Tarson Penalized For Leaking Results
It has come to our attention that Tarson spoiled the results of his Ro16 match with Nony by posting on a Polish forum. These posts happened immediately after his match with Nony and several hours before the TSL Ro16 Broadcast that showed his games.
Tarson's Posts
(Translation from Polish included):
+ Show Spoiler [Show Posts] +
"I advise you to not watch my games."
"I'm just saying do not watch those fucking games, fucked up... [more expletives, grief, regret] ... fucking starcraft. I can't believe myself what has happened"
"Where did I write result ? I'm saying to not watch [those] games, that's all lol ;]"
We understand the frustration and anger that comes with losing, especially in the way that Tarson lost. However, it does not excuse a player's actions. Here, the results were leaked in a Polish forum accessible by many people. While Tarson initially argued that he did not technically reveal results, what he said essentially gives away the final result of the series and encourages people not to watch. Later, Tarson admitted what he posted was incorrect, and issued an apology to us:
Tarson wrote:
As you probably know I kinda revealed my results vs Nony on a Polish forum. I was very frustrated after my loss but I shouldn't have said that. I want to apologize everyone for my behavior.
As you probably know I kinda revealed my results vs Nony on a Polish forum. I was very frustrated after my loss but I shouldn't have said that. I want to apologize everyone for my behavior.
Normally, we would simply punish the player by taking away his prize money. However, this is the first incident we've had, and taking into consideration Tarson's apology, we feel that a 50% prize reduction ($125 penalty) is more appropriate. The penalized money will be donated to a charity to be determined later. This action is not about the actual monetary amount, but more about sending a message that leaking results is a serious offense. Temporary anger or frustration after a loss does not mean a player escapes responsibility for his own choices and actions.
For those that feel the penalty is still too harsh, remember that the TSL can only exist if results are not leaked by players. The players earn their prizes not only because they win, but because they generate a quality product for our advertisers. Spoiling results to anyone is one of the most damaging things a player can do to our broadcast. It greatly harms the TSL and our ability to secure sponsorship for future tournaments. Players were informed prior to the TSL that any spoilers would result in possible forfeiture of their prize money.
It is unfortunate that we were forced to do this. Aside from this one incident, Tarson was an exemplary player and dealt with us very professionally. However, we will not hesitate to punish future leaks with a full revocation of prize money. Hopefully, now that this incident is resolved, we will not have to do this in the future.
--TSL Staff