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Pine: Wanting a Clean Slate
Publish Date: May 14, 2021
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Dohyeon ‘Pine’ Kim’s return to the Overwatch League also brought the onslaught of his iconic nickname ‘Big Boss’ attached with congratulations of being signed to the Dallas Fuel. What was also brought up amidst the excitement of the hit scan player being back in the League was his feelings towards his given nickname.
Though it was a fan favorite to hear on the broadcast, it caused Pine a lot of strain which inevitably was a factor in his retirement from the pressure felt from being called that.
As the Overwatch League continues, the community is starting to see how, at first harmless statements, can greatly impact the players. Though this might seem like an odd request as ‘Big Boss’ is complimentary to him, what does it hurt to fulfill it? Would it hurt the community more to stop saying it or will it hurt Pine more for the community to ignore his request?
The argument will surely be brought up that these are professional players and they need to develop a thicker skin. Some of these players are 18 years old. They are essential children still even though they are legally adults. Yes, players will be met with criticism or nicknames positive and negative. To have so many expectations can weigh heavily on an individual.
Grown adults bashing, bullying, and hating on a teenage would not be accepted in most circles, but for some reason, it has been normalized in the gaming world.
In Pine’s situation, it might be harder to understand as Big Boss isn’t at first glance a negative comment.
But to him, it caused harm
which he talks about in an official Overwatch League video. The intent can be positive, but if the understanding of it isn’t then that should be acknowledged. The pressure to perform up to his nickname as well as feeling as ‘big’ was in reference to his weight brought him mental anguish that led to his retirement from the NYXL.