EA Cancels Remaining 'Madden Classic' Events After Jacksonville Shooting

Electronic Arts says they will cancel the remaining three qualifier events for its "Madden NFL 19" esports tournament after two people were killed and nine more wounded during a qualifying event in Jacksonville on Sunday. 

In a statement released Monday night, Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson said they were canceling the remaining events while the company re-evaluated their security needs and safety protocols.

“We have made a decision to cancel our three remaining Madden Classic qualifier events while we run a comprehensive review of safety protocols for competitors and spectators,” Wilson said. “We will work with our partners and our internal teams to establish a consistent level of security at all of our competitive gaming events.”

The three remaining events were scheduled to be held in Los Angeles and Dallas, with the next tournament scheduled to be held on Sept. 1 and 2 at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly, Virginia. 

Wilson said the two men who were fatally shot at the event in Jacksonville, Taylor "SpotmePlzzz" Robertson, 27, of Giles, W. Va and Elijah "Trueboy" Clayton, 22, of Woodland Hills, CA - were two of their top Madden competitors. 

"They were respected, positive and skilled competitors, the epitome of the players and personalities at the heart of our community," Wilson said in the statement. "Their love of competition was evident through their participation in our events over the past few years. We are committed to supporting Taylor and Elijah's families through this difficult time, and we send our deepest sympathies to their loved ones, to those injured yesterday, and everyone affected."

Clayton was playing in a game during the tournament when shots rang out and caught in a livestream video that has since gone viral. 

"We've all been deeply affected by what took place in Jacksonville," Wilson said. "This is the first time we've had to confront something like this as an organization, and I believe the first time our gaming community has dealt with a tragedy of this nature. Please take time to support each other through this challenging time."

David Katz, the man accused of killing Robertson, Clayton and then himself, had been hospitalized in the past for mental illness according to a report from the Associated Press. At least twelve people were shot when Katz opened fire at the Jacksonville restaurant hosting the event. Katz later turned the gun on himself, police say and was found dead at the scene. 

Photo: Getty Images