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Earlier this month, Rick Fox was reported to be selling his shares and departing Echo Fox, following an investigation surrounding allegations of racist language used inside of the esports organization by Riot Games.
The League of Legends Champion Series commissioner Chris Greeley announced on Twitter that Riot Games was going to begin an investigation on this issue on April 25, saying “The LCS believes in creating a fair and inclusive environment for everyone and the alleged comments are contrary to our values and have no place in our league.”
Today, Greeley notes on Twitter that the preliminary investigation is done and “hate speech, threats, and bigotry have no place in the LCS.” Riot Games is forcing Echo Fox to “take action by removing any individuals whose actions violate League rules and agreements” within 60 days. If the organization doesn’t remove them, “the League will take formal action that may adversely impact the future of Echo Fox in the LCS.”
Echo Fox bought a spot in the League Championship Series in 2017 for $10 million and though the organization has footing in other esports, this is by far its biggest venture.
[Ed. Note: We’ve updated this story after learning that Echo Fox and investor Amit Raizada have apparently settled a defamation lawsuit filed by Raizada which included a finding by the court that certain statements made by members of Echo Fox against Raizada, including allegations of racism, were defamatory. (Raizada v. Echo Fox, case No. 2020-001052-CA-01, filed Feb. 18, 2020, in the Eleventh Judicial Circuit of Florida)]
