## Former Golden Guardians Coach Claims Unpaid Salary and Expenses
In a tweet today, former Golden Guardians’ League of Legends Academy head coach Kublai “Kubz” Barlas stated that he wasn’t paid for his services to the organization between October 2020 and January 2021.
According to Kubz, he signed a three-year contract with the organization but hasn’t received any payment. Additionally, he mentioned that he wasn’t paid for the work he did before coming to the United States.
Kubz also revealed that his position with Golden Guardians required him to move from Canada to Los Angeles. However, the organization didn’t cover the expenses of his travel, hotel stays, apartment rental, and furnishings in Los Angeles. He stated that his esports income didn’t cover these costs, and he ended up paying out of pocket.
Golden Guardians, owned by the NBA’s Golden State Warriors franchise, reported revenue gains of $474 million during the 2020 NBA season. Despite the overall difference in valuation between the two organizations, the Golden Guardians are still responsible for any alleged missed payments in their esports division.
Golden Guardians general manager Danan Flander commented on the situation, stating that Kubz’s contract start date was contingent on his entry into the US on a work-authorized visa status.
Under US law, Kubz was specified as a P-1S worker, which includes “Essential Support Personnel” integral to the performance of a P-1 nonimmigrant. This classification can apply to various members of an esports team’s support staff, such as coaches, analysts, general managers, team chefs, or translators.
Kubz claimed that he wasn’t notified about the delayed contract start date until one week before he arrived in the US. He criticized Golden Guardians for neglecting to inform him earlier.
Earlier this week, Kubz retired from professional League of Legends. He coached Golden Guardians Academy to a 2-7 record this spring before his premature retirement. Kubz announced on Twitter that he’ll be returning to Canada, which will cost him approximately $3,500.
Flander stated that Kubz was offered a return flight to Canada following the contract termination, but he declined.
As a result of Kubz’s retirement, Samuel “Spookz” Broadley has become the interim head coach for Golden Guardians Academy.
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**Related **
Golden Guardians, Kublai Barlas, League of Legends, esports income, travel expenses, Canada to Los Angeles, Golden State Warriors, P-1S worker, support staff, contract termination, Samuel Broadley.