Chicago Blackhawks embroiled in discrimination scandal after PR manager's firing
Photo credit: Chicago Tribune
Legal turmoil hits the Chicago Blackhawks after PR manager's controversial dismissal.
In a case that spotlights the intersection of workplace policies and personal identity, former Chicago Blackhawks PR manager Anthony Filomena claims his recent dismissal was due to sexual orientation discrimination, stirring both public interest and legal action.
Anthony Filomena's career at the Blackhawks ended abruptly following an article he penned for Outsports.com, celebrating the significance of Pride Nights in reconnecting him with hockey.
Filomena asserts that his termination was prompted by the article, claiming it as an act of discrimination. He has since engaged an attorney to explore potential legal avenues.
« Now Filomena alleges he was fired as the result of «possible sexual orientation discrimination» shortly after the Outsports article and has retained an attorney for possible legal action. »
The Blackhawks, however, present a different narrative. The team attributes the firing to breaches of professional conduct rather than Filomena's sexual orientation.
« a complete disregard to our policies, procedures, and clearly-documented expectations. They say his being gay had nothing to do with his firing.
The Chicago Blackhawks would not terminate an employee because of their sexual orientation,» Blackhawks communications manager Ben Fromstein explained, stressing the organization's prior inclusivity efforts.»
The Chicago Blackhawks would not terminate an employee because of their sexual orientation,» Blackhawks communications manager Ben Fromstein explained, stressing the organization's prior inclusivity efforts.»
Despite mutual acknowledgment that Filomena's dismissal closely followed his publication date, the circumstances and rationale remain hotly contested. Filomena recalls a poignant moment in his career's abrupt end:
« I sit down and Jerry's like, �Anthony, this is your last day with the Blackhawks,'» he recounted. «And I just looked at them and I said, �You guys have got to be kidding me.' And I started crying. »
In defense, the Blackhawks argue that Filomena's termination was justifiable, rooted in a history of policy violations unrelated to the article or his sexual orientation.
« The team also contends that Filomena was «terminated for cause due to multiple ongoing violations of the company's policies, procedures and the employee handbook over a period of six months, including violation of attendance policy and insubordination.
He received multiple written communications outlining expectations including a formal, final written warning prior to his dismissal (and for clarity: all delivered prior to Mr. Filomena introducing the Outsports media opportunity). »
He received multiple written communications outlining expectations including a formal, final written warning prior to his dismissal (and for clarity: all delivered prior to Mr. Filomena introducing the Outsports media opportunity). »
Further complicating matters, Filomena alleges that his initiatives and outreach were initially supported by the organization, a claim contradicted by his final days.
His attorney's letter underscores the perceived retaliatory nature of his firing, hinting at deeper issues within the Blackhawks' administration.
« The final straw here was the Outsports article,» the letter by attorney Josh Friedman detailed, revealing a rift within the management over Filomena's role and his public LGBTQ advocacy. «
As legal proceedings loom and the community watches, the unfolding situation raises critical questions about the balance of personal rights and organizational policies in sports management.
The Blackhawks' handling of this case could set important precedents for how sports organizations manage employee rights and public image amidst controversy.
| POLL | ||
24 JUIN | 78 ANSWERS Chicago Blackhawks embroiled in discrimination scandal after PR manager's firing Do you think the Blackhawks discriminated? | ||
| Yes | 17 | 21.8 % |
| No | 61 | 78.2 % |
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