In Part 1 of an exclusive interview series with PokerNews.com, Howard Lederer opens up about his elongated silence since Black Friday, and discusses the early stages of Full Tilt Poker.

Since April 15, 2011, the poker world has waited anxiously to hear from Howard Lederer regarding the downfall of Full Tilt Poker. That wait is officially over.

In Part 1 of this exclusive interview series with PokerNews.com, Lederer explains the reasoning for his elongated silence. He also discusses the early phases of Full Tilt Poker, including his initial impressions of CEO Ray Bitar, the company's original Board of Directors and investors, and more.

Said Lederer about his decision to come forward: "I just think now is the time for the poker public to get some answers to questions that they deserve to have answered; for them to get some facts that have obviously not been shared with them over the last 15 months.

"There were very good reasons why the company and the principals were not discussing these issues in public during the 15 months, but now that the deal has been completed, I think this is the time."

Here is Part 1 of the Howard Lederer Files:

Stay tuned to PokerNews.com for the release of Part 2 later today. For news, updates, and more follow PokerNews on Twitter and Facebook.



Disclaimer: The thoughts and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect those of PokerNews.