The Atlanta Reign’s 3-1 victory over the Dallas Fuel had special meaning for Dusttin “Dogman” Bowerman.
The Reign flex support had some strong words for Fuel head coach Aaron “Aero” Atkins after the game. During the post-match interview, Dogman was extremely candid about his feelings on Aero’s handling of the Team USA selection process. Dogman alleged that three of the Reign’s American players didn’t “make it past the first round of trials.”
“He’s a nice guy, I just think he’s incompetent,” Dogman later added.
Aero’s response was subdued, emphasizing that the selection process for Team USA was “an even playing field.” Though Dogman’s reason for taking aim at Aero might be personal, there is certainly cause to criticize his handling of Team USA given their poor performance in the 2018 Overwatch World Cup.
Dogman, OWL’s foremost smack talker
Dogman is no stranger to talking trash. He has taken verbal swipes at a number of players including the Paris Eternal’s Harrison “Kruise” Pond and OWL season one MVP Sung-hyeon “JJoNak” Bang.
Dallas Fuel Support Benjamin “uNKOE” Chevasson stoked the fire between the two sides on social media, writing, “People really have to understand that you can no [sic] be toxic when you never won anything since the beginning of the game. I was winning tournaments you were not even born.”
Though Dogman’s smack talk likely didn’t cut all that deeply, Aero and the Fuel were undoubtedly already feeling down.
Despite a promising start to the season, the Fuel are ending Stage 4 with a record of 0-7. The Fuel finished Stage 2 at 5-2 before slipping to an abysmal 1-6 in Stage 3. The roster has been plagued by fatigue and a tough schedule.
Meanwhile, things have gone perfectly for Dogman and Atlanta. The team is headed for the Stage 4 playoffs with a 7-0 record and have a solid shot of being crowned champions.
