Lawsuit Filed Against Michael Mizrachi and Full Tilt Poker

Michael “The Grinder” Mizrachi and Full Tilt Poker have found themselves to be the targets of a lawsuit by Deliverance Poker, though a recent ruling has left the future of the case in doubt.

The breach of contract lawsuit concerns Mizrachi’s sponsorship dealings during his recent run to the final table at the 2010 World Series of Poker Main Event. As the event moved into the later stages, Mizrachi could be seen wearing Full Tilt Poker clothing. According to Deliverance Poker, Mizrachi was contracted to promote the site during all live tournaments he played in.

Deliverance Poker originally filed for a Temporary Restraining Order on September 7^th, but District Judge James Nowlin noted that the request did not include a “relevant contract.” Three days later, Deliverance Poker refilled their request, including a contract with their second filing.

However, Judge Nowlin denied the request a second time, citing the fact that there was no indication that the “Effective Date” of the contract had taken place. According to details of the contract revealed by Poker News Daily, it was stated that the Effective Date would take place “immediately upon the closing of Deliverance of an offering of debt or equity interests in Deliverance which raises no less than One Million Dollars.” The contract also states that it will automatically terminate if the Effective Date does not take place by August 24^th, 2009.

Nowlin’s ruling also stated that Deliverance Poker “shall not file any amended memoranda in support of additional Temporary Restraining Orders regarding this same matter.” This could limit the ability of Deliverance Poker to further pursue their case.

Mizrachi made an incredible run in this year’s WSOP Main Event, and enters the final table 7^th in chips with 14.4 million. In a first for the tournament, all four Mizrachi brothers cashed in the event. Michael Mizrachi still has a chance to share the WSOP Player of the Year Award as well, provided he can come back to win the event. The Main Event resumes on November 6^th, with the winner taking home $8.94 million.