Player: Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen
Date of Ruling: 09/17/2014
Subject: Suspension and Fine; Violation of Worlds Ruleset

Facts

On September 15th, 2014, Dennis “Svenskeren” Johnsen used racially insensitive language while interacting with players on the Taiwan server. He adopted the summoner name “TaipeiChingChong”, a name with offensive racial connotations. In addition to this unacceptable act, he proceeded to interact with the Taiwan server’s community in a disrespectful manner.

Johnsen has also exhibited inappropriate behavior in the past, including being verbally abusive to his solo queue teammates on several occasions. He has received multiple formal warnings during the 2014 LCS season regarding his interactions with other players and fans – the most recent warning was issued in late July. Furthermore, Johnsen was aware of the importance of behaving respectfully while competing in this event. He and other Worlds competitors went through a cultural sensitivity briefing upon their arrival in Taiwan. Despite all of this, Johnsen still knowingly engaged in inappropriate behavior on the Taiwan server.

Johnsen’s racially insensitive actions reflect poorly on himself, his organization, and the esports community. As a player on the world stage he is held to the standards of an ambassador of his organization, his region’s league, and League of Legends as a whole. At no point should these types of comments be tolerated.

Given Johnsen’s record of poor behavior and the fact that his actions occurred despite multiple warnings and a cultural sensitivity briefing, we view this most recent incident as severe misconduct. There is no place for this behavior in our sport, much less on the world stage.

Relevant Rules:

From the World Championship Event (WCE) ruleset:

9.2.4 Discrimination and Denigration.

Team Members may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigrating words or actions on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, financial status, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason.

Ruling:

Johnsen has violated rule 9.2.4 of the World Championship Event ruleset.

Competition Penalties:

Johnsen is:

• Suspended from his first three WCE matches
• Fined $2,500 USD