LoL esports fans all over the world were left in shock when Detonation FocusMe's top laner Haruki "tol2" Shibata turned to Twitter to reveal ongoing abuse from two of his coaches. After the community was left speculating about whether the allegations of the LJL rookie were true, the organization has now released a statement of their own.
In a series of tweets posted on July 6, the 20-year-old revealed that he has fled the organization's gaming house after alleged continuing threats from his coaches, stating that he felt his life was in danger. He claimed that head coach Kazuta 'Kazu' Suzuki kept threatening him, while assistant coach Kyohei 'Ceros' Yoshida displayed verbally abusive behavior.
"When I saw a dog walking, I was told, 'Hey, you're a dog too'," he stated on his Twitter page. He followed this up by saying, "I wanted to play in tomorrow's game [against Crest Gaming Act], but I don't know what they will do when I return [to the gaming house]."
Detonation FocusMe Release Statement In Face Of tol2's Allegations
— DFM tol2 (@tol_2_) July 6, 2023
The organization has reacted to tol2's allegations in a statement released on their website. In their post, they say that "it is true that two coaches, Kazu and Ceros, made statements that could be interpreted as threats and personal attacks." They also state that they do not believe there was any malice in tol2's series of tweets, and that they take the matter very seriously, having been "in such a mentally driven situation".
Furthermore, Detonation FocusMe apologize to tol2 for "causing mental and physical pain to the player" and announced that they have released Kazu and Ceros effective immediately, as they have concluded their coaches have engaged in abusive behavior towards their top laner. They state that they are in further talks with tol2 to determine his further involvement in the LJL team.
Will Detonation FocusMe Continue Their Journey With tol2?
LJL
— DFM tol2 (@tol_2_) July 6, 2023
In his series of tweets, tol2 also revealed that he was diagnosed with an adjustment disorder in spring. Detonation FocusMe say in their statement that they were not aware of this diagnose and that they will improve their internal systems for mental care.
Regarding the fine, they stated that this measure was taken due to a breach of contract from tol2's side, where he allegedly shared discreet contract information with a third party, rather than as a precaution to prevent him from sharing details about his coaches' alleged abuse.
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Detonation FocusMe are currently ranking at the top of the standings in the LJL Summer Split, having won all four of their matches. They will continue their journey on July 7 in their upcoming match against Crest Gaming Act.
As of now, DFM have not announced whether tol2 will be participating in the match. DFM Academy top laner Koga 'Karaage' Kanno may participate as a stand-in, should tol2 not be ready to play. The organization has also not yet announced a new head coach or interim coach.
Riot Games have yet to comment on the situation.