The final pieces of the once “rookie sensation” team are set to bid farewell to Griffin, following the team’s announcement about negotiating the termination of contracts with all current players via social media:
“Griffin is discussing the termination of contracts as well as some other resolution options for the players. We will announce any new updates through the team’s SNS channels. We sincerely apologize and thank the fans who have supported Griffin over the years. We will return as a completely new Griffin. Thank you all.”
This announcement comes shortly after South Korean media reported that Riot Games passed a bill allowing for contract releases for players from teams that are promoted or demoted, with GRF being the most affected.
Before GRF announced the contract releases, Wadid was the first name to commit to staying with this team in accordance with the contract signed at the beginning of the LCK Summer 2020 Promotion Round.
However, at this point, it is unclear whether Griffin intends to retain any players from the old lineup. According to the announcement from the team, it is almost certain they will completely overhaul the roster, allowing stars like Tarzan, Viper, Ucal… to leave and replacing them with younger players promoted from the academy.
With the LCK transitioning to a franchise model starting in 2021, Griffin’s chance to return to the biggest League of Legends tournament in Korea through promotion has become distant. They will have to buy a competition slot if they want to play in the LCK, so it seems GRF may need to consider a long-term plan of using young players to stabilize finances.