Call of Duty League caster Maven has announced he is stepping away from the CDL for the “foreseeable future” after revealing he is in a relationship with his longtime casting partner Merk’s ex-wife.

Maven, real name Clint Evans, is one of Call of Duty esports’ most recognizable commentators and spent years casting alongside Joe ‘Merk’ DeLuca.

The pair became one of competitive Call of Duty’s best-known casting duos, working together across multiple eras of the esport before Maven announced his departure from the CDL on October 7, 2026.

In a statement posted on X, Maven explained that he had remained friends with Merk’s ex-wife, Maurisa, following their divorce and that their relationship had since become romantic.

Maven announces CDL departure

“I’ll be stepping away from the CDL for the foreseeable future,” Maven wrote.

“As some of you know, I was very close to my casting partner Joe and his family. Maurisa was one of my best friends. We remained friends, after they divorced, and along the way it became more than that and we started dating.

“I understand how unconventional/taboo it is. It’s truly not something I ever foresaw happening.”

Maven did not say whether the CDL had asked him to step away or if the decision was entirely his own.

He also left the door open to potentially returning to Call of Duty commentary in the future.

“I hope that one day I’ll be back working on the CDL. If not, it was a hell of a ride, and I appreciate the love over the years,” he said.

“Please continue to show support to Joe, the CDL, and its talent!”

Maven and Merk have been closely associated throughout much of their Call of Duty casting careers, with the duo becoming a familiar commentary pairing for longtime viewers of competitive CoD.

For now, Maven’s statement means that partnership will not continue in the CDL, although he has not ruled out eventually returning to the broadcast.