A former Nets executive says he returned from parental leave and found a considerably different workplace waiting for him. Sixteen days later, he alleges, he was out of a job.
The former cybersecurity vice president sued the organization October 21, claiming he was unlawfully fired after taking two periods of protected leave, according to Ryan Golden of HR Dive.
The Nets’ parent organization denies the allegations.
The lawsuit centers on what the former employee describes as an abrupt change in how he was treated. He alleges that his supervisor greeted him with “uncharacteristic hostility,” repeatedly refused to speak with him and delivered his first negative performance review nine days after his return.
Two earlier reviews, he says, showed he was meeting expectations. He also alleges the Nets removed him from a list of employees attending an NBA conference while he was on leave, without explanation.
That’s the account in the complaint. Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment offered a different assessment.
“BSE is committed to a workplace free from discrimination,” chief operating officer Marissa Shorenstein told HR Dive while denying the claims.
MORE HOOPS | Ty Jerome is scoring like a star, and Grizzlies keep winning
The former executive says his leave was covered by federal and New York law. His lawsuit alleges the organization retaliated against him for taking it. Those allegations have not been established in court.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
