Singapore's Team OP drop MLBB players over discriminatory remarks
Mobile Legends esports organization Team OP on Wednesday (30 March) released three of their main players from the squad due to discriminatory remarks made in a ranked match against Malaysian Geek Fam players.
Goh "Ryeb" Wei En, Wendall Sean "DarA" Tan, and Jackie "PA" Lee have been released from their contracts with Team OP "with immediate effect".
The actions come a day after publisher MOONTON Games told Yahoo Esports SEA that it was aware of and investigating the incident.
"At OP, we have a strong stance against treating individuals, groups, and the community with disrespect. When every player signs on with OP, our contract with them clearly spells out the standards of conduct expected of them at all times, even in their personal capacity," said Team OP in a statement posted on their Instagram page.
"We deeply regret that some of our players have engaged in unacceptable and inexcusable conduct during a ranked game and have fallen far short of the standards of conduct that we have set for them."
The organization also apologized to Geek Fam and its supporters, as well as other innocent parties who have been subjected to abuse.
Besides dropping three of their players involved, the organization is also imposing a "heavy fine" for Randall "Bush" Tay, who had made insensitive remarks as opposed to the more serious discriminatory remarks made by his team mates. The fine will be donated to a religious charity.
Bush has also posted an apology on Team OP's Instagram for everything he had said.
"I sincerely apologize to Geek Fam and everyone in the community for my toxic words that should never have been said," said Bush.
Team OP has also taken down all of its Instagram posts, leaving only the statements behind.
A MOONTON Games rep told Yahoo Esports SEA that Team OP will still be competing in the third season of MPL SG (Mobile Legends Professional League Singapore), but they will "have to find replacements ASAP".
Aloysius Low is an ex-CNET editor with more than 15 years of experience. He's really into cats and is currently reviewing products at canbuyornot.com
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