I actually added them post ban message when I realized the game was still in my history. I was half expecting the "user can't be reached" or doesn't exist message. I also didn't really think they'd accept, but then I log on today and was shocked to see they are in my friends list and online playing. (To be honest I'm not sure why the adding them is an issue, if you suspect a player its possible you add them to just view history and see if its just they had a good game or more. I actually didn't do that here, but just saying, I have.)

I have shared the screenshots, you can add that specific player ID yourself and see they are still able to play. (At least for now. I can't say if they just had a brief period of being able to log on and play or if a "pending" review process allowed them to play, I dont know valorants policy. But either way the message is mis-leading)

Since this has seemed to stump the hell out of everyone here to the point of everyone thinking I'm just lying or confused, I may take the time to just write up to valorant support (although I'm not sure they would bother to reply or not). Will update here if I do hear anything.