Vortex Gaming

T1's CEO, Joe Marsh, said in an AMA regarding the 'Zeus transfer saga' that "They have a history of prioritizing financial gain over what's best for the player." In response, Zeus' agency, THE PLAY, refuted this statement as untrue.

T1 has not released an official statement or further explanation regarding CEO Joe Marsh's remarks.

However, according to reports, T1 clarified through an agent that "CEO Joe Marsh was simply expressing concerns about past events."

THE PLAY claimed, "We did not receive any agent fees, and this was clearly communicated to the T1 representative before the AMA to clear up any misunderstandings after the initial article." They added, "T1 should be aware of this fact." In response, T1 countered, "We have no knowledge of the contract terms between Zeus and his agent." In other words, CEO Joe Marsh's statement was made without knowing that there were no fees in the contract between Zeus and THE PLAY.

T1 stated that CEO Joe Marsh's comment that "Their approach disregarded the team's history, player development, and long-term career development" was not negative criticism but a simple 'assessment.' CEO Joe Marsh also added, "I am concerned about the recurring pattern of prioritizing financial factors over the player's positive future." THE PLAY interpreted this as meaning "THE PLAY only signs contracts for money" and refuted it as false.

T1 stated that THE PLAY's interpretation distorted CEO Joe Marsh's remarks, clarifying that "This was not specifically directed at THE PLAY, but rather an expression of concern about industry practices that prioritize money over respect for existing teams." They continued, "CEO Joe Marsh did not say 'they only think about financial gain,' and pointing out industry problems by citing past examples of agencies like THE PLAY is considered an 'opinion,'" they emphasized.

THE PLAY's CEO, Kang Beom-jun, stated in a recent interview that "After Zeus' transfer was confirmed, T1 negotiation representatives came to support each other's decisions and concluded the matter." However, CEO Joe Marsh's AMA took place after this 'supportive conclusion,' which seemed like a contradictory move, contrary to the agreement.

In response, T1 explained, "Considering Zeus' contribution, dedication, and young age, we tried to resolve the situation quickly and quietly. However, because the FA process was unusual, when we announced the transfer without any mention, fans around the world poured criticism and suspicion on the player." They added, "As the former team that cares for the player, we felt it was necessary to answer the suspicious questions raised in the AMA to prevent the player from being criticized."

T1 continued, "Conversely, after the AMA, THE PLAY issued additional statements to protect their own interests and is demanding a correction even though CEO Joe Marsh's remarks are neither false nor subject to correction." T1 added, "This case does not require a correction announcement, and THE PLAY's demands can hurt Zeus and only raise unnecessary suspicions." Previously, THE PLAY stated in an interview that "Zeus and his family both want to clear their names."

T1 stated, "We have always done our best to protect players, and as a leading team in the industry, we are trying to resolve the situation by considering various aspects." They argued, "Most of the issues THE PLAY is raising are in the realm of 'judgment,' so demanding a correction is restricting freedom of expression."

In response, THE PLAY stated, "We have never communicated directly with CEO Joe Marsh, so we do not know how it was reported within T1. FA is the player's right, and there may have been misunderstandings during negotiations, but we regret that the AMA remarks pointed at us and caused greater misunderstandings for the player."

Meanwhile, according to conversations between T1 and THE PLAY officials, Zeus was initially offered a 'reduction' as the first offer. This is part of the 'unacceptable offer' mentioned in the recent interview. CEO Kang Beom-jun has not disclosed the details due to a non-disclosure agreement.

T1 stated, "The expression 'reduction' appearing in the capture is only THE PLAY's claim and is not an objectively confirmed fact." They added, "We do not agree with this, and we believe it is different from objective facts." They also suggested, "Since there is a sharp difference of opinion between the two sides regarding the use of the word 'reduction,' it would be more accurate to specify this point in the article or modify the expression." Furthermore, they added, "The capture is only a conversation related to the agent, so it is problematic to conclude that it is a reduction."

웹진 인벤이두현 기자
2025-03-26