hollywood: The local court sentenced the US American to a prison term. Rheem never appeared before the court though. According to media reports, the arrest warrant is still valid.

...and possible Effects on the Present

All of these are of course aggrieving news for those responsible of the Series. The officials of the WSOP reckoned that they knew nothing about Rheem's past. For Rheem, his past could get into the way of his biggest success. Especially his avoided prison term could raise concerns and a bad atmosphere against him. But maybe it's exactly what the poker fans want: Edged guys with a profile and a history, an American dream: From jailbird to millionaire.

Rheem about the Final Table

Rheem is fired up for the finale in any case, even though he doesn't want to use the interim period to improve his game on his own admission. He has already pictured his strategy for the finale, as he said in a recent interview:

"Well, if the other eight people at the table are
reading this, I’m just going to get piss drunk every night from now
until the final table. I’m not going to plan or think at all. I’m just
going to raise every pot without looking."

How seriously such statements by Rheem are to be taken will only be seen in November. Until then we might also find out if he is really such a "Bad Boy" and if he knows how to capitalize on his story. At the very least we can look forward to more exciting stories about the final table of the WSOP.