Overwatch League Takes Action Against Inappropriate Behavior; Dallas Fuel Parts Ways With A Controversial Player

Over the past few months, the Overwatch community has seen a continued rise in toxic behavior. Behavior which has now started to infest the Overwatch e-sports league itself prompting ESPN to call out Blizzard Entertainment due to their apparent lack of response on the matter. Especially after Overwatch League player Timo “Taimou” Kettunen of Dallas Fuel was caught using homophobic remarks during a live Twitch stream.

In response, the League has taken disciplinary action against Taimou and other players accused of inappropriate behavior, including fellow Dallas Fuel player Felix “xQc” Lengyel. Taimou was fined $1000, while xQc was fined $4,000 and suspended for four matches, his second offense in three months.

“xQc repeatedly used an emote in a racially disparaging manner on the league’s stream and on social media, and used disparaging language against Overwatch League casters and fellow players on social media and on his personal stream. Previously, xQc has been warned, fined, and suspended for similar infractions.”

Dallas Fuel went on to release xQc from their roster. “There are few players out there who have achieved as much success in as short a time as Félix has in competitive Overwatch,” said Dallas Fuel Owner Mike Rufail in a recent press release. “Ultimately, it was in the best interest of our organization and Félix to part ways before the expiration of his contract.”

The League also fined Los Angeles Valiant player Ted “Silkthread” Wang $1000 for account sharing, and issued a formal warning to Houston Outlaws player Tae-yeong “TaiRong” Kim for “posting an offensive meme on social media.”

The League warns professional players about toxic behavior. “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.”

MLG’s Watchpoint talks about the xQc incident in their recap of Stage 2 Week 3 of the Overwatch League. You can check that out after the break.