Is PokerStars Saying Goodbye To Greg Raymer?

If the rumours are true then it would appear that the 2004 WSOP Main Event Champion Greg Raymer has left his sponsored poker room PokerStars, possibly in response to financial incentive cut-backs by the site.
Although the news is yet to be confirmed, women’s top money earner Kathy Liebert would seem to have hinted at the changes currently taking place at PokerStars, after she tweeted the following on Monday:
“I heard that PokerStars was cutting many of their Team Pros’ compensation. Take it or leave it. Greg Raymer left it…I think it’s a bad business decision to cut their pay, but most won’t have a better offer, so they stay.”
Without a doubt the former lawyer turned poker pro has been a major ambassador for PokerStars since joining the site following his $5 million win in Las Vegas in 2004. As well as continuing to be a winning player, Greg “Fossilman” Rayner has also proved to be the most respected WSOP champions since the poker boom explosion in 2003 and tirelessly campaigns on behalf of the Poker Players Alliance, where he sits on the Board of Directors.
Commenting on the loss of such a popular sponsored pro from Pokerstars, online poker pro Cliff “JohnnyBax” Josephy had his own slant on the matter and wrote on the TwoPlusTwo forum:
“I think it is pretty simple. I don’t think it is anything personal against Greg, as he has been a very good ambassador. PokerStars has already saturated the USA and they feel there are better places to put their marketing $ to work.”
Although no official announcement as to Raymers departure has been made, apparently the 46 year-old’s photo no longer appears on the site. When asked by PokerStars pro Pat Pezzin on TwoPlusTwo why he no longer had a red star by his name, Raymer replied:  “Long story, call me if you’d like.”
If the rumours prove true and Greg Raymer’s exit is confirmed, then it will surely be a loss for Pokerstars.