Photo: Riot Games
The cvMax affair could be closed once and for all after this latest twist. The former head coach of Team Griffin was accused at the end of 2019 of verbal and physical abuse of his players. Several members of the League of Legends team (players and staff) had stepped up to denounce the coach's behavior. The latter had however denied the accusations. As two versions clashed, the community was divided - some siding with the alleged victims, others siding with the coach who they said was unfairly accused or even the victim of a conspiracy.
Many players were involved directly and indirectly. In 2019, Team Griffin was doing well, very well. Under the leadership of cvMax, an uncompromising coach who requires a huge investment from its players, the team climbed the ranks quickly. From 2018 to 2019, the team moved from Korean Division 2 (CK) to League of Legends World championships.
It is the Choi "Sword" Sung-won who light the fuse. Blamed for his irregular performances, he saw his position threatened by Choi "Doran" Hyeon-joon, a young rookie spotted by cvMax.
Among the most significant events, the player talked about a moment when the coach would have shaken him from behind while he was sitting in his chair or a situation where cvMax would have thrown his notebook at him. But more generally, Sword denounced constant pressure and criticism beyond reason, even going so far as to interfere with his private and personal life.
A year has passed and the commission has taken time to question and hear the various witnesses. In the end, cvMax was found guilty. He must serve as of today a suspension of 5 months (which runs until May). Deprived of competition during this period, it is not yet clear what the repercussions will be on his career. DRX for its part has decided to defend its current head coach.
The structure has promised to accompany him during this period and claims that they think cvMax is innocent.
Original content by Léo "Tipsalewo" Lecherbonnier.
The League of Legends European Championship (LEC)'s 2021 season is set to start January 22 as Riot Games announced the date on Twitter. The regional competition will see no format change, unlike its North American counterpart.
