A former premier of Tasmania was forcibly ejected from Crown Melbourne after allegedly causing a disturbance during a game of Texas Hold ’Em.
Paul Lennon, 58, who led Tasmania’s government from 2004 to 2008, was escorted from the casino in wrist restraints by five security guards, according to news reports.
One report citing an anonymous witness said Lennon had started berating a woman at the table whom he accused of touching his gaming chips. Security staff asked him several times to quiet down before finally asking him to leave. As he was led out, Lennon reportedly asked the guards, “Don’t you know who I am?”
Lennon told a different story, defending his conduct and calling the incident “ridiculous.”
He claims he was ejected for breaking a rule by licking his index finger before picking up his cards. The dealer took offense, he said, and demanded he be moved from the table. Lennon said he complied but was then manhandled by staff. He said he was the one to call police.
He was issued a violation by police for failing to leave a licensed premises, which carries a maximum fine of A$739.
