Among the numerous (though not related to) Sony layoffs to have taken place over the last few days, another loss was the departure of Driveclub director Col Rodgers, who left with nary an explanation to be had.
Enter the oft-quoted and self described "guy that has friends in various places in the industry," Pete Dodd, a frequent contributor to the rabbit hole that is NeoGAF. There, Dodd alleged that Rodgers' vanishing act was the result of Dodd's preference to simply leave instead of being fired for, "failing to deliver."
Well, Rodgers has since surfaced and responded to Dodd, writing, "Everything he has said with regard to myself and Driveclub is incorrect. It's also libellous."
Rodgers maintains that he left the studio, "for personal reasons. The personal reasons being that my son, who is 4 years old, has been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome, which is a potentially life threatening condition. I live 220 miles (4 hours drive) away from Evolution Studios, and was away from home 5.5 days a week. Given the circumstances, I could not continue to work there."
"There is genuinely no truth to anything posted by Mr Dodds at all," Rodgers continued. "My departure (and indeed the setup of my 'indie' operation, BigRedSwitch) is 100% driven by family necessity, not some professional failing on my part...With people who obviously know nothing about the situation blackening my reputation for the sake of internet 'fame', this could be made much more difficult. It's nothing less than trolling."
"I've contacted Mr. Dodd on his email address on his site. Due to the factual inaccuracy of his statements, I've informed him that he needs to remove the statements and apologise for the damage they have caused, as posting incorrect information and claiming it's true is quite simply libel."
Dodd has done just that, tweeting an apology that read, "I shouldn't have gone there. Office gossip isn't news. Col is a good and talented guy who left on his own accord."
"I hereby decree that I am retiring from my position of "gaf insider." Whatever the fuck that ever meant. From henceforth! Good day, gents.
