In January, Dallas Fuel pro Flex “xQc” Lengyel was suspended for violating the Overwatch League’s Code of Conduct while streaming where he used an anti-gay slur. It appears that one suspension wasn’t enough because he is again suspended.
The League announced that Lengyel is facing a four-game suspension due to “repeatedly used an emote in a racially disparaging manner on the league’s stream and on social media,” and used “disparaging language” towards League casters and other players on his stream as well as social media.
What did Lengyel do exactly? He posted a “Trihard” emote (face of Mychal “Trihex” Jefferson, a black man who streams on Twitch) while League host Malik Forté was on the screen, but he has said that it was an accident. In his last suspension, Fuel extended it and said they would provide additional support to help him understand and reflect the team’s principles. While the team publicly participated previously, this time, the team has remained quiet. Last night, they announced the signing of tank main Son “OGE” Min-Soek.
Lengyel isn’t the only player to be disciplined by the League either. For example, another Fuel tank player, Timo “Taimou” Kettnen reportedly used anti-gay slurs during a personal stream and faced a fine of $1,000. He apologized on Twitter later, and said “”I am sorry to the fans and supporters I let down and offended recently. I listen and read all the comments and I am utmost disappointed in myself that I said those things and all I can do is apologize and move forward.”
Here’s what the Overwatch League says in terms of rules players must follow:
It is unacceptable for members of the Overwatch League to use or distribute hateful, racist, or discriminatory speech or memes. It is important for all members to be aware of the impact their speech may have on others. The overwhelming majority of Overwatch League players and staff are taking full advantage of the opportunity to play in the first major global, city-based esports league, and are rising to meet the occasion as the public figures that they are. We are committed to building a community around the Overwatch League that is welcoming and inclusive for all players and fans, and we hope that these disciplinary actions demonstrate our seriousness in that endeavor.
