Houston Outlaws Coach Posts Apology for Offensive Tweet
By Nicholas Barth ·
Outlaws coach Tae-yeong "TaiRong" Kim made a public apology today, regarding a tweet that he posted after one of his team's recent victories.
Social media allows for members of esports organizations to communicate with their fans in an instant. Unfortunately, this does not always go well, which was the case for Houston Outlaw's coach Tae yeong "TaiRong" Kim when he posted an offensive photo referencing the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima on his Twitter, after one of the Outlaw's recent victories.
TaiRong has stated that he did not know the sensitive implications and meaning of the photo.
Source: OverwatchTMZreddit
Members of the Overwatch community did not find the photo to be funny and were urging the coach to delete the tweet. TaiRong did delete the tweet, but the damage had been done and many people were wondering if any disciplinary action would be taken by the Houston Outlaws or the Overwatch League.TaiRong would go on to post an apology for the tweet in a twitlonger message.
"Hello. This is Tairong, the head coach of Houston Outlaws.
After the week 5 match I recklessly posted a bomb meme without realizing the sensitive implications and meanings it had. I only realized it after hearing the explanation from many people. For not knowing about its seriousness, I am feeling sincerely guilty towards the people affected by my post, and all the Overwatch League fans who love the eSports scene.
I wish to make myself clear that I am not a person who has feelings of racism or xenophobia. Overwatch League is the the top league in the world harboring the best players from around the world who showcase the most amazing actions, and I am sincerely proud to be a part of it.
Therefore I couldn’t bear skipping the terrible mistake that was caused by my lack of knowledge. Because I know that by ignoring it I would no longer deserve to face my players and other teammates.
I believe that with only a piece of writing, it isn’t enough to convey my real feelings of regret and apology, so I will make two promises.
* One - I will consider the impact that my behavior will have to fans in accordance with my job and position before taking any action
* Two - I will donate $1000 to the NGO named Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation in order to show my sincerity for apologizing"
Some members of the community believe that TaiRong should receive some form of punishment for his offensive action just like Dallas Fuel player Félix "xQc" Lengyel, who was fined $2,000 and suspended for a majority of Stage 1 for a homophobic comment he made towards Houston Outlaws player Austin "Muma" Wilmot.
At the time of writing Houston's coach has not received any punishment from the league or the Outlaws, but TaiRong has taken responsibility for the lack in judgement and will be taking initiatives to make amends for it.
Interested in more Overwatch League news? Check out our recap of how the London Spitfire won the Stage 1 championship!