TSG caught stealing from Channel:Fireball

[Julian23]

http://www.channelfireball.com/home/announcement-regarding-tristan-shaun-gregson/


Two weeks ago, it came to light that approximately 50 copies of 4 of the top selling Avacyn Restored cards were missing from the ChannelFireball inventory. Upon investigation, an eBay seller by the name of “eldraziseller” was selling these exact cards in the approximate quantity missing from the Channelfireball inventory. In early 2010, “eldraziseller” had changed his eBay name from “gregsonsw.” When ChannelFireball management contacted eBay, eBay confirmed that the account was owned by a Shaun Gregson. [...] LSV

Wow, really? TSG never struck me as an exceptional player, but I liked him as the host of MagicTV and a person. I wonder what kind of desperation (or just sheer greed?) made him steal from one of the prime franchises in Magic that he was part of?

It must be shocking to investigate the whole thing and suddenly the name of a friend pops up on your screen when you check ebay names.

[Koby]

Well that sucks for CFB - product loss at the hands of employees is always a difficult task, especially for the higher echelon.

Business aside, why is this even published? The article made it sound that the police are already involved. This is just public shaming for shame's sake. What is the purpose of calling the individual out when he's already been caught?

[Goin Aggro]

Well that sucks for CFB - product loss at the hands of employees is always a difficult task, especially for the higher echelon.

Business aside, why is this even published? The article made it sound that the police are already involved. This is just public shaming for shame's sake. What is the purpose of calling the individual out when he's already been caught?

I think this is just a step towards preventing malicious rumors from being circulated. If they didn't say anything and people start asking questions about why TSG is no longer with CFB or doing Magic TV, the sky is the limit about what people could say or make up about both TSG and CFB in explanation.

The announcement they released is pretty good because it
1) Gives an explanation and reasoning for why CFB decided to sever ties with TSG.

2) Shows the multiple steps they took to ensure that they were not acting hastily or without sufficient proof.

3) Doesn't actively condemn him as a thief or smear TSG.

[Koby]

I think this is just a step towards preventing malicious rumors from being circulated. If they didn't say anything and people start asking questions about why TSG is no longer with CFB or doing Magic TV, the sky is the limit about what people could say or make up about both TSG and CFB in explanation.

The announcement they released is pretty good because it
1) Gives an explanation and reasoning for why CFB decided to sever ties with TSG.

2) Shows the multiple steps they took to ensure that they were not acting hastily or without sufficient proof.

3) Doesn't actively condemn him as a thief or smear TSG.

People will rumor regardless. Now, people are rumoring what else he stole, for how long, etc. The issue has already been kicked to the right direction (police). Why put TSG on the court of Public Opinion?

CFB as a business does not need to explain why it fired an employee. They are not a publicly traded company. They are not beholden to us. In posting their "investigation" they are de facto shaming TSG in a matter that is already in police hands. It reflects poorly on CFB to air out their dirty laundry. Are you going to ask your LGS to inform you on their hiring/firing transactions now too, just so rumors don't begin?

Let's be honest here - who was watching Magic TV to see TSG? Conversely, who was watching Magic TV to see LSV and friends? TSG was used as a foil to Pros featured on that show. That is all.

[Amon Amarth]

I don't think they would out TSG unless they were sure. He was a public figure, one of the faces of CFB. A lot of people liked TSG and would be understandably confused by his sudden absence. He had his fans. He, seemingly, was a nice guy and was entertaining to watch. But, man, sucks to be LSV about now. I don't know how I would react to that kind of betrayal.

[baghdadbob]

Not gunna lie I loled.

[JDK]

I don't see a problem with the statement provided by LSV/CFB. TSG's not being denounced, but CFB simply stated the reasons for parting with him. I believe it's the right move, because if they didn't inform us, people would speculate and maybe even hold a grudge against CFB for whatever reason.

[cdr]

People will rumor regardless. Now, people are rumoring what else he stole, for how long, etc. The issue has already been kicked to the right direction (police). Why put TSG on the court of Public Opinion?

Completely different than if they said nothing. The rumors if nothing had been said would be on a whole different scale, you cannot equate the two. I did one read of the CFB statement and my interest in the matter was over with. That would not have been the case if they had elected to remain vague.


CFB as a business does not need to explain why it fired an employee. They are not a publicly traded company. They are not beholden to us. In posting their "investigation" they are de facto shaming TSG in a matter that is already in police hands. It reflects poorly on CFB to air out their dirty laundry. Are you going to ask your LGS to inform you on their hiring/firing transactions now too, just so rumors don't begin?

They don't need to not explain either. They parted ways with TSG, it's completely reasonable to explain why up front, sticking to facts only. And they did stick to just facts - if anyone is shaming TSG it's TSG.


Let's be honest here - who was watching Magic TV to see TSG? Conversely, who was watching Magic TV to see LSV and friends? TSG was used as a foil to Pros featured on that show. That is all.

The only reason I watched C-F videos was for TSG. The only magic player with near the same amount of comfort in front of the camera is Tom Martell. Magic players are almost universally awkward, not something I enjoy watching.

Anyway, I thought C-F handled the statement near perfectly. Short and just the facts about what happened.

[HAVE HEART]

Deserved to be shamed anyway.

[Malchar]

I never liked TSG's videos anyway. The commentary was boring and felt forced. I'll be looking forward to more videos featuring Matt Sperling!

[CookedChestnuts]

Personally, I strongly dislike Matt Sperling. His attitude is so goddamn Liberal (not that there's anything wrong with that) and annoying, especially on Facebook posts and Twitter.

Some specific examples include ANY (and I mean ANY) of his Rule of Law articles where he discusses a specific player and their attitude/behavior, and about a month ago when Eric Froehlic and Jacob Van Lunen were at a small Twitter feud over JVL's commentary.

Sad to see Tristan leave, I wonder how long he's been doing this stuff for (or if this is his first time).

[KevinTrudeau]

Not gunna lie I loled.

Agreed. Probably one of the funnier headlines I've read all year (I mean no offense towards CFB whatsoever in saying that, of course).

[bfeingersh]

http://i.imgur.com/vMZSq.png

(thanks goodgamery)

[mishima_kazuya]

http://i.imgur.com/vMZSq.png

(thanks goodgamery)


Not sure if should ROFL or say "Too soon :frown: "

[dahcmai]

I loled



Anyway, I figure that was probably the best thing they could have done. It's simple, straightforward, and leaves no room for rumors. More than likely exactly the goal.

[Malchar]

Personally, I strongly dislike Matt Sperling. His attitude is so goddamn Liberal (not that there's anything wrong with that) and annoying, especially on Facebook posts and Twitter.

Some specific examples include ANY (and I mean ANY) of his Rule of Law articles where he discusses a specific player and their attitude/behavior, and about a month ago when Eric Froehlic and Jacob Van Lunen were at a small Twitter feud over JVL's commentary.

Sad to see Tristan leave, I wonder how long he's been doing this stuff for (or if this is his first time).

I suppose that's fair. I haven't read any of his articles. I just enjoy his videos.

[xfxf]

The only magic player with near the same amount of comfort in front of the camera is Tom Martell.

Todd Anderson.

[bruizar]

That flavor text. Perfection

[Royal Ass.]

I found this news shocking and sad. I will miss TSG's contribution to the Magic TV videos. I agree with CFB's decision to make this public in the manner they chose. TSG was a public figure in the community so it makes sense that there would be an explanation with his firing. If it was some random warehouse guy who was not a public figure than they shouldn't make something like that public, but that was not the case here.

I'd be interested to hear an explanation from TSG. I wonder if SCG will make this a legal matter in civil court and go for their lost earnings.

[Aggro_zombies]

I found this news shocking and sad. I will miss TSG's contribution to the Magic TV videos. I agree with CFB's decision to make this public in the manner they chose. TSG was a public figure in the community so it makes sense that there would be an explanation with his firing. If it was some random warehouse guy who was not a public figure than they shouldn't make something like that public, but that was not the case here.

I'd be interested to hear an explanation from TSG. I wonder if SCG will make this a legal matter in civil court and go for their lost earnings.
What is there to explain? He took cards from ChannelFireball's inventory and sold them on ebay. There are no mitigating factors he could have to justify stealing from his employer and profiting off the proceeds, and if they have the proof then how can he contest it? "Someone else robbed the store and then hacked my ebay account to frame me"?

EDIT: I agree with LSV's decision to post a statement about it. TSG was really the face of the store, with his Magic TV stuff, so it makes sense to me to announce what has happened.

[Lord Seth]

For whatever it's worth, I have to wonder if the public announcement may have also just been motivated by a desire to warn other Magic-related employers about him.

[Malchar]

For whatever it's worth, I have to wonder if the public announcement may have also just been motivated by a desire to warn other Magic-related employers about him.

Yea probably. It's the same as the people who come on here and warn about shady vendors. My impression was that the message sent out by Channel Fireball was appropriate and not overly shaming.

[Royal Ass.]

What is there to explain? He took cards from ChannelFireball's inventory and sold them on ebay. There are no mitigating factors he could have to justify stealing from his employer and profiting off the proceeds, and if they have the proof then how can he contest it? "Someone else robbed the store and then hacked my ebay account to frame me"?

EDIT: I agree with LSV's decision to post a statement about it. TSG was really the face of the store, with his Magic TV stuff, so it makes sense to me to announce what has happened.

Oh, I don't expect him to be able to justify his actions or anything like that, I'm just curious as to what his mental state was/is, whether he seems remorseful, how he responds generally, etc.

[evanmartyr]

He should be shamed. Theft is shameful.