SlasheR’s unexpected benching and future prospects in Call of Duty League
The Shocking Roster Move
The Los Angeles Thieves’ 2021 CDL season took another dramatic turn when they unexpectedly benched veteran player Austin ‘SlasheR’ Liddicoat, marking the team’s second major roster change in just three weeks.
This decision came as a surprise to many fans, especially considering SlasheR’s status as a former world champion and the team’s initial high expectations for the season.
The Thieves’ performance has been inconsistent since their strong Stage 1 showing, with the team managing only six map wins across five Stage 2 matches. This slump led to their position at the bottom of Group A, prompting management to make roster changes.
SlasheR’s Response
SlasheR quickly addressed the situation on Twitter, making it clear the benching wasn’t his choice: “As a competitor I would never bench myself. This was not my decision.”
His tweet emphasized his continued desire to compete: “I still want to continue competing and would never just give up. Appreciate all the support and GL to teams competing this weekend.”
This public statement directly contradicted the team’s official explanation that they wanted to “give SlasheR some time off,” creating tension between player and organization narratives.
Future Possibilities
With his competitive fire still burning, SlasheR faces several potential paths forward:
1. Challengers Circuit: Following the path of teammate Donny ‘Temp’ Laroda, SlasheR could join a Challengers team to maintain competitive form while waiting for another CDL opportunity.
2. Trade Possibilities: Several teams struggling with roster chemistry might see value in acquiring a veteran of SlasheR’s caliber, potentially leading to a mid-season trade.
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