Esports team Echo Fox comes under racism accusations

Former NBA star Rick Fox is leaving the esports team he owns, Echo Fox, after accusing a shareholder of an “abhorrent display of pure racism” and making threats to his family, according to an email obtained by Dexerto. Echo Fox has affirmed the incidents of racism, verifying the account in Fox’s email, and the authoritative body behind the North American League of Legends esports is investigating the allegations.

Here’s how he explains the situation (emphasis original):

There have been incidents in recent weeks in which a limited partner of the Echo Fox organization, who is not an employee, officer or director of Echo Fox, used a racial epithet towards individuals both verbally and via email. One such incident was detailed in media accounts today. And although that incident was not directed towards an employee, officer, member or shareholder of Echo Fox, racial intolerance connected to Echo Fox is entirely unacceptable. There have been other reported incidents where the shareholder in question used this same vile language towards Rick Fox personally. These incidents are especially significant for us as it boasts an unparalleled level of diversity in its principal ownership group, management, leadership and player base. Upon being made aware of the incidents, the Company has made various demands to the offending investor, including the investor’s disassociation from the company and we are continuing to work diligently towards this end.

LCS commissioner announced an investigation in to the issue with a tweet: “We are aware of recent allegations of a team owner using offensive and discriminatory language,” he wrote. “The LCS believes in creating a fair and inclusive environment for everyone and the alleged comments are contrary to our values and have no place in our league. We have launched an investigation into the allegations and will respond accordingly, based on available actions within our team agreements and the LCS Rules.”

Echo Fox is one of the 10 franchised teams in the League Championship Series, though since Fox bought the organization in 2015, it’s expanded to support players in other franchises, including Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros., Injustice and a few more fighting games.

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