There has been a silence from those who had remained with Huma about the situation and the organization remained focused on trying to find success and support the players to the best of their ability. Following the recent announcement, we had the chance to talk with Behdad Jaafarian.

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Huma remained silent through all of the controversy. In hindsight, do you feel that was the best course of action or do you wish that you and the organization had tried to address the public before now? Do you think that you could have helped with the negative impact on public opinion if you’d spoken up before?

Yes, everyone that remained in the organization felt it was the best interests of the team to avoid commenting on the controversy, the only reason we did do this was so that the team could focus on performing to the best of their ability in the CS finals and the Playoffs. In terms of public opinion, we knew that our true fans would stick with us through all the controversy and for that we are truly grateful.

The allegation that many thought was most serious against Huma, was that players were not being paid. I understand this is a fallacy. Are you able to elaborate on the circumstances that led to the claim? Why did you choose not to address this particularly egregious accusation publicly sooner?

Discussing contracts is an extremely private matter; what we can comment on in terms of the allegations is that no contractual agreements were broken. All our players were - and are - being paid even during off season. As a company, we all agree that discussing contracts is something that should never be done. Hence, why we never commented on it and will never go in-depth.

After having trouble trusting staff previously, how have you been able to ensure that you have a staff that can be fully trusted to do what’s best for the organization and the players?

This question is quite difficult to answer for multiple reasons. One of which is that we did trust our staff members, they were given so many responsibilities and some were not for filed. Looking back, I feel the reason we did not work as a cohesive team was because there was so much miscommunication. In regards to the staff members that had left, we would like to thank them for all they have done for Huma and we wish them nothing but the best in the future. It was a pleasure to be given the chance to work with them but unfortunately we didn't work well as a team.

With Lucas “Santorin” Larsen, Jaafarian had been approached with several offers. Santorin had consistently declined the offers, wanting to remain with Huma. However, as articles began surfacing. the situation became uncertain. It was at this point that Santorin did take advantage of his buyout clause. Huma and Santorin did not necessarily want to part ways but it became unavoidable as the situation escalated. Santorin was forced out and Huma remain apologetic for the result.

In regards to Santorin, in hindsight, do you feel there was anything more you could have done to keep him on board? Do you have any regrets about how the situation was handled?

We never wanted to force Lucas out, unfortunately, this is what happened. He initiated his buyout clause meaning there was nothing we could do. We loved working with him and we wish him nothing but the best. Yes things could and would have gone differently if we could go back but failure is essential to learning.

Jaafarian had met with the team during the time they spent in Berlin to prepare for playoffs and the promotion tournament. The time left him feeling positive about the individuals on the team and excited to continue working with them to meet Huma’s goals. Even though LCS did not become a reality for Huma for Summer, they are focused on rebuilding and growing. As the team restructures, Huma hopes that all the fans that have stuck with the players and team will continue to support the players who truly deserve it.

When you met with the team in Berlin, what were your goals for that? How do you feel like that affected the team and the future of the organization?

Meeting the team in Berlin was one of the most surreal experiences I've had. Being able to meet them all in person was awesome and we had a great time together. I feel that going to Berlin helped me understand what the players wanted exactly and for the first time I actually felt involved with the team.

Going into the summer split, do you feel that Huma has a better infrastructure to support the team? How do you think this will impact the future of Huma?

Of course -- when Huma was built, we only had a few weeks to find the correct staff and to create a staff infrastructure that the players were happy with. Going into the next split we have 2 months to completely revamp the infrastructure and that is why we have decided to bring on many new staff members that are extremely skilled in their fields and we feel that they are true assets to the team.

Do you have anything you would like to say to the fans who have continued to support Huma and believe in the players and organization despite all the controversy?

I speak for myself and the others in the organization when I say “thank you”. Without our loyal fans, esports wouldn't be where it is today and we wouldn't be where we are today as an organization. We have so many thing planned for the next split that will bring the fans even closer to the organization and players, and allow for more fan interaction to the players as we feel giving back to the community that supports us is the best way of growing as an organization.”

Huma made some exciting announcements on their website.  ESH will update with more information as it unfolds.

If you enjoyed this interview, follow the author at @poetsanarchy.

Image courtesy of Team Huma.