- Back in 2021, TSM CEO Andy “Reginald” Dinh was accused by several players of verbal abuse
- Riot and the LCS launched an investigation about these allegations
- The relevant organs have finally revealed their findings
Riot unveils its findings regarding the allegations of verbal abuse towards TSM players and staff by the organization’s CEO Andy “Reginald” Dinh.
Riot’s Competitive Ruling
Esports professionals are also human, and unfortunately, humans often make mistakes. Such is the case for TSM’s CEO Andy “Reginald” Dinh, who allegedly practiced disparaging and bullying behavior toward TSM players and staff members. This prompted an investigation by Riot Games which recently revealed its findings.
According to Riot’s competitive ruling post, there was “a pattern and practice of disparaging and bullying behavior exhibited by Andy Dinh towards TSM players and staff members.” In response, the league fined TSM $75 000. In addition, Dinh must complete sensitivity training and executive training. He is also on probation for the next two years across the Riot ecosystem.
To help with Dinh’s monitoring, an independent monitor will establish a tip-line where TSM employees can anonymously report any possible instances of abuse by the CEO. TSM has also committed itself to a “culture shift within their organization.” If Dinh is again accused and found guilty of the before-mentioned misconduct at the workplace, enhanced penalties will be brought forward.
The investigation was carried out according to the Team Participation Agreement (the “TPA”), which is the contract between each team and the LCS, in conjunction with the Official Rules of the LCS (the “Rules”). “The investigators conducted interviews of fourteen individuals, including Dinh,” reads Riot’s post. “This included all of the complainants provided by the Players’ Association, as well as any other parties identified during those interviews.”
What Prompted the Investigation?
Riot’s investigation of Dinh’s conduct was prompted by a TSM player who in November 2021, made a series of public allegations against him. They included accusations of bullying and berating players and staff on TSM, stating that Dinh’s verbal assaults had caused players and staff public humiliation, mental breakdowns, and more.
That player’s accusations were added by the statements of other individuals associated with TSM who came forward with similar allegations through the NA LCS Players Association. As a result of these allegations, the North America League of Legends Championship Series, LLC (the “LCS”) retained outside counsel to conduct an independent investigation and report their findings. These outbursts were limited to a player or staff’s performance and never had to do with race, gender, age, or sexual orientation.
Apart from the LCS Player Association’s investigation, TSM also conducted its own search. The report concluded that there was no unlawful conduct by Mr. Dinh, however, he “provided feedback to employees, including players, in an aggressive and harsh tone.”
