Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect the Fuel releasing head coach Aaron “Aero” Atkins. For a full breakdown of the team’s personnel moves and what they mean for the Fuel, here’s more from our insider Sean Collins.
The Dallas Fuel released damage superstar and MVP-candidate Jang “Decay” Gui-un on Monday afternoon per the player’s request, Envy Gaming announced in a statement.
The Fuel also released head coach Aaron “Aero” Atkins Monday evening, naming Fuel assistant coach Kim “Yong” Yong-Jin interim head coach.
Decay was seen as an early season MVP candidate, but sources indicated that maturity issues created a schism within the team. Decay only played three maps out of the last 12, and hadn’t played a full match since July 3. The Fuel, who rebuilt their roster after a disappointing 2019 season, acquired Decay in a blockbuster trade during the offseason that shipped tank Son “OGE” Minseok to the Los Angeles Gladiators.
The Fuel rebuilt their roster over the offseason, with early lineup decisions focusing on allowing Decay to reach his full potential. The Fuel, one of the most popular teams in the league, now face further questions about their direction as the season winds down during another disappointing campaign.
“We have granted the request of Gui-un “Decay” Jang to release him from his contract prior to the end of the 2020 OWL season,” a statement read. “Our management is focused on evaluating changes and building a cohesive team that will be positioned for future success.”
Envy Gaming owner Mike Rufail went to Twitter to discuss the news, understanding the shock value. Rufail said while he knew some may not understand the move, Decay’s lack of willingness to work with the coaching staff led to ongoing issues.
We know we have to work hard to get our team playoff ready so let's talk about this. Decay had a few months left on his contract, but refused to work with our staff. When a player refuses to practice, it is time for us to move on and give our players their best shot. https://t.co/cX6XqXXGHv
— Mike Rufail (@hastr0) August 3, 2020
Decay is obviously a great player, but he didn't fit into our team and didn't want to cooperate with the goals of our staff. We just can't keep someone like that around. We wish him the best and hope he can find a place where his talent fits.
— Mike Rufail (@hastr0) August 3, 2020
The Fuel lost two matches convincingly over the weekend, and both Aero and support player Nolan “Paintbrush” Edwards pointed to mentality woes within the team, leading to a lack of synergy and match preparation.
A source suggested maturity issues led to a schism within the team, as the Fuel tried to reshape a squad built around the damage superstar. Decay was acquired in the offseason in a blockbuster move
Neither Aero nor Envy Gaming co-owner and chief gaming officer Mike “Hastr0” Rufail were immediately available for comment. Decay was not made available to The Dallas Morning News over the weekend.
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