Call of Duty caster Maven steps away from CDL after relationship with Merk's ex-wife
Clint 'Maven' Evans announced his departure from the league's broadcast, revealing he is now dating his former casting partner's ex-wife.
Call of Duty League commentator Clint 'Maven' Evans announced on October 7, 2026, that he is stepping away from the league for the foreseeable future after revealing he is in a relationship with his former casting partner Joe 'Merk' DeLuca's ex-wife.
In a statement posted on X, Maven explained that he remained friends with Merk's ex-wife, Maurisa, following their divorce and that their relationship later became romantic.
"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."
He acknowledged the unconventional nature of the situation, stating, "I understand how unconventional/taboo it is. It’s truly not something I ever foresaw happening."
Maven did not specify whether the decision to step away was his own or if it was requested by the CDL.
He left open the possibility of a return 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.
He concluded his statement by asking the community, "Please continue to show support to Joe, the CDL, and its talent!"
Maven and Merk formed one of Call of Duty esports' most recognizable commentary duos, casting together across multiple eras of the competition.
The pair became one of competitive Call of Duty’s best-known casting duos, working together across multiple eras of the esport.
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.
His announcement means that partnership will not continue on the CDL broadcast for the time being, although he has not ruled out eventually returning to the broadcast.
