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Past mistakes haunt Dota 2 NA veteran Jimmy “DeMoN” Ho as he receives an indefinite ban from Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) organizers.
DeMoN's future is a thing of the past
2021 is not the year of DeMoN. NA veteran Jimmy “DeMoN” Ho started the year looking for a new team to play with. He wanted to make a comeback in the North American (NA) region as the regional leagues of Dota 2 returned.
making a mix for upcoming DPC. Need +1 offlaner 8k+ DM me
— J (@DotaDeMoN) January 4, 2021
He eventually formed a team, Team Aristotle, and battled their way through the Open Qualifiers. It won't be until the Closed Qualifiers did he receive a ban from the DPC organizers. According to the organizers, the decision is made due to DeMoN's “misconduct at previous Dota 2 tournaments.” DeMoN was embroiled in various scandals around June last year, when women in esports came forward speaking up about sexual harassment from players and talents. DeMoN was among the people named by victims who came out at that time.
Player Jimmy "DeMoN" Ho has been banned from participating in the DPC due to misconduct at previous Dota 2 tournaments. Team Aristotle can continue to compete in the NA DPC league and will be permitted to register a replacement player.
— NA DPC League (@NADPCLeague) January 9, 2021
NA DPC League made their announcement after Team Aristotle beat Electronic Boys in the DPC 2021: Season 1 Closed Qualifier lower bracket round 1. They were one win away before qualifying to the Lower Division when the decision against DeMoN came down.
It should be noted that a third-party organizer, BeyondTheSummit (BTS), is handling the DPC NA League. BTS has previously banned DeMoN from casting on their platforms last year. According to BTS, they launched an investigation regarding the alleged sexual misconduct by the player, and have found facts that proves his guilt. His banning as a player came down six months later.
I have seen people saying I have been silent on Demon.
Demon will not be casting for BTS again.
You may not have known but @Hot_Bid speaks for BTS.
We made this decision together. https://t.co/AVoxi3u9mu— LD (@LDeeep) June 26, 2020
It is unclear whether BTS banned DeMoN unilaterally, or if the decision was actually approved by Valve. However, as official representatives of Valve for the NA league, BTS's decision to ban DeMoN will be upheld.
Pro players, talents, Twitter reacts
Unsurprisingly, DeMoN didn't take the decision too kindly.
Absolutely ridiculous that allegations from anonymous people can ruin your whole reputation and career. I denied ALL of the accusations. A horrible statement does NOT make anyone guilty but that's what it feels like it's constantly leading back to. https://t.co/baj0sdvmPG
— J (@DotaDeMoN) January 9, 2021
DeMoN has since said that he'll contact Valve, developers of Dota 2 and organizers of The International, regarding the matter. With no way to enter the DPC, DeMoN no longer has any way to reach The International, at least for this year.
Some other players showed their support for DeMoN following the decision.
no comment. I am with you, Jimmy. @DotaDeMoN
You'll be always in my heart no matter what and I still will keep respecting you from DotA and things that you had done playing under MYM and EG will be always in the history of DotA
No fake, all the best towards you man! https://t.co/HOtSvomdAZ— Ilyas "IQM." Kaukenov (@IQMdot) January 9, 2021
This is so fucked up. Sad shit from @BeyondTheSummit sorry this is happening to you Jimmy https://t.co/4g6FIiQIkv
— Peterpandam ⌐◨-◨ (@Peterpandam) January 9, 2021
David “GodZ” Parker, co-founder of BeyondTheSummit, responded to ppd's reaction, saying that BTS had more information than the public has.
I have to disagree Peter. We received information that was substantiated when we banned DeMoN from BTS events last year.
I understand not everyone has the same access to this information (to protect the anonymity of the victim) but I personally support the ban from Valve events.
— BTS Godz | aka Parker (@BTSGoDz) January 9, 2021
However, other people have criticized BTS for banning the pro player just one game away from qualifying for the Lower Division.
yeah idk im down for him to be banned but waiting until his team's one series away from qualifying before banning him? is this what justice looks like? https://t.co/AsHMc5Ewkn
— luki luki (@lukiluki_dota) January 9, 2021
Should had been banned the moment he was registered, kinda late now but better than nothing https://t.co/POMaUvvbKk
— CharizardX🔜GOMLX (@CharizardX96) January 9, 2021
As for Team Aristotle, they may still fight on their scheduled match this Thursday, January 14. They can still compete, provided they can find a replacement for their banned teammate in time.
