Dignitas’ Jade “Sheiden” Libut ruffled some feathers this week after a pre-game interview of him with Azael went viral.
Fans took the opportunity to criticize the rookie jungler for being boring, accused him of not caring, or rude by not answering questions they way they would have liked. Some even criticized Azael for the questions he was asking.
This entire thing is being blown WAY out of proportion. This is just someone who is nervous or camera-shy trying his best to help the analysts out by giving them an interview before a series of games that can alter the course of their entire season. Stakes are high and he was trying to focus on the task at hand.
Head coach of esports for Long Island University, Julien, took to twitter to not only poke fun at Sheiden, but the LTA as a whole.
The LTA immediately began a great campaign to support Sheiden.
Sheiden spoke about the interview while on PROS. He said, “He [Azael] tried to help me too before the actual questioning. I still messed it up. It’s too hard.”
This doesn’t sound like someone who doesn’t care. It sounds like someone who is nervous to do a live interview right before a huge series. He feels bad for the interview after legitimately trying to step out of his comfort zone to help people out.
Sheiden has a history of interviews just like this. People know what they are getting when they interview him. In fact, Dignitas has a team of people cheer for Sheiden whenever he gives an interview saying he is improving.
All we ask people to be is themselves so why are people bullying someone for being true and authentic?
Hypothetically: if he had come out with fake enthusiasm and was just saying what he thinks people want to hear, he would be labeled as “fake” or “sellout.” The fact Sheiden is being himself, even during a live interview, is admirable. Not everyone is suited for interviews. Not everyone adjusts well to being on camera.
The reality is: the interview is actually funny. Sheiden may not be the most charismatic person out there, but his personality works for him. If it did not work for him, why do people keep asking to interview him? If his personality was truly as bad as people try making it out to be, why is he on a competitive team where communication with teammates is just as important as being able to play the game?
To be clear: there is a difference between constructive criticism and bullying.
Bullying is telling the LTA to never interview Sheiden again, accusing him of not caring, or calling him slow. It is people saying a player should not be in the league because he cannot answer interview questions. It is calling for the LTA to be disbanded because of one interview. Yes: each of these examples is pulled from comments form people. No: I will not link them.
Constructive criticism would be encouraging them to hire a media trainer or someone who can get him comfortable speaking. It is telling the analysts to recognize a player may not be ready for an interview before high-stakes series and to find someone else to interview.
The LTA does plenty of interviews each week. They speak with players, coaches and management. Those interviews come and go. However, this interview with Sheiden is making the rounds. Love him or hate him, his notoriety is rising.
He is bringing new eyes to the LTA, and at the end of the day, isn’t that the point?
Game Day Digest 
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