Two Rocket League players banned after throwing RLCS match

Two Australian Rocket League players have been banned from all tournaments for a year after throwing a Rocket League Championship Series match that had huge implications on the league’s playoffs picture.

After a three-day long investigation, two Rocket League players have been suspended for a year for their involvement in a throw in the Rocket League Oceanic Championship (RLOC).

Team Esper’s Aiden ‘delusioN’ Hendry and Finlay ‘Frenzyy’ Rockach both received one-year bans. Teammate Steve ‘SSteve’ Berrospi avoided a ban after being cleared by Psyonix’s investigation.

Team Esper were up against Fury in the RLOC in the final game of League Play, with massive playoffs implications.

A 3-0 or 3-1 win secured playoffs for Esper, while a win, regardless of scoreline, sent Fury into the top four. However, on the fringe was Renegades, who would have progressed if Esper won 3-2.

After the series went to 2-2, and Esper’s chances of making playoffs were squashed, game 5 was their last chance of redeeming themselves. However, It was clear from the offset that something strange was occurring, which the casters were quick to point out after the very first kickoff.

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“It might be that Team Esper just don’t want Renegades in playoffs,” one said after the Esper players appear to avoid the ball. “It’s looking like they’re giving the win to Fury, I’m not sure if this is allowed. Someone’s going to have to have words with them.”

The squad was dropped by Team Esper shortly after the conclusion of the game, but Dexerto can confirm that the squad’s departure had nothing to do with the fixed game. The team was able to leave to “pursue other opportunities,” owner ‘Focus’ told Dexerto.

The players, especially delusioN and Frenzyy, received criticism online after their performance in the final game of league play. SSteve immediately distanced himself from his former teammates, putting out a statement on Twitter saying he “didn’t throw.”

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“I’m truly sorry the way it ended,” he added. “As of [Sunday], I decided that I am no longer a part of the ex-Esper roster.”

Frenzyy and delusioN were sanctioned under section 7.2.1 of the Rocket League Championship Series Player Code of Conduct.

This clause upholds “competitive integrity,” and sets expectations for each player “to play to the best of her or his ability at all times during any match.”

Their ban will be lifted on April 7, 2021.