G2 Esports CEO Carlos Rodriguez will be stepping away from his role within the organization for eight weeks following an internal suspension imposed by G2’s board of supervisors. The suspension comes less than 24 hours after Rodriguez posted a video of himself with controversial content creator and internet figure Andrew Tate.
Shortly after Rodriguez posted the clip of him partying with Tate, an alleged misogynist and alleged human trafficker, the G2 CEO doubled down, saying that “nobody will ever be able to police my friendships” and that “I party with whoever the fuck I want.”
This morning, G2 suspended Rodriguez for eight weeks without pay, although the decision was mutually agreed upon by both parties, according to a social media post from the organization.
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Immediately following the consequences of his actions, Rodriguez took to Twitter to apologize to the G2 fanbase.
“Many G2 fans were let down this weekend which created confusion about what I stand for. It has always been my consistent target to stand for absolute equality of opportunity regardless of who you are or where you come from, which is what gaming is all about.”
Rodriguez’s initial statements on Twitter sent the esports community at large into a flurry, with many of the G2 CEO’s colleagues and professional associates condemning both his original actions and the immediate response of doubling down.
“Make no mistake, my life was full of learnings and I had my fair share of situations I got into in the past. I failed to read this room right, feel terrible about the discussions it created and will stand up and accept the consequences in full.“
Rodriguez’s association with Tate is particularly eye-opening, especially considering G2’s initiatives to make esports a more inclusive sphere for women. Last week, the organization launched a new all-female League of Legends team, adding another women’s team under its umbrella alongside its female VALORANT team.
The G2 Esports official Twitter account also made a statement separating themselves from the CEO’s actions.
The beginning of the announcement reads, “Last night we failed you. The actions of our CEO spoke a language in stark contrast with the values and the culture G2 lives by and strives for.”
The statement goes on to talk about building a “safe and inclusive environment” in esports, concluding with the announcement that, after “internal discussion”, G2 CEO Carlos would be taking an unpaid leave, as well as thanks for “holding us accountable.”
Current members of G2 have also spoken out against Carlos’ actions, with Caltys, a member of G2’s newly signed all-female League of Legends roster, making a statement of her own.
The eight-week suspension will also last throughout this year’s League World Championship, where G2’s male League team will be competing. The earliest Rodriguez will be able to return to G2 is Nov. 13.
