[Drew]

It is a freaking glitch. Here is what happens:

People load maps at different speeds, because people have different qualities of computers.

When you are changing maps, the server allows a certain amount of time for you to finish loading the map and synch with the server. This is the synch phase.

If your computer takes too long loading a map, then sometimes your map won't load entirely right. This can range from frozen models (You see the player's skin as frozen at their spawn, when the player is actually moving around) to the bridge in the Crossroads missing. It all just depends. If you ever can't see someone, just disconnect and reconnect, and it will clear right up.

Some people would suggest a vid_restart, but if your computer is slow enough that you can't synch, it's better to just leave and come back.