Photo: LoL Esports
Team Gravity and their head coach Nick “Lastshadow” (LS) de Cesare have parted ways just before week two of the 2015 NA Summer Split.
Gravity took to social media to explain LS’s departure, citing “real life problems” as the main ingredient for his departure. The announcement also explains the presence of David “Cop” Roberson in place of LS during week one.
Statement from Team Gravity:
“We would have liked to have LS continue improving our team moving forward to summer and future splits, but he (LS) had to allocate some of his time to real life problems that emerged. It's cruel for us to expect Nick to be working the long hours we need in an understaffed organization. In addition, other opportunities have come up that would better coincide with the out-of-game issues he's resolving.”
LS’s follow up Facebook post, while nearly mirroring the original statement by Gravity, seems to voice displeasure with the lack of a completed staff leading to “rigorous hours” for the coach.
“Gravity was expecting me to continue working the rigorous hours from spring split due to being understaffed,” said LS in his own statement. “I found this to be inefficient since both parties expectations were not being met. I've began entertaining other opportunities that would better accommodate me while I handle my real life turbulence,” he added.
Replacing LS will be Cop, who has taken up a position on the coaching staff since stepping down from the team’s starting AD carry position, as confirmed by Gravity owner Davis William Vague on Twitter.
The transition from player to assistant coach to coach will be put to the test this weekend as Gravity takes on Cloud 9 and Team Liquid for week two of the summer split.
