Stephano, Pro StarCraft II Player Suspended, Fined for Comments About Sex With Minor
French StarCraft II pro player Ilyes “Stephano” Satouri, who was recently given a new deal with Evil Geniuses , has been suspended by his team without pay for the remainder of October. The reasons for his suspension as well as fines are the direct result of Stephano’s comments that were made during a broadcast, live online. Because of his suspension he will now miss DreamHack Bucharest and The GD Invitational.
Earlier this week during the live stream of Team Dignitas’ Samayan “BlinG” Kayon on TwitchTV, another Starcraft II player, Stephano sent a private message over Battle.net regarding sex with a minor.
“Sam, I abused a child yesterday”,
Stephano said to Bling in screen shot grabbed during the stream.
“14 yo,” Stephano continued to further incriminate himself, after a response of “wtf” by Bling. “I might only be interested in milfs and kids now.”
Stephano apologized on twitter later stating that it was just a “private joke, nothing serious”. Some fans did not feel his apology was appropriate, and started to contact Evil Geniuses sponsors about his actions, including Intel, Monster Energy, and Steel Series.
Shortly after this, Stephano tweeted that it was “people’s stupidity” that caused him to regret going professional with StarCraft, and because of that he now plays poorly.
Evil Geniuses has issued its official response, not only about Stephano’s comments but the comments that he made about his fans.
“Today, Evil Geniuses announces that French Zerg player Ilyes “Stephano” Satouri has been suspended without pay for the remainder of October, following his recent inappropriate comments. We sincerely apologize to the respective organizers of these tournaments for any inconvenience the last-minute cancellations may cause”.
“That apology, however, obviously comes as secondary to a much more significant and direly-needed apology for Stephano’s inexcusable comments themselves. An apology in his own words can be found at the bottom of this post, but additionally, everyone at Evil Geniuses – including management, players, and staff – would like to sincerely apologize for these comments. They do not reflect our company’s sense of morality, behavior and propriety, and they will not be tolerated.”
Stephano has also issued his own apology.
“I want to very sincerely apologize to all of my fans, my teammates and management at EG, all of EG’s sponsors, and the rest of the community for my comments last week. They were insensitive, inappropriate, way over the line, and are deserving of the serious ramifications I have received from my team. I accept responsibility for my mistake, and I will be more careful in the future.”
Evil Geniuses went on to say that although Stephano has been fined and suspended for October, it does not mean that the organization is closing the book on the situation and that more consequences may be dealt out.
Even though he was suspended in October, another recent tweet by Stephano suggests he will be heading to Korea, with many speculating he will play in next season’s GSL Code S.
In June, Stephano was arrested at the Silver nightclub in Jönköping, Sweden, following his attendance at DreamHack Summer.
Who knows what the end result will be for Stephano, but we may now have one of the first cases of someone “cracking” from being a pro gaming superstar. A word or caution to everyone out there playing games, and trash talking. Remember, that some one could be recording your game play live, and that everything you say and do, can be used against you. In this specific case, it will also be taken in the worst possible way without any real room for interpretation.
About the Author: AngryAsian
Executive Producer for NewbCast Gaming. Used to get payed to party, but now hates going to clubs.
Ordained 10/14/2012 shoot me an email if you want me to officiate your wedding = D 
