Los Angeles Gladiators main tank Baek ‘Fissure’ Chan-hyung has defended his decision not to show up at the Overwatch Arena to support his team in the playoffs.
Fissure was subject to a shock roster move, as the Gladiators left him on the sidelines for the playoffs and rumors quickly began of an internal conflict.
Fissure was undoubtedly the highest rated player on the Gladiators lineup, but it was claimed that his absence was explained by wanted to ‘unify’ the language on the roster – either all Korean or all English.
However, esports Journalist Rod “Slasher” Breslau reported that the Fissure had become increasingly unhappy with the lack of perceived effort from his teammates in preparing for the playoffs.
And so when Fissure and teammate Choi “Asher” Joon-seong did not show up at the Overwatch Arena to cheer on the Gladiators in their crucial match against London Spitfire, scrutiny about his loyalty and feelings toward the team heightened once more.
But in response, Fissure took to social media to post a screenshot of messages exchanged between himself and someone from the Gladiator’s organization.
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According to the messages, both he and Asher were given permission not to show up to the arena for the match, saying that ‘the team doesn’t need’ their support in person.
Why do people listen to what they want to hear Why I was not in the arena today? because team don't need it Asher and Me asking the team we asked What should We do tomorrow? they said up to you So we cheered at home What's the problem? pic.twitter.com/hobtOWZbgz
— Fissure (백찬형) (@Fissure) July 15, 2018
LA Gladiators lost the match to the Spitfire 2-1, as Fissure’s alternitave Luis “IRemiix” Figueroa played well but was no replacement.
Regardless of Fissure’s explanation, his absence at the match raises questions about his future and casts serious doubt over whether it includes playing for the Gladiators, come season 2.
