TL;DR
- Director Cho Kyu-nam resigned after two-month public battle with former coach cvMax
- Riot Games investigating allegations of player coercion and contract manipulation
- Griffin’s young roster faces potential mass exodus during free agency period
- Star jungler Tarzan’s departure rumors highlight team’s vulnerability
- Organization faces possible LCK penalties depending on investigation outcomes
The Griffin organization has reached a critical inflection point with Director Cho Kyu-nam’s official departure, concluding nearly sixty days of escalating internal conflicts that have captivated the esports community.
Griffin’s management appears determined to resolve ongoing disputes and shift focus toward competitive preparations for the 2020 season. The team confirmed that former director Cho Kyu-nam has severed all organizational ties. Cho found himself embroiled in a highly publicized confrontation with ex-head coach Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho, who received termination notices back in September.
cvMax leveled serious accusations against director Cho, claiming he deliberately turned players against coaching staff and compelled jungler Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok to execute a restrictive five-year agreement with LPL franchise JD Gaming. Responding to these concerning claims, Riot Games Korea initiated comprehensive scrutiny of Griffin and its corporate parent Still8. Multiple sources indicate director Cho intends to pursue litigation against cvMax for alleged character defamation and slanderous statements.
With both Cho and cvMax now removed from organizational operations, Still8 and Griffin leadership have commenced rebuilding efforts, beginning with fundamental team infrastructure. An official organizational statement suggested intentions to transform internal culture, though this could equally signal substantial roster modifications. The current competitive lineup that participated in the 2019 World Championship maintains contractual obligations through 2021.
The organization possesses viable pathways for player transfers and negotiated contract buyouts. Griffin’s competitive roster currently ranks among Korea’s elite talent pools while simultaneously representing the LCK’s youngest collective with an average age of just nineteen years. Their quarterfinal qualification at the World Championship demonstrated formidable competitive prowess that has undoubtedly enhanced individual market valuation for each competitor.
Approaching the November 18 free agency commencement date, substantial speculation circulates regarding player trajectories from Griffin. Among the most persistent rumors suggests jungler Lee “Tarzan” Seung-yong will exit the organization. His potential destination remains uncertain, with some sources indicating possible recruitment by Invictus Gaming while alternative reports suggest LCS destinations.
While numerous franchises have likely expressed interest in acquiring Tarzan’s services, it appears improbable Griffin would willingly relinquish their most valuable asset to date. Tarzan functions as the team’s structural cornerstone and represents a primary factor in the former challenger team’s remarkable competitive ascent.
Certain speculative reports extend beyond roster changes, as indicated by prominent Korean gaming forums suggesting Riot Games may terminate Griffin’s LCK participation following recent organizational turmoil. While this represents an extreme scenario, the team could realistically face competitive sanctions should Riot Games substantiate misconduct evidence in the Kanavi contractual situation or connected to additional allegations presented by former coach cvMax after his contentious organizational departure.
Strategic Rebuilding Considerations: Organizations facing similar crises typically implement three-phase recovery strategies. Initial damage control involves transparent communication and interim leadership appointments. Secondary phases focus on cultural rehabilitation through revised management protocols. Final stages concentrate on competitive restoration via strategic roster development.
The average esports organization requires 6-9 months to recover from leadership crises of this magnitude. Griffin’s primary advantage remains their exceptionally talented young roster, though retaining these players presents significant financial and organizational challenges during ongoing instability.
Action Checklist
- Monitor Riot Games investigation outcomes for potential competitive sanctions
- Track November 18 free agency movements for roster changes
- Evaluate Griffin’s cultural transformation initiatives through official communications
- Assess Tarzan’s transfer rumors against organizational statements
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