OpTic Gaming’s SlasheR talks about retiring if the CDL stays online

One of the most prominent players in the Call of Duty League (CDL), Austin “SlasheR” Liddicoat, made a surprising statement earlier today. According to the OpTic Gaming member, the current online format of the CDL has taken its toll, and he’s contemplating retiring if the system stays in place. The Call of Duty League has suffered through some major speed bumps since the COVID-19 pandemic forced Activision to move league matches online. From server issues to strange rulings, no online Home Series event has been smooth sailing. Due to these problems, SlasheR is strongly considering retirement until the online format is gone.

SlasheR to take a year off from the CDL?

Arguably the best assault rifle player in Call of Duty, SlasheR has made his grievances with the CDL known. However, in the London Home Series over the weekend, these issues were on full display.

First off, the Seattle Surge were the recipients of an unfortunate ruling, which made the entire community upset. Though, in regards to SlasheR specifically, OpTic Gaming didn’t have the best luck at the event either.

The online connection for OpTic specifically seemed to be costing the team valuable gunfights. Multiple OpTic players stated the connection to the servers was unplayable, resulting in laggy gameplay.

All good Austin, people are finally realizing how bad the situation actually is.

— Sam “Octane” Larew (@OctaneSam) July 19, 2020

Actual joke. Get good practice in just to not have a chance. And yes, for the people who want to know we lagged during seattle series. Same servers from yesterday where we didnt have a problem!

— 🇵🇭Kylo Gucci Ken (@Kuavo) July 19, 2020

Obviously, things of this nature are going to happen with online play. Not every player can be near a server and varying factors have a ton to do with how stable the servers are each day. Unfortunately, though, this is the way the CDL has to be until the COVID-19 crisis passes. Even the $4.5 million postseason event will be held online.

However, that may not be enough for SlasheR specifically. The star assault rifle player stated that he could look at retiring for a year if the league stays online.

Baring a miracle the league will more than likely be online next year I have a lot to think about more than likely will take time off. I will not put myself thru this anymore. we suffer because their central south servers cant work properly

— Austin Liddicoat (@SlasheR_AL) July 19, 2020

Presumably, other Call of Duty players could follow SlasheR’s lead and take time off as well. It’s no secret that the online atmosphere of the CDL has underachieved at best. Activision will, hopefully, look at improving the servers for the 2021 season. If not, the league might see the departure of some of its most popular players.

Make sure to keep up with Daily Esports for all Call of Duty news.