I'll start off by saying I'm not really a journalist, nor do I introduce myself as or call myself one (be it with petty quotes or not). That's been my way since day one of esports. I write news. Those are VERY different things and I wanted to make that distinction.
And then I'll tell you that the word benched means a player is still under contract but is not playing, much like in football -- They're not playing, but they're a part of the team and could realistically jump into the game. In case they weren't under contract they'd be released from the team.
When a player is benched they are, by definition, under contract with the team. How else would you place a player on your bench if he's not a part of your team?
No communication came from the players, staff or organization to refute this until Tanizhq himself graciously came and warned us, for which I thanked him.
Nevertheless, thanks for your feedback!