Look Sports Media – The recent benching of Jeremiah "ScaryJerry" Leathe from Disguised, after only 20 games in the League of Legends Championship of the Americas (LTA) North, has sparked a firestorm of controversy within the League of Legends community. The move, criticized by prominent figures like British NLC caster Adrian "Jamada" Wharlton-Thorne, raises serious questions about the LTA North’s (formerly LCS) treatment of amateur talent and the overall ecosystem’s inherent biases.
ScaryJerry, a rising star who dominated the NA Challenger League (NACL) and collegiate scene, was seen as a beacon of hope for aspiring North American players. His success against established names like Ablazeolive, Chime, Sheiden, and Tenacity highlighted his potential. Yet, just four months after joining Disguised, owned by streamer Jeremy "Disguised Toast" Wang, his time on the main roster abruptly ended. He’ll now focus solely on streaming for the organization.
Jamada’s outspoken criticism wasn’t solely directed at Disguised. He also took aim at the LTA North system, drawing parallels to T1’s recent benching of Sin "Smash" Geum-jae after a similar short stint. Echoing sentiments shared by collegiate coach Sean "Seanatonin" Shannon, Jamada labeled ScaryJerry a "victim of the system," highlighting a systemic flaw that prioritizes established veterans and imports over homegrown talent. He tweeted, "Not defending level/performance etc and obviously there’s many layers of thought that have to go into the decision but all factors compounded together just blows…"
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This isn’t a new phenomenon. The LCS, the LTA North’s predecessor, has a long history of swift roster changes, with TSM infamously benching a player before their debut. The limited number of teams in the LTA North (eight) exacerbates the problem, leaving fewer opportunities for rookies to prove themselves. While players like Blaber, APA, Massu, and Busio have defied the odds, they remain exceptions to the rule. The LTA North, like many regional leagues, often favors established players from other regions or veterans with proven domestic records.
ScaryJerry’s situation raises a crucial question: Is the LTA North ecosystem truly fostering the growth of young talent, or is it a system inherently biased against rookies? The debate rages on, with many fans echoing Jamada’s concerns and questioning the future of NA League of Legends. The benching of ScaryJerry serves as a stark reminder of the precarious position of amateur players striving for professional success in a highly competitive landscape.
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