James “Duoking1” Stephenson, previously support for Team E Turner in NACL, has been issued a provisional suspension to July 31, 2025.

Image Credits | Riot Games

Duoking1 violated 4 rules of the NACL Rule Set

The timeline of events leading to this ruling began during the NACL 2023 Summer Qualifier. Duoking1 exhibited disruptive behavior by repeatedly using highly offensive language in-game. Additionally, he was also reported to use offensive language on social media by anonymous complaints, including a public Discord server housing over 700 members on which Duoking1 repeatedly posted highly offensive and vulgar language, often directed at certain individuals.

According to Riot Games’ Rule Set, and in particular the NACL one, players have strict regulations on behavior both in-game and out-of-game, prohibiting offensive and discriminatory language, as well as actions detrimental to Riot Games. Additionally, it also forbids players from disclosing confidential communications during investigations.

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Duoking1, however, publicly shared information regarding his investigation on his Twitch stream, revealing sensitive details and inviting viewers to uncover the identity of the anonymous complainant. He also referred to Riot Games staff and the compiled evidence with derogatory language and compared the enforcement of the NACL Rule Set to fascism, further violating other points of the rule set:

Section 11.c.i: Profanity and Hate Speech. A Team Member may not use language that is obscene, foul, vulgar, insulting, threatening, abusive, libelous, slanderous, defamatory, or otherwise offensive or objectionable; or promote or incite hatred or discriminatory conduct.
Section 11.c.iii: Behavior in LoL. All Members of the Full Team Roster are subject to behavior checks and reviews for their behavior while playing LoL, including before being permitted to participate in Tournaments. Team Members are expected to behave appropriately in-game and to avoid the use of derogatory, racist, and offensive language as well as griefing and intentionally feeding.
Section 11.c.vii: Statements Regarding Tournament Operators, LCS, Riot Games, and League of Legends. Team Members may not give, make, issue, authorize, or endorse any statement or action having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest of the Tournament Operator, LCS, Riot Games or its affiliates, or League of Legends, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of Riot Games.
Section 11.e.v: Investigation Conduct and Confidentiality. If a Tournament Official contacts a Team Member to discuss an investigation, the Team Member is obligated to tell the truth. If a Team Member withholds information or misleads a Tournament Official creating an obstruction of the investigation then the Team and/or Team Member is subject to punishment. The Team and/or Team Member may not disclose any information provided by any party during the course of the investigation.

Considering the initial violations and the aggravating factors, Riot came to the conclusion to impose a two-year ban on his participation in Riot-sanctioned competitions, lasting until July 31, 2025. Duoking1 was warned that any further violations of Riot Games regulations may result in more severe penalties, including a permanent ban from Riot-sanctioned competitions.

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