Some people simply do not deserve the crap they get. Trishelle Cannatella, probably falls into that category. A lot of people, amateur poker players and poker pros alike, had a bit of a chuckle when the news started to break that she would be representing the online poker site, Absolute Poker. Not only did some people talk about another flailing celebrity using the poker industry to prop up their careers, some of them also used the sort of language that would get their knuckles fractured by the ruler of any self respecting parochial school nun. This is simply unfair.
Trishelle earned a sketchy rep during her time on MTV’s “The Real World”. What most people didn’t realize is that, according to Trishelle, the MTV producers were keeping the Real World cast so liquored up that any ratings grabbing suggestion would be enthusiastically embraced. A threesome in a Jacuzzi? Sure! Gargling angry puffer fish? Why not! Exfoliating with turpentine and a match? Go for it! Liquid courage can make people do a lot of stupid things. I am sure most poker players and poker pros have some alcohol fueled skeletons in their closets they would prefer stay behind locked doors.
Absolute Poker did not spontaneously decide their online poker room should represented by Ms. Cannatella. She has been hanging around the industry for a little while, and has not only been playing online and live poker tournaments, but was also a part of a WPT event. So there is no reason to assume that her interest in the sport is anything but genuine.
If there is some sort of reality television purgatory that people get sent to for minor sins, Trishelle has already been there. In the past she has been on the same reality show with Danny Bonaduce AND Hulk Hogan. Most people would rather brush their teeth with a chainsaw than be subjected to that indignity.
She has paid her reality television dues, has played at the WPT, participated in other poker tournaments and seems to be showing a genuine interest in the game. We should welcome her until she starts acting like the late Brandi Hawbaker. At that point she is fair game.
