Following the recent competitive incident involving High Point Esports and Lander Esports, C3 Esports League Operations has completed its current review of the matter.
After evaluating the conduct of individuals from both programs, the subsequent escalation, and the disciplinary measures being taken, the following decisions have been issued.
High Point Esports
Soawa | Two-Match Suspension
Soawa's original four-match suspension has been reduced to two matches.This adjustment comes after further consideration of the overall incident, the disciplinary consequences being issued across both programs, and the additional corrective measures being implemented by High Point Athletics.
The reduction does not dismiss or excuse the original conduct. The two-match suspension remains an official disciplinary action.
Any additional infraction by Soawa will result in a full suspension.
Maiuu | Official Warning
Maiuu's previously issued Official Warning will remain in effect without modification.
High Point Esports | Institutional Official Warning
High Point Esports will receive an Official Warning regarding excessive harassment from supporters and the unnecessary escalation surrounding this incident.
While C3 Esports recognizes the involvement of individuals outside the active competitive roster, participating institutions are expected to promote appropriate sportsmanship and discourage harassment surrounding league competition.
Any additional harassment involving High Point alumni that falls outside the authority of C3 Esports is a matter for the respective universities and affected parties to address through their institutional processes.
Additional Measures Implemented by High Point Athletics
Separate from the disciplinary actions issued by C3 Esports, High Point Athletics has implemented additional measures for its esports program.
These measures include:
- Mandatory Supervision: High Point's team will be required to compete from its designated esports lab with an institutional staff member present to monitor competition.
- Director Oversight: Beginning with the team's broadcast match during the week of October 19, High Point's Director will be present in the lab to supervise the team.
- Discord Restrictions: High Point's Discord server has been restricted to team participants, as communicated by the Athletic Director.
- Additional Institutional Measures: Further actions may be addressed through High Point Athletics' internal review process.
Lander Esports
Coach Faust | Official Warning
Coach Faust will receive an Official Warning for conduct that contributed to the escalation of the situation involving the team.
Coaches and institutional representatives are expected to promote sportsmanship, professionalism, and appropriate conflict resolution, particularly during competitive disputes.
Icesnuckle | Official Warning
Icesnuckle will receive an Official Warning for excessive body shooting conducted in retaliation during the series.
Overly | Official Warning
Overly will receive an Official Warning for excessive body shooting conducted in retaliation during the series.
Although competitive tensions can arise during matches, retaliatory conduct that unnecessarily escalates a situation is not an acceptable response.
Series Result | Upheld
The official series victory awarded to Lander Esports will stand.
No changes will be made to the recorded match result.
Ongoing Institutional Investigation
High Point Athletics has indicated that its internal investigation will continue.
Should additional evidence become available that materially affects the league's findings, C3 Esports League Operations may review the relevant disciplinary determinations.
Matters involving university personnel, alumni, or individuals outside C3 Esports' direct jurisdiction will remain the responsibility of the appropriate institutions.
Final Determination
C3 Esports expects all participating players, coaches, staff, institutions, and their respective communities to uphold standards of sportsmanship and professionalism.
Competitive disputes must be handled appropriately, and retaliatory behavior or harassment should never become an acceptable method of resolving disagreements.
The penalties outlined in this statement reflect the league's current determinations and the disciplinary measures being applied to the involved parties.
All rulings and competitive results outlined above remain in effect unless formally modified by C3 Esports League Operations.
Additional violations may result in further disciplinary action consistent with league regulations.
Nathan Hedrick
Commissioner, C3 Esports
C3 Esports League Operations