CoD – SlasheR released by Los Angeles Thieves

Former Call of Duty world champion Austin “SlasheR” Liddicoat is now a free agent, with the American veteran having been released by the Los Angeles Thieves this week. The organization has made the decision to make major roster changes, with the news regarding SlasheR having broken shortly after they parted ways with Thomas “TJHaLy” Haly, Johnathan “John” Perez and Carlos “Venom” Hernandez.

It has been an unsettled period for SlasheR, with the 27-year-old having started the 2021 Call of Duty League season on the starting roster of 100 Thieves, who acquired their franchise slot from Immortals Gaming Club. Alongside Kenny, Temp and TJHaLy, the LA Thieves showed promise in the Stage One group play, before being eliminated at the Stage One Major at the quarter final stage.

Why the LA Thieves released SlasheR

SlasheR was ultimately benched following the Thieves’ 1-4 showing at the Stage Two group play, before he returned to their active roster during the Stage Four group play, alongside Huke, who had been acquired from the Dallas Empire. The LA Thieves ended their season with a defeat at the hands of the Minnesota RØKKR in the 2021 Call of Duty League Championship losers bracket, with SlasheR having been ever present.

It is now just Drazah, Huke and Kenny who remain on the LA Thieves roster, with Kenny having been the only player that was not benched at any time during the season. Kenny played a key role in the OGLA roster that was formed by current general manager “Muddawg”.

Can Huke step up in the absence of SlasheR?

Huke was previously regarded as a “generational talent” by 100 Thieves CEO Matthew “Nadeshot” Haag, however he has not been able to live up to his billing as of yet. He was unable to compete at the Stage Four Major over the summer after missing a Covid-19 test. Having missed out on the first LAN tournament in some 15 months, Huke has some work to do to repay the faith shown in him by Haag, who stated: “when a player like [Huke] becomes available, you do whatever it takes to sign him.”

It remains to be seen as to what the future holds for SlasheR, with the former FaZe Clan and Team Envy pro unlikely to be short of options. However, having been in the Call of Duty scene since back in 2013, it is possible that the veteran will look to try something different.