LA Thieves bench Huke due to COVID protocol issues, Drazah steps in for CDL Major
The Sudden Roster Change
In a dramatic pre-match decision, LA Thieves made a last-minute substitution just hours before their CDL Stage 4 Major match against LA Guerrillas. The team announced that SMG player Cuyler ‘Huke’ Garland would be replaced by Zack ‘Drazah’ Jordan due to COVID-19 protocol violations.
This marked Huke’s second benching within the stage, following his recent return to the starting lineup alongside Austin ‘SlasheR’ Liddicoat. The organization had previously acquired Huke in a notable transfer, making this latest development particularly surprising for Call of Duty League fans.
Behind the Scenes Details
100 Thieves founder Matthew ‘Nadeshot’ Haag provided crucial clarification on social media, revealing the testing issues were more complex than initially reported. Contrary to the team’s initial statement about a missed test, Huke had actually submitted a COVID test with his name misspelled, invalidating the results.
“Cuyler spelled his name wrong on his COVID test from last night so it was invalid,” Nadeshot tweeted. “Then showed up to the venue without his ID and wasn’t able to be tested again.”
— 100T Nadeshot (@Nadeshot) June 17, 2021
This incident highlights the strict protocols CDL implemented for LAN events, requiring players to complete testing the night before matches with proper identification. Many professional esports organizations now employ team managers specifically to oversee compliance with such requirements.
Competitive Implications
While Huke’s absence disappointed fans hoping for his redemption arc, the situation presented Drazah with a significant opportunity. The substitute player now had the chance to prove his worth on the Major stage against crosstown rivals LA Guerrillas.
Should the Thieves advance in the loser’s bracket, Huke could potentially return if he completes proper testing procedures. However, roster changes mid-tournament always risk disrupting team chemistry, especially in high-pressure elimination matches where communication and coordination are crucial.
Pro Player Protocol Tips
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for professional esports athletes competing in LAN environments. Top players recommend these protocol best practices:
- Double-check all testing documentation for accuracy before submission
- Keep tournament-required identification in a consistent, easily accessible location
- Coordinate with team staff to confirm all requirements are met well in advance
- Maintain a checklist of tournament-specific protocols for each event
- Arrive early for any required testing to account for potential delays
Many organizations now conduct mock protocol runs before major tournaments to prevent such last-minute disruptions. The CDL’s strict measures, while challenging, help ensure player safety during the ongoing pandemic.
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