Clayster Sticks Up For Players And Lashes Out At 'Pathetic' CDL Fans
Much can be said for the Call of Duty league during the online era which is coming to a close. Since the CDL opted to switch online, as per the global pandemic's restrictions and guidelines, both players and fans have struggled to remain excited for the league week upon week.
With viewership dwindling, the light at the end of the tunnel is fast approaching, with hopeful horizons that LAN will save the league.
However, before the pros land in Dallas for the Stage 4 Major offline event, players such as Seattle Surge's Sam "Octane" Larew have been criticised for their online attitude, something that has been ridiculed by the three-time world champion, James "Clayster" Eubanks.
Clayster defends Octane, calling out 'pathetic' fans
Seattle Surge hasn't exactly been lighting up the room since the league's inception in 2019, although Octane has often been their shining star. Until recently, Octane had been Seattle's brightest player, although his recent performances have been put under the microscope following Seattle's consecutive losses.
However, the human turret took to Twitter to say his recent slump is, somewhat, a result of the pandemic, and its effects on his mentality.
He said "I hate online Call of Duty so much. I can’t believe I haven’t completely lost my mind yet."
Octane's comments were then ripped apart on Reddit, resulting in him adding "And of course people interpret this tweet as me saying we’d never lose on LAN lmao. Literally has zero to do with it I’m just over the covid online c***."
As another player who's been vocal about his mentality in these recent times, Clayster took to Twitter to hit out at the Reddit comments.
"S**t like this kinda makes me mad, he said, before adding "even with me bringing up the strain of doing all this online, we still have a Reddit thread of people cooking someone struggling.
"It's pathetic, do better."
Clayster previously spoke about his own battles, despite notching up a top-two placing in Stage 3. He said "Talked about it a lot this year, but I'm for sure still dealing with the effects of being in my house for too long.
"Like I really have nothing to complain about, the squadron is in a great spot and everyone is gelling well, I just get triggered by the smallest things and it takes 5-10 mins for me to be able to calm myself down mentally and get back at it"
Despite Clay's voicings, fans have still persisted to criticise the likes of Octane, resulting in Clay speaking out again.
CDL Players Hit Back At Fans Criticism
Following Clayster's comments, many other CDL pros weighed in on the effects of fan's comments on Reddit.
Octane's Seattle Surge companion, Preston "Prestinni" Sanderson, took to Twitter too, saying "They don’t care. They’ll keep tearing ya down. Took a long time to learn how to just deal with it. Happy as ever but that process was so a**." Prestinni himself has often been vocal about overcoming the doubters, capitulated by his tear-stricken reaction when playing against his twin brother Alec "Arcitys" Sanderson last year.
Minnesota Rokkr's 'Ice-man', Lamar "Accuracy" Abedi, also hit out at fans. He said "Everyone thinks any opinion a pro has is based on their performance etc. so it's always taken as being salty or having an excuse. You can have an opinion and it can have nothing to do with winning or losing. People need to realize that.
Players have now been urged to boycott the competition-specific Sub-Reddit, as it appears the comments directed towards the players severely depletes their mentality.
With LAN around the corner, Octane, Clayster, and co. will at least be able to enjoy the nature of competing face-to-face.
Image via Call of Duty League