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Omega Esports fines Kelra 1 month's worth of salary over homophobic remarks


Omega Esports handed another sanction to its player Grant Duane "Kelra" Pillas, who was involved in a harassment issue towards Blacklist International players Jhonmar "OhMyV33nus" Villaluna and Danerie "Wise" Rosario.

In a statement Thursday, Omega Esports said it will fine Kelra with a month's worth of salary, on top of the two-week suspension and fine imposed by Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) Philippines.

Kelra drew flak after making homophobic remarks referring to OhMyV33nus and Wise in a streamed game.

According to Omega, Kelra and the rest of the team will also undergo gender sensitivity and personality-development workshops.

"It is our responsibility to take care of our athletes by making sure that we provide a holistic development plan for them," the organization said.

Kelra accepted the sanctions imposed by Omega Esports and MPL Philippines and also reiterated his apology to OhMyV33nus and Wise.

"Naging immature at irresponsible ako sa mga sinabi ko. Dahil dito, humihingi po ulit ako ng tawad sa fans, sa organizers, sa team, at higit sa lahat, sa mga kapwa ko esports players," he said.

("I was immature and responsible for what I said. With this, I again apologize to fans, organizers, teams, and especially to my fellow esports players.")

"Gusto ko po ulit mag-sorry kila OhMyV33nus at Wise Gaming maling-mali talaga 'yung mga nasabi ko," he added.

("I also want to apologize again to OhMyV33nus and Wise. What I said was wrong.")

He also apologized to other players and teams who voiced their concern following the incident.

"I would also like to give my sincerest apologies to Ramellabah, sa IDONOTSLEEP ESPORTS and sa Bigetron Alpha. I deeply apologize for my behavior and the problems that I caused. I was unprofessional. I am sorry and I want to be a better person. I will be more respectful towards others," he said.

Blacklist recently challenged the gaming community to "be better" after the incident, which OhMyV33nus echoed on Wednesday.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News