This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

　　As reported earlier, XDG Gaming recently announced Lyubomir "Bloodwater" Spasov's departure from the team. Team owner Marshall Alexander contacted OnGamers to further elaborate on the changes affecting the team since the start of the 2014 competitive season:

　　First and foremost, we would like to thank our fans for the incredible support they have shown the team, from early last season while the team was getting its footing in the LCS, through the thrill of

　　reaching Worlds, and the rocky start that we have had in 2014. It's been a roller coaster of a ride so far, and obviously, that ride doesn't seem to be ending just yet. Season four has greeted us with some unique challenges. Some of these we have shared with the larger community, and some of them we haven't. Some of these were our own choice, and some of them were not. What remains the same is my faith in the team as a whole and their ability to replicate the kind of play you saw from us in last year's summer split.

　　Today, it saddens me to know that a personal situation with a player was exploited by someone close to the team and an eSports community member. We are disappointed that we were not given the opportunity to comment on the rumors before the article released today that was based on speculation and gossip and contained several inaccuracies. We appreciate the eSports journalists that work hard everyday to bring credibility, excitement, and insight to our world and will always make ourselves available as much as possible to keep the fans and larger community informed on team developments.

　　It is with mixed emotions that I must announce that Bloodwater is retiring from professional eSports this year. Lyubomir has been a valued and instrumental part of the team since he joined in early 2013. His mastery of support champions, thoughtful discipline in game, and thorough understanding of the bottom lane played a big role in our turnaround last spring and the success we had last summer. We wish Lyubomir all of the best in his personal endeavors. We appreciate his dedication to the team to date, juggling a multitude of priorities while maintaining a high level of play. Lyubomir has expressed that he is more than willing to be on the team for the duration of the spring split; however, given the large amount of change the team has had to adapt to recently (ownership change, role swap, season four game changes, etc), we felt it was better to bring in someone new now rather than face a roster change later in the season.

　　As disappointed as I am to see Lyubomir go, I am also excited about having Nick Wu step in as our fifth member for now, and he will be playing with XDG this weekend. Many of you are familiar with Nick and how much he has grown in the challenger scene. I'm confident you will find Nick to be a player who integrates quickly into the roster both because of his experience and because he is close friend of the team and a long time sub.

　　Thank you once again to all of our fans. Our moniker, Ex Duris Gloria, means, From Suffering Ariseth Glory, and we will do our best to live up to that as the season goes on.

　　Nicholas "Nickwu" Wu Smith was a former substitute member of the current XDG squad, back last year under the Vulcun name. He had since played with Cody "Elementz" Sigfusson as a top laner in the now defunct Area of Effect Esports team, and most recently as a jungler for Super Team NA.

　　Marshall Alexander and team coach Kenma Buetcher plan to discuss the roster changes in greater detail. Said Alexander:

　　We realize the fans probably have additional questions about the situation this week. Ken and I will announce a time soon when we will be available on Twitter to field them. Watch for a specific date and time.

　　Spasov clarifies that his departure does not yet mean his retirement from pro gaming:

　　Also, just to clarify - I'm NOT retiring from eSports right at this moment. I originally planned on retiring later this season and still am.

　　— Lyubomir Spasov (@XDG_BloodWater) February 19, 2014