Barney “Alphari” Morris, the top laner for the LCS’ Team Liquid, took to Twitter to express his frustration with Riot Games’ health protocols during the boot camp for the 2021 World Championship.
In a since-deleted tweet, Alphari took umbrage with the company’s enforcement of policies. Alphari thanked Riot with dripping sarcasm for what he perceives as unnecessary restrictions.
According to Alphari’s tweet, Riot demanded that players wear masks while scrimming with their team. In the tweet, Alphari points out that all the players have been safe, isolated from opponents, and have recent negative tests. Because of that, he feels like Riot’s measures are unnecessary and voiced this on social media:
Even during Worlds 2021 prep, Alphari generating controversy
Alphari is no stranger to venting his frustrations on Twitter, having caught LCS fans’ attention during Team Liquid’s roster shuffle troubles earlier in the year. In a thinly veiled tweet, Alphari took aim at coach Joshua “Jatt” Leesman’s decision to bring in Academy top laner Thomas “Jenkins” Tran.
It’s clear Alphari doesn’t have any compunctions about making his voice heard, even if he might regret it afterward.
The tweet was deleted shortly after it was published but not quickly enough to prevent fans from taking note of Alphari’s complaints, as well as Riot Games’ policies. The World Championship is the second international League of Legends event this year with safety protocols. The ongoing pandemic moved both Worlds and the Mid-Season Invitational to Iceland.
Team Liquid is looking to recapture its 2019 Mid-Season Invitational magic after continued disappointments at Worlds. The current situation likely makes practicing and preparation even more stressful for a Team Liquid with plenty to prove. Worlds 2021 will begin on October 5.
