“Overwatch” does more than just fight the bad guys.

For the uninitiated, “Overwatch”,  is a first person team-based shooter developed by Blizzard, and has been very well received by both critics and audiences.  So, it’s no surprise the game has branched off into a popular e-sport.

We all know gamers can be a very toxic and competitive crowd. With e-sports taking off in recent years, and stadiums filling up with eager fans wanting to watch their favourite teams compete, regulating bodies have had to come down hard on cheaters and unruly players. Nobody likes losing, especially on the world stage, but that’s no excuse for poor sportsmanship, as one player learned the hard way.

Pro “Overwatch” player Felix Lengyel, known by his fans as xQc, was caught up in a controversy this week over some foul-mouthed and homophobic comments. The Quebec native is part of the Dallas Fuel, a professional e-sports team competing in the Overwatch League.

The comment came during a heated match against their rivals, the Houston Outlaws. Austin Wilmot, or “Muma” as he’s known in “Overwatch”, uttered one of xQc’s victory catchphrases when the team bested the Dallas Fuels 4-0. Knowing Wilmot is an openly gay player, Lengyel didn’t take well to the comments, and decided to tell Wilmot to “Suck a fat (blank)”.

This unprofessional and homophobic behaviour led to the Overwatch League’s decision to suspend Lengyel and fine him $2000. Ouch. His fellow teammates have also suspended him until the end of the “Overwatch” season’s first stage, on February 10th.

Lengyel has apologized for his comments, however, this sort of behaviour is not easily forgotten, and reflects badly on his team and the league. At the request of the league and his teammates, he is currently undergoing some ethical and physical therapy to help prevent future outbursts and unsportsmanlike conduct.