Decoding the PR bullshit: smooya's terrible apology

Given the very few opportunities that have been afforded to Owen “smooya” Butterfield to play, you would think he’d be doing everything he can to not mess up his stand-in period with FORZE. Well, those thoughts would be wrong.

Background

The former BIG player is already embroiled in controversy as his ‘Slava Ukraini’ tweet to Monte following his loss to the Ukrainian organisation was taken by FORZE fans as an act of aggression against the organisation… right.

So, as is always the case with these types of PR-driven apologies, there’s a bit of bullshit to decode. There’s an 82% chance his apology was written by AI, so it’s not like it’s genuine anyway, but let’s try to cut through the bullshit.

Explanation of smooya's apology

Here you can find the original tweet before our decoding.

Smooya:  Some individuals may have misinterpreted my playful response to a tweet by Monte as an aggressive gesture against FORZE.

What does it mean: I twerk for everyone I can in hopes that someone will give me a chance so I jokingly tweeted in support of Ukraine because I always know when and when not to joke and some people got mad at me for forgetting I sold my soul for blood money

Smooya: However, that was not my intention.

What does it mean: There were no thoughts in my head when I tweeted it.

Smooya: I am a dedicated stand-in of the team and I strive to contribute towards our success here in Malta.

What does it mean: I really want to perform here so I can stay in Malta longer and not have to go back to Huddersfield.

Smooya: I have never tried to play poorly on purpose, and I have always done my best to win and will continue to do so in the future.

What does it mean: I never purposefully try to be bad, it just happens whenever I play someone who actually throws flashbangs. I  also always try to win, even the times I’m being really toxic to my teammates.

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Smooya: I acknowledge that my response was in poor taste.

What does it mean: I acknowledge I should actually think sometimes. 

Smooya: I am still learning the nuances and implications of certain expressions and I never intended to cause any conflict or offence.

What does it mean: Even though it may seem obvious to everyone else, I promise I will never cease surprising you with how little I know about the world, sorry!

Smooya: I hold great respect for FORZE and their fans.

What does it mean: I hold great respect for FORZE, especially since they said they were willing to sign serial match-fixer gokushima again, and I respect their fans too, although I doubt that they actually have any.

Smooya: I do not discriminate against people based on their nationality or skin colour. 

What does it mean: I don’t usually discriminate against people based on their nationality or skin colour, at least not in public, anyway.

Smooya: If my recent posts have inadvertently offended anyone then I sincerely apologise.

What does it mean: Once again, I apologise, although I would prefer it if everyone just grew up and learned to take a joke.

At the time of publication, smooya continues to play for FORZE in the group stage of the ESL Pro League. After losing to Monte, they managed to win the match against FURIA Esports and lose to GamerLegion. Now, in the elimination bout, FORZE will once again face Monte. The match will take place on May 4 at 14:30 EEST.