"Recently, Absolute Poker and UB ceased their U.S.-facing operations due to legal developments in the United States," the release stated. "To ensure the on-going viability of the business, it has been necessary to downsize certain aspects of Absolute Poker's and UB's operations. These efficiency measures have been taken to enable the brands to continue to operate their non-U.S.-facing business. …"

"Regrettably, the negative effect of 'Black Friday' has extended to the company's highest profile group of poker professionals, known as 'Team UB.' Consequently, Blanca's executive management team today informed its roster of sponsored pros that, in accordance with the provisions of their agreements, their contracts have been terminated."

The release went on to name Joe Sebok, Prahlad Friedman, Eric Baldwin, Maria Ho, Brandon Cantu, Tiffany Michelle, Scott Ian, Dave Stann, Adam Levy, Bryan Devonshire and Trishelle Cannatella as those affected.

"Yeah, I saw it coming," Levy said. "I pretty much knew … once we saw the way they handled [Black Friday], you knew there wouldn't be any more operations in the U.S., so [American] pros were kind of pointless for them to have."

This was inevitable. In the wake of Black Friday, the company reportedly has referenced the downsizing and restructuring of their company in previous news releases. It no longer is playing with the big boys and, as such, can't pretend it is by paying its now-former pros big boy bucks.

Now, two questions linger:

1) Will any of these pros be able to find work with other companies? The reality is they'll have difficulty due to the lack of a US market to make them viable.

2) What will the pros share about their time with UB and AP?

Some industry critics called for the pros to boycott UB/AP sponsorship money in the wake of their respective 2008 scandals. Those same people will be listening closely now to the discarded players and wondering if the recent news will result in the full disclosure and give some insight for those American players who fear they'll never see their online monies returned. The price for those men though, may be perceived disloyalty to a former employer and as such a potential nail in the coffin for future sponsorship deals.

Joe Sebok, who has represented and been the main voice for the company over the past few years, released his own statement on Monday.

These 11 are now added to a continually expanding free-agent pool that some feel may see a further influx of US-based Full Tilt Poker and PokerStars pros. Check back Tuesday for a feature looking at the effects of Black Friday on sponsorship and how professionals are beginning to exit the U.S.