Pros throwing Tournaments for Table image?

In a debate recently with some of my friends who are players while watching one of the WSOP episodes from last year, we began to discuss why some of the long-time, seasoned professionals were playing some absolutely ridiculous hands, out of position and for ridiculous value.

One thought was that some of these professionals who are now very public figures after numerous television appearances make their living in cash games as opposed to tournaments, and that they are using their appearances in tournaments which are televised to skew their table image for new players when they get back to their cash games.

For example, Joe Pro is on 5 episodes of WPT, and in each episode he looses huge pots with ridiculous cards and eventually busts out of the game in 4th, 5th or 6th place. He makes a point of playing these ridiculous cards so that when he gets home and a new player joins his regular $300-$600 holdem game at the local cardroom this player will remember those ridiculous cards and give Joe Pro more action on his pots.

What do you think, is this possible? or do all pros always play to win these televised tournaments?

I dont think this is possible EMAN. I mean when you are watching the WPT there is usually almost a million dollar difference from 1st place to 6th place. Also, all pros really want is the title. The best of the best make alot of money as it is, and they are just after the title.

It seems like a reasonable theory, but I wouldn't count on it. I saw generic poker superstar tournament X, where Howard Lederer was doing commentary. The players went on some pretty ridiculous hands, and it didn't seem to make sense at the time. However, when Lederer gave his analysis of why they were doing such strange things, it all became pretty clear. The players doing seemingly nonsensical things are playing their opponents, not the odds or the position.