TL;DR
- Riot Games Korea investigating Griffin’s player contracts following cvMax’s streaming revelations
- Former coach alleges forced 5-year contract for Kanavi with $1M transfer fee
- Players reportedly train 15+ hours daily with inadequate facilities and nutrition
- Internal conflict between cvMax and player Sword escalates public drama
- Griffin maintains competitive performance at Worlds despite ongoing controversy
Riot Games Korea has initiated a comprehensive investigation examining the contractual arrangements surrounding JD Gaming’s jungler Seo “Kanavi” Jin-hyeok. This official probe follows multiple concerning public statements made by Griffin’s former head coach Kim “cvMax” Dae-ho through his streaming platform.
The behind-the-scenes turmoil at Griffin continues to unfold dramatically. While the organization announced in September what appeared to be a mutual separation agreement with cvMax, the situation has rapidly deteriorated into a public spectacle filled with accusations and counter-accusations.
cvMax continues to expose Griffin
The dismissed head coach has utilized his streaming channel as a platform to systematically reveal what he describes as unethical practices within Griffin. His most recent disclosures center on 18-year-old former Griffin player Kanavi, alleging the organization coerced the young talent into signing an extensive five-year commitment with Chinese esports organization JD Gaming.
As part of this controversial transfer arrangement, Griffin stood to gain more than $1 million in fees, with neither Kanavi nor cvMax receiving any portion of these funds. cvMax maintains he played the pivotal role in developing Kanavi’s skills since his early trainee days and deserves recognition for his contributions.
cvMax further disclosed disturbing information regarding the alleged training environment for substitute players and trainees under Griffin’s management. According to his testimony, these individuals endure training sessions exceeding 15 hours daily while lacking fundamental equipment such as proper chairs or desks, and receive inadequate nutritional support from staff. Reportedly, trainees are limited to consuming leftovers from main roster players and prohibited from ordering delivery food to their living quarters.
During his latest broadcast, cvMax shifted focus from organizational criticism to direct player confrontations. Back in September, he claimed that despite disagreements with management, he maintained positive relationships with the players. However, this appears to have changed dramatically as cvMax launched into an extended critique targeting Choi “Sword” Sung-won and Park “Viper” Do-hyeon, both of whom recently publicly requested he cease spreading what they termed “false information.”
cvMax and Sword were at odds at Griffin
Sword has become a primary focus of community outrage after cvMax suggested he was the player who voiced complaints to the team’s director. The allegations indicate Sword expressed dissatisfaction about being benched by cvMax and reportedly escalated these concerns to cvMax’s supervisors, potentially participating in efforts to remove the coach from his position.
Griffin has maintained official silence regarding cvMax’s declarations. The organization is cooperating with Riot Games throughout the investigative process and has stated it will implement necessary measures to guarantee player welfare and protection.
Griffin’s performance in the World Championship appears unaffected by cvMax’s commentary, as the team delivered a dominant performance against G2 Esports and secured the top position in their group.
cvMax is reportedly planning a return to the LCK in 2020, with sources indicating the controversial coach has signed an agreement with Kingzone DragonX for the upcoming competitive season.
Action Checklist
- Establish transparent player contract review processes with third-party oversight
- Implement standardized training facility requirements including equipment and nutrition standards
- Develop clear conflict resolution protocols for coach-player disagreements
- Create player welfare committees with anonymous reporting mechanisms
No reproduction without permission：Game Guides Online » Riot Games investigates Griffin after accusations from cvMax Riot Games investigates Griffin's player contracts and training conditions following cvMax's explosive allegations