EA, makers of Madden NFL 17, have docked the prize winnings of Chris “Dubby” McFarland after he failed to comply with their requests to refrain from derogatory comments made on his social media account.
According to an EA release, his posts were “referenced inappropriate content.” It violated EA’s Code of Conduct. EA met with McFarland and was warned of the inappropriate posts. Yet, he continued and was subsequently docked $3,000 from his grand prize winnings of $75,000.
Notably, the release does not mention the withholding as a fine. Yet, it was due to a violation of a Code of Conduct.
A message for the Madden community. pic.twitter.com/K3irT84bOZ
— Madden Ultimate Team (@EASPORTS_MUT) February 9, 2017
The $3,000 fine is small and less than 10% of the $75,000 prize. Should EA have gone farther or was the small deduction a warning for future players?