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Former employee sues Eagles

Former employee sues Eagles

A former spokeswoman for the Eagles has filed a lawsuit against the team, contending she was discriminated against because of her sex and health.

Bonnie Grant, who was director of communications for the Eagles from October 2005 to October 2007, filed the suit Saturday in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia.

According to the lawsuit, the Eagles learned Grant had breast cancer through her work to raise awareness about the disease. Without elaborating, the suit adds that Grant then was subjected to "petty and unsupported discipline."

Grant complained that "similarly situated males" were not disciplined in the same manner, according to the suit, and that the Eagles took no steps to investigate or stop the discrimination and harassment.

The suit says that Grant asked to meet with the team's human-resources director and that the director canceled the scheduled meetings.

Grant was fired "summarily and without warning" and without cause Oct. 12, 2007, the suit contends.

Frank J. Conley, the attorney representing Grant, declined to comment or offer specifics on the case, saying the "lawsuit is a private matter."

The Eagles refused to pay Grant's severance, the lawsuit said. The team's action violated the Americans With Disabilities Act and laws against sexual harassment, the suit contends.

After her termination and without her consent, the team created an e-mail that was sent to anyone who e-mailed Grant, according to the suit. The e-mail indicated that Grant left the team "to pursue other interests."

"We do not comment on pending litigation, but we completely reject the claims . . .," the Eagles said in a statement. "There is no basis for the claims and we intend to fight them vigorously.

"Over the past five years, the Philadelphia Eagles organization has dedicated significant resources to fund the Tackling Breast Cancer (TBC) campaign. This campaign supports women and their families who are experiencing the challenges of learning about and managing the effects of breast cancer. Not only is our campaign geared to raise awareness among the general public and our fans, but it is also geared to - create sensitivity toward and compassion for - women who are going through this experience."

In addition to pain and suffering, Grant's lawsuit calls for the Eagles to pay her any benefits including salary, bonuses, insurance, and other costs.

 

In all honesty, I thought this was a boring article about pretty boring stuff.  The reason I posted it though, is because I find it striking how much of a public relations hit the Eagles have been taking lately.  If more allegations and firings keep happening like this, it could really hurt the organization's reputation.  They are already thought of as being cold and calculated, this doesn't help.  Hope it isn't true. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/sports/20090326_Former_employee_sues_Eagles.html