NBA sued by referees who were fired for refusing Covid-19 vaccine


NBA sued by referees who were fired for refusing Covid-19 vaccine

The NBA has been sued by three former referees who claim they were fired after they refused to be vaccinated against Covid-19 on religious grounds. 

Kenny Mauer, Mark Ayotte and Jason Phillips say the league suspended them for the 2021-22 season as all players and employees were required to be vaccinated against Covid-19. The league then removed the mandatory requirement for vaccination ahead of the 2022-23 season by Mauer, Ayotte and Phillips say the league refused to reinstate them as referees. 

The complaint says “Had the NBA not taken upon itself to force faith-based conscientious objectors to adhere to secular norms, none of plaintiffs' complained-of injuries would have manifested. In sum: Plaintiffs were persecuted.” 

The lawsuit accuses the NBA of violating federal civil rights law and New York state and city human rights laws. It seeks front and back pay, punitive damages, and damages for reputational harm and for pain and suffering.

NBA champion Andrew Wiggins originally objected to being vaccinated on religious grounds but due to state laws he would have only been able to play in states where vaccination was mandatory. Despite becoming NBA champion and becoming and All Star he says that he still regrets getting vaccinated. 

You may also like

View All

The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom appointed as the new President of the National Safeguarding Panel

We are delighted to announce the appointment of The Rt. Hon. Sir Gary Hickinbottom as President of the National Safeguarding Panel. A long-standing panel member, Sir Gary brings extensive expertise to support the NSP’s work in complex safeguarding cases across sport

Read More

Macron against wearing hijabs in sport

French president Emmanuel Macron has voiced that he opposes Muslim women wearing hijabs whilst competing in sport, instigating discussions among lawmakers, social leaders and governing bodies

Read More

Job Opportunity | Case Manager - National

Sport Resolutions has an exciting opportunity for an individual to join its passionate and experienced National Case Management Team to assist with the administration of domestic matters including football disciplinary procedures, Olympic and Paralympic disputes, and anti-doping rule violations 

Read More

Newsletter Signup

Please enter your email address below: