Astralis’ gla1ve calls for CS:GO pros steel and Swag to be unbanned
DreamhackCounter-Strike: Global Offensive pros have spoken out in support of wanting Valve to unban the currently permanently banned members of the infamous iBUYPOWER squad.
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The North American team were banned from Valve-sponsored tournaments in 2014 after being caught match-fixing against NetcodeGudes. However, since then, there has been a growth in support for the squad being unbanned.
In-game leader Josua ‘steel’ Nissan and Braxton ‘Swag’ Pierce are still competing – with Steel taking his Ghost Gaming up squad the world rankings and even qualifying for the ESL Pro League Season 8 Finals.
However, while he is banned, the team will not be able to play at CS:GO major under his leadership, as they’ve had to use their coach James ‘JamezIRL’ Macaulay as a stand-in. Despite what happened in 2014, there is still plenty of support for Steel and Swag to be unbanned by Valve.
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Ghost Gaming’s squad has achieved plenty of success under steel’s guidance.On February 22, Astralis in-game leader Lukas ‘gla1ve’ Rossander tweeted: “Come on @csgo_dev – let’s get these players unbanned already. They have been in jail for 5 years for stealing candy, @JoshNissan @GODaZeD @brax1wnl and more.”
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“I am happy that you stated an example and I am sure everyone by now knows that you don’t tolerate match-fixing.”
Come on @csgo_dev – Lets get these players unbanned already. they have been in jail for 5 years for stealing candy. @JoshNissan @GODaZeD @brax1wnl and more.
I am happy that you stated an example and I am sure everyone by now know that you dont tolerate match-fixing. https://t.co/4QOc1RREjc
— Lukas Rossander (@gla1ve_csgo) February 22, 2019
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The Astralis in-game leader’s comments were supported by popular CS:GO caster Matthew ‘Sadokist’ Trivett. “I completely agree,” added the caster. “While it was a horrible thing to do, there was no previous precedent set, so to instantly issue a lifetime ban was absolutely appalling.”
“Considering how little involvement Valve choose to have with the esports side of things, that seemed extremely harsh.”
I completely agree. While it was a horrible thing to do, there was no previous precedent set, so to instantly issue a lifetime ban was absolutely appalling. Considering how little involvement Valve choose to have with the esports side of things, that seemed extremely harsh.
— Matthew Trivett :wolf_face: (@Sadokist) February 22, 2019
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In a further reply, gla1ve thanked Sadokist for his supportive tweet, adding that he understands match-fixing is a terrible thing and there must be strict rules in place about it, but the players should be allowed to play.
Well spoken! Match-fixing is a terrible thing for the industry and we have to be really strict about it. But taking into consideration all the things u just said, I believe they deserve to be set free :punch:
— Lukas Rossander (@gla1ve_csgo) February 22, 2019
Former Fnatic player Marcus ‘pronax’ Wallsten also chimed in with his support, adding: “Totally agree. I think it goes for many kids that have been VAC banned as well, not really knowing the consequences of their actions.”
He continued: “I think its quite pathetic that a player like forsaken (formerly of OpTic India) is not banned from playing in Majors, but a player that has cheated in public servers are,” adding a confused face at the end of his tweet.
Totally agree, i think it goes for many kids that have been VAC banned aswell not really knowing the consequences of their actions, I think its quite pathetic that a player like forsaken is not banned from playing in majors, but a player that have cheated in public servers are :S
— pronax (@GODpronax) February 22, 2019
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While players can appreciate what someone like steel has been able to do with his team, the final decision still comes down to Valve to lift the ban.
