My current read-

When Feldman first announced this million dollar buy-in cash game, Garrett quickly tweeted that he would be interested if a seat was open. I, as many probably thought at the time, figured that there was discussions privately between Feldman/Vertuccii/ &/or Adelstein prior to this tweet. That this million dollar buy-in game would be the perfect time for Garrett to come back to the stream. The game itself would over power the news that he was coming back. Therefore, diffusing at least some of the controversy with regards to the 135K or any other unresolved issues

I was wrong. It seems as if Garrett has not talked to Nick or Ryan in a long time. That the relationship is in shambles. Furthermore, Garrett’s tweet was truly a “feeler” tweet to see if he would be welcomed into this game. Nick mentions in the podcast that players are more comfortable buying in deeper without Garrett at the table.

So Ryan has obviously been trying to get a group of players willing to buy-in for a million dollars to build this game. Who knows where he stands with Eric Persson. It seems that probably having Garrett in that game is a non starter for a lot of these guys. Therefore, Garrett’s feeler tweet kind of forced Feldman to make a decision as to Garrett being welcomed back or not.

Prior to the tweet, Garrett was voluntarily taking a leave. Hustler had originally made it clear that Garrett was welcomed back (Not Robbi btw). So what changed? This Million Dollar buy-in game and getting guys to play in it imho. In constructing a game of that size nowadays the players (whales) have all the leverage. If they don’t want Garrett in it, then he won’t be there.

I think it’s much more of the changing of the game/power dynamics in the high stakes game that is keeping Garret away, rather than how he handled the whole J4 situation. Too much time has passed and the dynamics have changed. If the whales were fine having him play, I believe HCL would have him back.