Virginia Poker Champion Arrested For Illegal Gambling in Tennessee

When you win one of the events at the World Series of Poker there is not much need to participate in illegal card games, but for one former champion, the desire was too great as he was arrested in a police gambling raid on Friday.

Police received a tip on an illegal poker game and when they arrived, they proceeded to arrest 16 people, one of whom was Paul "Cigar" McKinney, an 82 year old man who as recently as two years ago won a WSOP event.

McKinney won the seniors event two years ago and walked away from that tournament over $200,000 richer, but that apparently was not enough for him, as he and 46 year old Donnie Godsey, were charged with aggravated gambling promotion, as both men were believed to be the brains of the illegal game.

The raid took place in Kingsport, Tennessee, and the former champion was believed to be one of the people that promoted and organized the illegal game.

Police also found Schedule III narcotics in McKinney's pocket at the time of the arrest.



2007-11-06